Shangri-La, Paris: Asian hospitality and French art of living
It’s the latest edition of five star palaces to open its doors in the French capital and the result of four years of intense renovation is simply stunning. The Shangri-La Hotel is not only close to the markets, tearooms and museums of the 16th Arrondissement but also to the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro. Paris now has one more très chic place to enjoy the city of lights.
The hotel is housed in the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte's grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. The 1896 landmark was painstakingly restored over four years and its salons and reception halls, with their frescoes, gilt work and chandeliers, returned to their former splendor. However, the atmosphere of a grand private residence has been kept.
With its 81 spacious rooms including 27 suites, south-facing and bathed in light, almost half of the rooms and suites benefit of exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower and the river Seine and feature a private balcony or terrace; the Shangi-La, Paris is the most intimate of Parisian palaces.
Most rooms are decorated in blue, white and ecru, evoking at once European empire and classic Chinese colour palettes. All have the latest technological comforts and gadgets, with even a TV screen imbedded in the bathroom mirror.
Dining facilities at the two-level restaurant, La Bauhinia, named after Hong Kong's official flower, where the chef Philippe Labé’s Michelin-starred cuisine is served beneath the splendid 1930s cupola with both French and Southeast Asian menus. Later this year, the hotel will unveil an outpost of Shang Palace, Shangri-La's signature Cantonese restaurant. Coming Spring, two more restaurants and a spa with swimming pool will see the light. Shangri-La makes an impressive debut in Paris.
