A Celebration of Croissants, Coffee Pairings & the Art of Indulgence

For generations, the pastry and coffee pairing has been woven into the fabric of French culture - a symbol of conviviality, craftsmanship and appreciation for the finer things in life. Through its collaboration with Nespresso, Sofitel brings a fresh perspective to this cherished tradition, guided by a shared pursuit of creativity and culinary excellence.

At the center of this collaboration is La Haute Croissanterie, Sofitel’s celebration of the croissant as an art form. Inspired by the precision of Haute Couture, Sofitel’s chefs combine traditional techniques, exceptional ingredients, and local influences to create pastries of remarkable precision and beauty.

Paired with Nespresso’s coffee creations, each recipe reveals unexpected harmonies of flavor and texture, inviting you to rediscover a ritual you thought you already knew.

"It is all about the complementarity between the two. The buttery richness of the croissant brings a round, smooth texture that balances and enhances the aromatic profile of the coffee, creating a more harmonious and complete tasting experience." — Anne-Cécile Degenne, Corporate Executive Chef at Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

The familiar "Do Not Disturb" sign has long been a symbol of hotel privacy, offering a private moment of uninterrupted retreat. Through its “Please Disturb” concept, Sofitel and Nespresso turn this classic gesture on its head.

Where you might once have opted to shut the world out, a specially designed door hanger invites you to welcome it in. By placing the “Please Disturb” sign outside your door, you can request a bespoke croissant-coffee pairing, delivered directly to your room to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own private sanctuary.

This unexpected twist offers a new perspective on in-room dining, turning your room into an intimate setting for an epicurean adventure.

“Please Disturb invited us to challenge expectations. Rather than recreating classic breakfast combinations, we introduced ingredients such as cardamom, Sichuan pepper, orange blossom or caramelized textures to create moments of discovery.” - Sacha Wittorski, Coffee Expertise & Mixology Specialist at Nespresso

 

A great pairing begins with understanding. Sofitel’s pastry chefs and Nespresso’s coffee experts explored the connection between two crafts, carefully balancing aromas, textures, intensity and contrasts to create combinations that feel both unexpected and harmonious.

“Pairing coffee with a croissant follows a similar philosophy to wine and food pairing: understanding balance, intensity, aromas and contrasts.” — Anne-Cécile Degenne, Corporate Executive Chef at Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

For Sofitel’s chefs, the croissant becomes a canvas for artistic expression. Through La Haute Croissanterie, each creation reflects technical French precision, from the delicate layering of dough and balance of butter to the refined presentation, enhanced with local ingredients from Morocco to the Middle East.

Nespresso’s coffee expertise adds another layer of complexity, with each recipe designed to complement and enhance the character of its paired pastry. From velvety cappuccinos to refreshing coffee tonics, every sip unveils a rich spectrum of aromas, from vibrant fruit and delicate florals to toasted nuts, warm spice and rich chocolate notes.

Together, these pairings create a refined dialogue between pastry and coffee, where each element enhances the other and elevates something familiar into a new and exciting experience.

"Like any great gastronomic experience, the goal is to create a moment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." - Sacha Wittorski

 

The "Please Disturb" experience includes three bespoke croissant and coffee pairings, designed to offer a carefully curated sensory experience. Decaf options are also available, if you prefer a gentler cup.
 

• Le Brûlé: Cappuccino mousse brûlée & crispy honey cream croissant: A refined encounter between almond, honey and citrus, this pairing reveals a delicate harmony of warmth and brightness. The almond notes shared by the croissant and cappuccino create a seamless connection, enhanced by the floral elegance of orange blossom and the freshness of orange zest. The cappuccino’s caramelized finish echoes the golden layers of the pastry, while its velvety foam provides a graceful contrast to the croissant’s crisp texture.
   

• L’Epicé: Oat spicy chocolate coffee & coffee-choco exotic croissant: A bold exploration of coffee and chocolate, this pairing combines richness with a vibrant twist. The croissant’s smooth coffee-chocolate ganache mirrors the intensity of the espresso, creating a deep and velvety foundation. Oat milk lends the coffee a soft, rounded character, while passion fruit introduces a lively freshness, elevated by the subtle warmth of Sichuan pepper. Complex yet balanced, this creation offers an elegant pause for moments of curiosity and pleasure throughout the day.
   

• Le Tonique: Iced orange espresso tonic & Paris Brest croissant: A refreshing interpretation of the pairing, this creation brings together roasted hazelnut, citrus, and floral notes in a bright, modern composition. The rich hazelnut praline and roasted hazelnuts of the Paris Brest are complemented by the coffee’s vibrant acidity, while tonic water adds a sparkling bitterness that balances the pastry’s richness. Orange blossom and fresh zest bring a final touch of brightness, creating a refined accompaniment for an indulgent pause.

   

Beyond the flavors themselves, the “Please Disturb” offering transforms room service into a moment of theater. Delivered directly to your room, each pairing arrives as a carefully composed presentation, designed to create anticipation from the very first reveal.

The experience unfolds through a series of theatrical gestures: a delicate citrus mist, the final touch of a blow torch, or the artful grating of chocolate performed right in front of you. These finishing touches bring an element of surprise and craftsmanship to your room, turning a private sanctuary into an intimate gastronomic stage.
 

“We wanted to create an experience that feels effortless with a final finishing touch performed in front of the guest to add surprise, ritual and sophistication.” — Sacha Wittorski

 

From 1 September to 26 November 2026, the “Please Disturb” experience invites you to discover a new expression of Sofitel hospitality across 20 selected hotels worldwide. From iconic cities to inspiring destinations, each property provides a unique setting for this exclusive café-croissant pairing, where pastry mastery, coffee artistry and thoughtful hospitality meet.
 

Whether enjoyed as a refined start to the day, an afternoon pause, or an unexpected in-room indulgence, this limited-edition collaboration offers a reason to open the door, inviting you to discover an exquisite gastronomic disruption.