I have always heard the Raphael Hotel is a great place to go for cocktails, so I decided to check it out.
The Raphael is on avenue Kléber, just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe. The Bar Anglais on the ground floor offers a warm, cozy atmosphere. But, when the weather is good, the roof top terrace is the place to be. True to it reputation, it’s nothing short of spectacular with its panoramic views of Paris. From this seventh floor terrace, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and just about every other significant monument is in full view.
The ambiance is terrific too: planked flooring, teak furniture, rose covered arbor and boxwood hedges bordering the perimeter of the roof. It is truly like an outdoor terrace that one would find in the French countryside.
During my cocktail hour visit, the weather was perfect. So, there was a bit of a wait to be seated, as the place was filled with elegantly dressed businessmen. No worries: the staff was welcoming and a small waiting area with high-top tables is located near the hostess desk.
During the wait, I met another “Jeannine” who was meeting a friend for cocktails before heading out to dinner. We chatted a bit and when a small seating area (for four) opened up, she invited me to join her and her friend. How nice and so much fun. She is studying interior design at the Grégoire-Ferrandi school, so we had plenty to talk about. Her friend was also in the design business. I love these little meetings!
Hôtel Raphael Paris
17, avenue Kléber
75016 Paris
01-53-64-32-00
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