Shangri-La Hotel – A Shining New Palace In The 16th Arrondissement

Shangri-La Paris was the first new hotel in France to be awarded Distinction Palace — the highest designation possible in France. According to the official French government hotel rating organization a Palace "must have exceptional qualities that embody French standards of excellence and contribute to enhancing the image of France throughout the world".

Representing France to the rest of the world is a fairly large burden. But the Shangri-La Paris pulls it off with style and a perfect blend of Asian and European sensibilities. The Shangri-La also receives Paris Insiders Guide's highest hotel rating — Superb-Plus! (The exclamation point is part of the rating.)

Shangri-La – Return to the Belle Époque

The Shangri-La hotel began life as the mansion of the grand-nephew of Napoleon III. (The nephew, by the way, was broke, but he wisely married a rich woman and used her money to build the mansion.) In the 21st century the mansion was completely restored and transformed into the Shangri-La Hotel, preserving many of the historic details. It's now a living example of Paris during the Belle Époque, that period in French history between the Franco-Prussian War (1870) and World War I.

Renovation designer Pierre-Yves Rochon used 19th century photos of the Palais as well as documents from archives to restore or recreate many details from the era. But, of course, making certain to include all modern amenities and comfort. Not many new hotels can make the claim of such a blend of historic and modern.

What You Can Expect at The Shangri-La Paris

You' can expect to be well taken care of, that's for sure. The staff at the Shangri-La are attuned to meet your needs, something that's clear from the moment of your arrival.

The rooms are generously-sized for Paris and many of them are suites. In the bathrooms you'll walk on Saint-Laurent black marble and you may even have a view of the Eiffel Tower from your bathtub. Bathrooms feature heated floors, double sinks, tubs, and rain showers. There's even a small flat-screen TV embedded in the bathroom mirror, if that's what you need.

Of the 100+ rooms, 37 feature terraces. In fact, the terraces of the sixteen Eiffel Rooms (in addition to their views on the Tower) are big enough to host a business reception or a party. All rooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, so it's lovely to spend the morning on your terrace with a cup of coffee overlooking the city.

Furnishings are custom-made for the hotel from the highest quality materials. You'll also find Ming vases, original tapestries, hand-tooled metalwork and many other luscious details that add to the overall effect of luxury and comfort. If you really want to splurge, check into one of the 2,400 square foot penthouse suites, each with its own dining room and 1000-sq-ft terrace.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris

Paris Insiders Rating — Superb-Plus
10 Avenue d'Iéna
16th Arrondissement