Shangri-La Hotel Paris

Paris

Paris, a capital city in perpetual motion, attracts 29 million visitors annually. An exceptional concentration of monuments representing its rich 2000 year old history, its museums and an unequalled architectural unity have earned this city of art and culture its reputation as the “city of light”. Paris however, is also the world capital of high fashion and luxury.

The French capital attracts visitors of all kinds including inveterate luxury shoppers, art lovers or simple sightseeing strollers. In addition, Paris has inspired the creativity of writers, painters, and film makers who have immortalized sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the banks of the Seine, Sacré Coeur and Place Vendôme on paper, on canvas and on screen.

At first glance, the Chaillot hill better known as Trocadéro, doesn’t seem to be one of the capital’s emblematic sites, and yet its history dates back to the 7^th century. In the 10^th century, the celebrated historian Philippe de Commines lived there. In the 16^th century, Queen Catherine de Medicis built a chateau and in the early 18^th century, the Duchess of Berry hosted superb celebrations in the Chateau de la Muette. Napoleon decided to build a palace here for his son, the King of Rome, giving the quarter a more solemn air.

More residential today, the quarter possesses an exceptional cultural environment with its many museums including the Guimet and Galliera museums, the Palace of Tokyo and the Museum of Man, as well as a trace of the Bonaparte family at number 10 Avenue d’Iéna.

A princely residence

It was in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte that Robert Kuok, owner of the prestigious Asian hotel group, Shangri-La, decided to open his first European hotel. This palace, built in 1891 on the Chaillot hill, was the site where Roland Bonaparte would receive the world’s celebrities.

The goal of the Shangri-La group was to create a contemporary palace with today’s standards of comfort while preserving the original spirit of this 19^th century private residence, and associating it with eastern savoir vivre going back thousands of years. Mission accomplished!

It was decorator Pierre-Yves Rochon who succeeded in blending the Directory and Empire styles with Oriental refinement. A magnificent pair of Ming vases frames the sumptuous entrance adding a touch of Asia to this historic Parisian building.

The entire interior was recreated with a marble reception area, alcoves, salons, 65 rooms and 36 luxury suites. A non ostentatious luxury is present everywhere. The rooms, with a dominance of Nattier blue, celadon green, and gold are a blend of the French classical style combined with lacquered furniture, silk painting and antique Chinese vases. Most rooms have superb views of the Seine, and in some of them, the ultra luxurious bathrooms are oriented in a manner enabling guests to enjoy their bath and admire the Eiffel Tower at the same time. Feng Shui principles are strictly adhered to in order to harmonize the energy for the greater comfort of its guests. The 3 unique Signature suites have an exceptional aura. In this haven of peace and refinement, guests can relax in the spa, swim a few lengths of the indoor swimming pool, or take advantage of the talents of a coach at the fitness center, before heading for the museums. And to enjoy the subtle tastes of Asia, try the La Bauhina with its delicate, oriental decor. On the menu are Thai specialties, Malaysian specialties like the Ikan Percick, or Indonesian dishes like the Otak-Otak, a papillote of cod enhanced with curcuma and tamarind, served under a magnificent 1930s glass dome highlighted by a Murano chandelier.

The other Asian restaurant, the starred Michelin Shang Palace, serves exclusively Cantonese cuisine. And if you prefer French gastronomy, welcome to the equally starred Abeille where Chef Philippe Labbé combines an enormously wide variety of flavors ranging from chocolate to foie gras!

Finally, the Bar, designed in the style of a Napoleonic bivouac tent, also adds an Asian touch in its cocktails invented by head bartender, Christophe Leger such as the Peking Express, a fresh mojito with crushed pineapple or the famous Pink Lady, to be nursed well into the night.