Hotel review: Shangri-La, Paris
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious stay in Paris, the sumptuous Shangri-La Hotel won’t fail to impress, says Zoë McIntyre
If you’ve come to Paris to experience the romance of yesteryear, the palatial Shangri-La Hotel won’t fail to seduce you with its sumptuous decor, impeccable service and historical trappings.
Standing behind imposing iron gates in the polished 16th arrondissement, the 18th-century limestone mansion was originally the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte – great-nephew of Emperor Napoléon I. Painstakingly restored to its former grandeur, it opened as the luxury Hong-Kong hotelier’s first European address in 2010. The hotel’s triumph is its ability to create an imperial ambiance while providing all the comfort and luxury of a modern stay.
The interior denotes regal majesty with classical frescoes, Belle Époque objets d’art and crystal chandeliers. In the light-filled lobby, arrivals are dwarfed by high ceilings and soaring marble columns. The grand stairway winds to three Louis XIV-style salons that lend themselves well to wedding receptions and fashion shows.
My light-toned room resembled a luxury apartment. Set on two floors, it was furnished with velvet drapes, elegant furniture and cutting-edge mod-cons. All this, however, was secondary to the real crowning glory: the view. Set high on Chaillot Hill, the hotel has astonishing views of the Eiffel Tower from more than half of its 81 rooms and suites. Out on my vast rooftop terrace, morning breakfast and evening aperitifs were enhanced by the spellbinding skyline vista.
Beyond the rooms, gastronomic excellence extends across three restaurants: the more informal Bauhinia is a popular lunchtime spot; the sophisticated two-Michelin-star L’Abeille serves French cuisine while one-star Shang Palace offers authentic Cantonese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a drink in the stylish cocktail bar or a pampering in the basement-level spa, pool and fitness suite.
The luxurious surroundings are complemented by attentive staff and the finest amenities to ensure that every visitor feels like royalty.
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
10 Avenue d’Iéna
75116 Paris
Tel: 866 565 5050
Doubles from €789 with continental breakfast
IN THE AREA
Museum maze
For those on a cultural trail, the area around the Shangri-La Hotel has one of the highest concentrations of museums in Paris. Just steps away, the renowned Musée Guimet has an extensive collection of south Asian and Oriental art, while the recently reopened Palais Galliera, Musée de la Mode, is dedicated to fashion history. The Palais de Tokyo and adjoining Musée d’Art Moderne, and the Musée Marmottan Monet, dedicated to the Impressionist artist, are also within walking distance of the hotel.
Sweet heaven
Chocolate lovers have a treat in store just five minutes away from the hotel in Rue de Longchamp, where Roy Chocolatier has been selling artisan-made products since 1947. Behind the traditional wooden façade lie rows of Florentines, crystallized fruits, marrons glacés and other delights.
Tel: (Fr) 1 47 27 34 36
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