When booking a hotel in Paris, the ultimate goal is the secure a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower… even better if it has a balcony. The best tower views are at the Shangri-La Paris, which was originally the home of imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte. The historic building originated in 1896 and continues to keep its grandeur a royal entrance in the hotels impressive lobby, constructed with five different varieties of marble from the Pyrenees, the Alps and Tuscany in the centre of the rotunda, boasting a sky-high vaulted ceiling and zodiac symbols.
As you gaze through the corridors, you feel that you've stepped back into time, especially after you make your way up the Staircase of Honour, which includes a bronze statue of a child hold a torch beneath the historic entryway to the second floor. Upon entry there's a historic billiard room and lounge with a fireplace, which is where guests are served champagne and snacks upon check-in. Once you make your way to your guest room, you'll discover the hotels biggest wow-factor. With the majority of the rooms south facing, you'll receive a direct view of the Eiffel Tower and Seine, setting the scene for a romantic in-room breakfast or an unforgettable evening as you nestle in for the night.
The rooms are decorated in shades of blue, white and light beige, honoring the Shangri La brand's nod to Asian influence, yet keeping with traditional French grandeur and style. After unpacking and taking numerous Instagram photos from your window sill overlooking the best view in Paris, head to the Chi spa, which was once Prince Roland Bonaparte's stables. Even if you can't take advantage one of the many treatment options, it's worth it to plunge into the swimming pool, which is one of the largest in Paris. After roaming the main corridors and stairwells, be sure to pass through the ballrooms to snag a photo of the Grand Salon, which has an over-the-top marble staircase with bronze trim along with two crystal chandeliers. Even if you're not planning an opulent wedding or grand affair, it's worth to step back in time and snap a photo.
The property is home to two Michelin-starred L’Abeille, which is named after the Napoleonic bee symbol, the Franco-Asian all day Bauhinia restaurant and the one Michelin-starred Shang Palace, which is the first Chinese restaurant in France to receive a Michelin star. The experience of dining at Shang Palace transports you from France to Asia, stilling offering the hotel's reputation for decadence with oysters fried and topped with caviar and gold flakes. Before curling up to your king size bed and Eiffel Tower view, pop over to Le Bar Botaniste, a quirky and creative cocktail bar that celebrates botany with rare botanical spirits. The space offers numerous elements of surprise and delight with an abundant array of 20 specialty libations served in various vessels and topped with colorful garnishes. One would never think that they'd be served a gin cocktail in a coconut when staying at a former French palace! The bar is helmed by Clement Emery who designed the menu in the form of a travel journal as a way to sample nature'u most exceptional offerings from destinations around the world.
This year, the Shangri La Paris has partnered with House of Krug for a branded pop-up terrace bar, taking over one of the tower facing guestrooms, providing an exclusive collection of guests with a sensuous escape and immersive sipping experience. The pop-up bar pays homage of the chili pepper as the chosen ingredient of Krug's branded label. The opulence and level of service are at the top of their game at the Shangi La Paris, which will celebrate 10 years next year.
