A Palace of Parisian Royalty Transformed - Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
To walk into the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is to walk into a dream. With its “Palace status”, awarded only to the finest 5-star properties, the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris forms the flagship for the Shangri-La brand. With only 100 guest rooms, including 37 suites, the Shangri-La is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. Its membership in the Traveler Made network is a hallmark for luxury travel.This former palace was the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the grand-nephew of Emperor Napoleon. Built in 1896, today, this historical landmark is expertly preserved and was revived under the Shangri-La brand in 2010.
With its high ceilings, elaborate carvings of marble and bronze, hand gilded wall paneling, magnificent fixtures and grand winding staircase, this former Palace was the setting for many elaborate state functions.
Prime Location Near Eiffel Tower
Unique to other “Palace” category hotels, the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris offers breathtaking and unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower. To enjoy one of the world’s most famous structures from so close is a magical experience. A short walk to the Champs Elyses and the Arc de Triomphe, the 16ieme arrondisement has the greatest concentration of museums in all of Paris. The neighborhood feels very upscale residential.
A Place Where Memories are Made
It takes an exceptional hotel to create exceptional memories. One factor that sets the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris apart is the service. From the planning of life’s special moments to the day to day attention from concierge, all requests are handled with the utmost care and attention.
Referred to by some guests as “Uncle Tony”, the head concierge makes no apologies for getting to know his guests. Imagine a concierge who knows of your interest in fine art and notifies you of a discreet yet special upcoming auction, or who arranges a lunch with a Count at his countryside Chateau, followed by a grand evening of fireworks.
The venue is a natural for wedding proposals, where an often all too nervous guest, about to propose, asks for reassurance and support from hotel staff. One such occurrence with a happy ending, included posting jumbo sized writing adjacent the Eiffel Tower reading “Will You Marry Me?”, which culminated in a proposal from the hotel’s penthouse.
The prestigious banquet facilities that were once upon a time used for French royalty are the grandest way to create special memories. Guest Services will handle all details to help create an event fit for a king. A Room with an Eiffel Tower ViewTo create the ultimate special memory, consider Roland Bonaparte’s original private living quarters, one of the most prestigious suites in Paris, with nearly 3,000 square feet of pure decadent luxury.
Rooms are immaculate and impeccably renovated with an air of aristocratic romance. Modern touches don’t interfere with the classic style and decor.
Marble bathrooms are magnificent. Distinct features include the scent filled Bvlgari products, the flat screen television embedded in the wall, the heated floors, and the separate oversized bathtub and rainfall showers.
Rooms come equipped with everything from office supplies, computer cables, USB ports, toothbrushes, a bathroom scale, umbrella, shoe shine, Nespresso machine, and even fresh fruit daily. No detail is overlooked.
Relax in Style
The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris has an unparalleled relaxation area, including a world class swimming pool and an outdoor terrace with floor to ceiling windows that brings in the sunlight. With a 24-hour fitness room to one side and the Chi Spa to the other, prepare to relax in style.
A Gastronomic Heaven
The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris boasts two Michelin rated restaurants. Shang Palace, the only Michelin starred Chinese restaurant in France, is under the guidance of chef Samuel Lee Sum. The menu, which lays tribute to the Shangri-La brand’s Asian roots, provides a magnificent experience. Favorites include the exquisite roasted whole Peking duck served in two parts, crispy duck skin with pancakes and wok-fried minced duck breast wrapped with lettuce. For accompaniments try the deep fried Madagascar prawns, the fried eggplant glazed with gravy, sesame and ginger, and the crispy noodles with assorted mushrooms in black bean sauce. The 7 course tasting menu also remains a traditional favorite.
La Bauhinia restaurant, specializing in French cuisine with an Asian twist, serves an amazing breakfast of Parisian Asian fusion. Located in the hotel’s grand lobby, this venue is available for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Traditional favorites include a ceviche of shade-fish, gravelax salmon or crying tiger. This restaurant’s grand Murano chandelier, is one of the architectural highlights of this grand hotel.
L’Abeille, under the helm of executive chef Christophe Moret, is a two Michelin star restaurant, and offers authentic French cuisine, with exquisite delicacies such as sea urchin, gold caviar and lobster from the Chausey Islands.
The Botanist Bar with an Herbal Theme
Head to the Botainist Bar for a nightcap. The Botanist Bar is a creation inspired by Prince Bonaparte’s vast plant collection, numbering 2.5 million species. Choose from 20 unique signature cocktails, including the Nektar, a recipe of cognac, hydromel, red propolis and fresh pollen. Tips:1. Choose from 5 room categories and 7 suite categories. Each room is unique, given the layout of the hotel. Consider discussing room selection in advance with hotel staff.2. Rooms with terrace, or bathrooms with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Eiffel Tower available upon request.
- Automatic upgrades based on availability by signing up for Shangri-La’s free loyalty program.
- After check-in, request a tour of the public areas of the hotel.
- Upon arrival, make sure to pick up a copy of the hotel’s free book of local walking tours.
The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is a unique Palace hotel experience with heart!
Book directly through the hotel’s website www.shangri-la.com.
This review written by Donna Salle who can be reached directly at TravelsWithHeart@gmail.com.
