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Shangri-La Hotel, Paris successfully blends Parisian and Asian influences against a backdrop of rich heritage and history
East meets West in the palatial grandeur and gracious hospitality of the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
In 1896, the French Imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte built a palatial residence on Avenue d’Iéna in Paris, France. This location was then—and even now—the city’s most elegant neighbourhood. It was originally designed by architect Ernest Janty, who worked on the Louvre and the Tuileries palaces. It was known for its “eclectic style,” as the building’s architecture was unique for its time.
When the Shangri-La Group acquired the Palace in 2006, preserving its historical significance was their top priority. They immediately registered it with France’s Monuments Historique and enlisted architect Richard Martinet and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to lead the renovation team. These artisans were chosen specifically for their expertise in highlighting the building’s 19th-century architecture, while simultaneously turning it into a hotel fit for the 21st-century guest.
Renovations spanned four years—the same amount of time it took for the construction of the original building. Even the areas that were not historically registered were restored with a keen eye for detail. The result is a hotel that celebrates its rich history while making way for modern times.
Today, guests arrive at an entryway flanked by two Ming Dynasty-inspired vases that signify a fusion of cultures inside. Elaborate monograms of Prince Roland Bonaparte are integrated into the architecture and are complemented by Asianinspired décor throughout the hotel.
The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris offers a choice of 63 rooms and 37 suites. Each room and suite boasts marble bathrooms with heated floors and double sinks, a
separate bath and rainfall shower, as well as a flat-screen television integrated into a large mirror. Most rooms are also given a view of the Eiffel Tower from the comfort of the bathtub.
Among its suites, four are deemed the hotel’s signature. Located on the sixth floor is the La Suite Gustave Eiffel, named after the famous French architect. The one-bedroom suite offers a sense of refinement that is distinctly Parisian, with its large airy windows and scenic views from its corner terrace. With a separate bedroom and living area (containing a sofa bed), it makes for an ideal setting for either a romantic getaway or family vacation—especially with the option to connect to an adjacent room.
La Suite Chaillot on the fifth floor was named after the neighbourhood’s location. The suite sports a contemporary design evident in its bedroom, bathroom, living and dining areas, and wraparound terrace. Its colour palette revolves around shades of taupe and jade, with décor that balances classic and modern tastes. The suite overlooks the Eiffel Tower and can easily be connected to a room with the same view.
The only suite to be listed as a historical monument, L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte is located in the former private apartment of the prince himself. It is the hotel’s largest suite and is decorated in the late 18th-century Directoire style, its high ceilings and wide windows giving light to the suite’s marble finish and crystal accents. Situated on the second floor, its entrance courtyard and landscaping serve as a buffer against the sights and sounds of the city while its balcony offers views of Avenue d’Iéna and the Guimet Museum.
On the topmost floor sits La Suite Shangri-La, which balances modern architecture with classic French furnishing. It boasts of a spacious terrace with an unobscured view of the Eiffel Tower. The suite’s panoramic window makes it possible to admire the famous landmark from inside as well. The seventh floor, including the signature suite, can be reserved as a whole to create a private apartment of sorts with four bedrooms in total.
The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is home to three restaurants—two of which are Michelin-starred— serving three distinctive styles of cuisine. They also house a nature-inspired bar in honour of Prince
Roland’s former private plant collection—once the largest in the world.
The hotel’s gourmet French restaurant is named L’Abeille which means “the bee” in French. This pays homage to the imperial insignia of the Bonaparte family, and is subtly incorporated in the restaurant’s décor. With Chef Christophe Moret at the helm, guests enjoy their meals while overlooking a stunning garden. Shades of silver, grey, and taupe lend a chic ambiance to the 40-seat restaurant. The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars, the second of which was given in February 2016.
For traditional Cantonese fare, Shang Palace is a top choice as the first Chinese fine-dining restaurant of its category in France. Executive Chef Samuel Lee and his team of four Hong Kong chefs ensure the authenticity of the food. They also consist of four Masters: Wok, Barbeque, Chopper, and Dim Sum. Shang Palace is the only Chinese restaurant in the country to be awarded a Michelin Star as well.
True to its seamless blending of cultures and paying homage to its storied past, La Bauhinia takes its name from the iconic flower of Hong Kong’s flag as well as a reference to Prince Bonaparte’s passion for botany. The spacious lounge and restaurant serves as the social hub of the hotel, with an extensive menu containing Western and Oriental offerings. It provides an ideal location for business luncheons or afternoon tea amongst friends and family.
The hotel offers health and wellness amenities like an indoor swimming pool and spa, as well as banquet halls for grand occasions. It provides a venue for old-world luxury to thrive in a fast-paced modern era, while its fusion of cultures provides a unique experience for all of their guests. A stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is an experience all on its own—the brand’s tradition of excellence reaching new heights at its culturally and historically rich location.