Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness
  • Sustainability

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Humans of Travel Podcast
  • Coronavirus and Travel

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards
  • Future Leaders in Travel Retreat

Sign Up for Our Monthly Europe Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
MichelleJuergen2
Michelle JuergenContributing Writer

Share

Hotel Review: Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Feb 27, 2017
Shangri La Paris_HERO
Two Duplex Eiffel Tower View Suites feature a two-level layout with views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and other Parisian monuments.
Credit: 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Upon hearing that you’ll be overnighting in the former home of a relative of Napoleon Bonaparte, you may, as I did, feel an initial dash of malaise. However, this feeling of unease — wondering what despotic events may have transpired here — will quickly deflate when you learn that Prince Roland Bonaparte was the former resident in question.

Sign Up for Our Monthly Europe Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

The grandnephew of the famous French emperor, Roland’s role in history is perhaps perfectly contrasted with that of Napoleon: understated, peaceful, scholarly. The prince was president of the Societe de Geographie (Geographical Society) for nearly 15 years, as well as president of the Societe Astronomique de France (French Astronomical Society) for two years. He was an explorer and interested in anthropology and herbology. 

It seemed, after all, that I would be among a kindred spirit. 

However unassuming Roland’s nature may have been, though, his former dwellings are anything but. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, located in the city’s 16th arrondissement near the Trocadero, epitomizes luxury and refinement. From the exquisite decor and impeccable service to the Michelin-star dining options and stately guestrooms and suites, the five-star hotel is among the best accommodations in Paris. After all, how could it not be, with classical French architecture, gleaming marble, gold-leaf mosaics and winding, wrought-iron staircases — and that’s just in the lobby.

Shangri La Paris_LOBBY_1
The elegant lobby at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is merely a teaser of the opulence found throughout the five-star hotel.
Credit: 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

A stroll through reception and into the on-site La Bauhinia restaurant feels like an induction into French aristocracy. A Murano chandelier hangs from a glass cupola above the bright and airy French-Asian eatery, which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea and dinner. A pianist serenades diners throughout the day in the two-level, atrium-like restaurant. 

The one-Michelin-starred Shang Palace steps up the gastronomical game, with creations from chef Samuel Lee Sum inspired by traditional Chinese dishes. But while Shangri-La Hotel, Paris honors the brand’s Asian roots, it reflects the culinary history of Paris with L’Abeille, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by executive chef Christophe Moret. 

Here, Moret encapsulates the true meaning of “fine dining” with a seasonal, seven-course degustation menu. Some of the delicate, artistic dishes include sea urchin with gold caviar and spider crab in a coral “sabayon” sauce, as well as heartier French favorites such as duck foie gras terrine, twice-cooked venison and lobster from the Chausey islands off the coast of Normandy. 

Shangri La Paris_LABEIELLE_2
The two-Michelin-starred L’Abeille offers culinary creations by executive chef Christophe Moret.
Credit: 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

While the venue is undoubtedly sophisticated and the cuisine caters to more refined palates, there is no haughtiness among the staff nor snobbery from the chef. They kindly accommodated my lactose allergy and one of my dining partner’s vegetarian diet with dishes just as imaginative, intricate and delectable as those on the regular menu. 

Oenophiles will melt over L'Abeille’s robust wine selection, but Le Bar Botaniste should not be overlooked for further libations. The on-site bar pays homage to its former princely resident — who once assembled the world’s largest private plant collection — serving up a comprehensive, nature-inspired menu of cocktails and liquors with the ambiance of a gentleman’s club.

This is, of course, the City of Lights, and the creme de la creme of a stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is the postcard-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. Savoring a glass of Sancerre from a suite balcony as the famous monument sparkles through the night is sure to cure even the most jaded traveler’s ennui.

While my Premier room did not come with a balcony, it did offer so-close-I-can-almost-touch-it views of the iconic structure, the Seine River and the city beyond. It was hard to resist multiple soaks in the large bathtub — a feature of the elegant marble bathroom along with a separate shower, heated floors and a flat-screen television — but the exceptional scene outside my window beckoned louder. I constantly flung open the large windows for a clearer view — chilly winter air be damned, I was determined to give myself over to Paris’ enrapturing sights. 

