Shangri-La Paris

Shangri-La Paris lies in the 16th arrondissement, overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, a 45-minute limo ride away from Charles de Gaulle airport.  Featuring 100 elegantly styled rooms including 37 suites, the property is housed within the former 19th century home of Prince Roland Bonaparte no less, featuring both Palais designation and Monument Historique status.  Rooms are dressed in a fusion of French heritage and Asian style, in a muted colour palette of calm Rococo tones with entry level Superior rooms offering 36 square metres of living space right up to the 275 square metre space offered by L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte, the crème de la crème accommodation. Many of the rooms showcase the hotel’s close proximity to Paris’ own Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower, from the Eiffel View Rooms to those with Eiffel Views from terraced accommodation to the Duplex Eiffel View Suite right up to La Suite Gustave Eiffel in homage to the tower’s creator with its 70 square metres of space encircled by a wraparound terrace looking out over the Tower. Custom furnishings, crystal chandeliers, silk wallpapers, textured wall panels and marble bathrooms create a luxurious feel, evident in the top floor La Suite Shangri-La which can be extended to encompass the entire floor. The L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte is the top dog suite though, grand in all senses of the word. Located on the second floor with five-metre-high ceilings, authentic crown mouldings, period artwork and balconies looking over Avenue d’Iéna and the Guimet Museum, there is everything you need here to feel like you are on top of the world from a pantry to spacious living rooms and dining for up to eight people. 

When it comes to food and wine, dine under the glass dome of La Bauhinia with a French Asian fusion menu offering seasonal dishes from across France under the toque of Executive Chef Quentin Testart or head to the Asian charms of Shang Palace, France’s only Michelin starred Chinese restaurant under the toque of Chef Samuel Lee. The two bars include Le Bar Botaniste named for the prince’s favourite pastime of botany, with genuine absinthe fountains, plants under cloches and a cocktail menu inspired by his foreign travels, complemented by a menu of gourmet tapas. The century old wood panelling and original fireplaces of Les Lounges sets the historic scene for snacks, afternoon tea and cheeky coupes de champagne. For escaping the constant buzz of the city streets, head to the relaxing embrace of Chi, The Spa, an oasis imagined by designer Pierre Yves Rochon, set in the former stables of the residence. Featuring a 17-metre indoor swimming pool, leading out onto a 94 square metre landscaped terrace, other facilities include a gym and Hammam. On the beauty side, Chi, The Spa has teamed up with French spa brand Alaena to offer a wide range of 100% organic treatments undertaken in three peaceful treatment rooms or in-suite.