I haven't stayed in many, ok, any luxury hotels in Paris. I'm here for a long weekend right now, so a few weeks ago I called Kumiko for a tour of the new Shangri-la in Paris's 16th.
The Shangri-la Paris has been open for just two months, winning accolades from just about every major reviewer in US news media. Two articles in the Wall Street Journal have commented that the old luxury properties are being challenged by the Shangri-la's Seine and Eiffle view rooms.
I'm staying in a Tower-view room tonight. Looking down from my private terrace, I feel like I own the Tower and the river. I can't think of another world-class Paris property with views like this: George V?, non. Westin Vendome?, non. . .
The grand nephew of Napoleon I, Roland Bonaparte, build the original palace in 1896. Some additions, enlarging the footprint, were made in the 1930s and in the 1960s.The hotel boasts heritage status without having to retrofit new decor into preexisting rooms. My guess is that sometime mid last century, the original palace was hacked up into apartments, saving the new designers the hassle of too many preservation laws.
While mostly new, the rooms maintain a subdued French Empire decor motif. The prefunction space, 1st floor ballrooms, and personal apartments of Prince Bonaparte are restored, but otherwise left untouched. There is also a gorgeous state-of-the-art ballroom for about 200 built two floors down from the lobby. It has natural lighting since the palace is built into a hillside.
The photo above shows the view from the 7th floor Presidential Suite, complete with about 700 sq feet of outdoor living space. I'm told its the best room in Paris. I think I believe it.
The cheapest rate for my room is reportedly 600 Euro a night. Yes, extravagant; but absolutely unforgettable.
way to sell it the french opulence; somehow 600 euro seems worth it. and the photo is perfect.
ReplyDeleteseen the plans for the new shangri-la going into the shard london bridge tower? it will occupy abut 25 floors with an enormous spa and best views (by far) of london.
ReplyDeleteI knew they were planning on opening one in London before the Olympics. Thanks for the info on the location. I've always loved jogging that section of town. Let's see, when can I make arrangements to be in London again. . .How's Tuesday?
ReplyDeleteit's a great neighborhood, especially with the borough market- best in london- and the southwark cathedral.
ReplyDeleteenjoy london, i was there just last week and took a moment to "toured" the site. they're quite proud of their new tower.