Shangri La Paris_PREMIER ROOM_3
Some of the 485-square-foot Premier Rooms have a terrace or balcony.
Credit: 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

One-hundred and one guestrooms, including 36 suites, comprise the hotel, offering guests plenty of accommodation categories while also maintaining an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Travelers can choose from five room and seven suite categories, including those with terraces and full or partial views of the Eiffel Tower. For the more discriminating client, there’s the ornate, nearly 3,000-square-foot La Suite Imperiale, originally Prince Roland’s private apartment, along with La Suite Chaillot and La Suite Shangri-La. 

In truth, though, it doesn’t matter where you end up laying your head at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris — because you enter a dream the moment you set foot in the luxury property. 

Shangri La Paris La Bauhinia restaurant
1/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

La Bauhinia, the property’s French-Asian fusion restaurant, also doubles as the breakfast venue.
Credit: 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Le Bar
2/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Le Bar Botaniste serves up rare botanical spirits in honor of the favorite pastime of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the property’s original resident. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Lounge
3/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Clients can sip a libation or leaf through a book in the handsome lounge. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Deluxe Room2
4/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Deluxe Rooms feature natural wood furniture and marquetry. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Deluxe Suite
5/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

The hotel has nine 645-square-foot Deluxe Suites. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Gallery for Meetings Events
6/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Two-thirds of the palatial meeting and event spaces are registered under the protection of French Historical Monuments. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris La Suite Impériale
7/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

According to Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, La Suite Imperiale — originally Roland Bonaparte’s private apartment — is the “creme de la creme of Parisian suites.” // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Pool
8/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

The large pool, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, features a 1,011-square-foot private outdoor terrace. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Shangri La Paris Shang Palace
9/9Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

At Shang Palace, which was awarded one Michelin star in 2012, guests can sample authentic Chinese cuisine from chef Samuel Lee. // © 2017 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

 

The Details

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
www.shangri-la.com/paris
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TravelAge West will remain a trusted resource for our readers now and long after this crisis is over, and will continue to publish articles on a variety of travel industry topics, destinations and more to inspire future trips. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, please send a message to [email protected]

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

See London from a heavenly perspective with a stay at the futuristic Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.
  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. The Main Challenges to Booking Hawaii Travel Right Now
  2. 3 Luxurious Haciendas on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
  3. CDC Requires Negative COVID-19 Test for Entry Into the U.S.
  4. Hotel Review: Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences
  5. Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona
  1. CDC Requires Negative COVID-19 Test for Entry Into the U.S.
  2. What It's Like to Go on Safari Right Now
  3. Remembering Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Founder of Sandals Resorts International
  4. What It's Like to Visit Walt Disney World Resort Right Now
  5. Here's Why Travel Advisors Should Be Booking Their Clients' Bucket-List Travels Now

More Stories Like This

IstanbulShutdown_Hero

What It's Like Exploring Istanbul as a Tourist During Its Latest Shutdown

Have European Lineage? This Travel Agency Can Help You Get an EU Passport

Have European Lineage? This Travel Agency Can Help You Get an EU Passport

What to See and Do During a Post-Pandemic Trip to Copenhagen

What to See and Do During a Post-Pandemic Trip to Copenhagen

A Current Look Into Traveling to Turkey as an American

A Current Look Into Traveling to Turkey as an American

What U.S. Travelers Should Know About Traveling to Croatia Now

What U.S. Travelers Should Know About Traveling to Croatia Now

European Countries That Still Allow U.S. Travelers to Visit

European Countries That Still Allow U.S. Travelers to Visit

The Latest Update on Future Travel to the U.K.

The Latest Update on Future Travel to the U.K.

What to Know Now About Greece Reopening to Tourism

What to Know Now About Greece Reopening to Tourism

5 Towns Near London With Fewer Crowds

5 Towns Near London With Fewer Crowds

Re-Introduce Paris to Clients With Creative Tours of Top Attractions

Re-Introduce Paris to Clients With Creative Tours of Top Attractions

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Digital Ad Specifications
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • TravelPulse
  • TravelPulse Canada
  • TravelPulse Quebec
  • Meetings & Incentives
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • AGENTatHOME
Copyright © 2021 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here