Clients on their way to Bordeaux often ask me for recommendations on where to stay in Paris. Well you no longer have to ask.

As of December 2010 the portfolio of Hong Kong based group Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts includes the spectacular Shangri-La, Paris amongst it’s  80 hotels worldwide.

This is no ordinary hotel however; this is a piece of living history. Built in 1896 as the home of French imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte, The Palais Iena, where the hotel has elected residence, is in the chic 16^th arondissment and there is no mistaking his imprint in the building.

Meticulous and sympathetic renovation by a team of historical experts has maintained a impression of grand intimacy in a series of salons and the guests rooms and suite cleverly keep the traditional feel but with all the modern facilities.

Interesting enough it took 4 year to build the original and 4 years for the Shangri La group to renovate the property. This is not surprising given that the building was classified as a historical monument on the request of the new owners. The original floors, stained glass windows and even marbles mosaics and columns where painstakingly taken apart, catalogued and restored. The renovation uncovered hidden treasures masked by previous renovations including a spectacular glass and steel dome, now over the main restaurant. Even the 16^th century stables have been converted to an indoor swimming pool in the spa.

If the architectural splendour and spectacular views over the Seine and to the Eiffel Tower aren’t enough to get you there, maybe the gastronomy will. There are 3 restaurants to choose from, 2 of which are Michelin starred.

The Asia meets Paris theme is discreetly underlined in the decoration and atmosphere throughout the hotel but nowhere more so that in the Shang Palace one star Michelin Cantonese inspired restaurant. Chef Frank Xu from Shenzen and his 4 strong team from Hong Kong opened the restaurant in 2011 and received their first star in 2013.

 

If you prefer to enjoy the full French experience eat at l’Abeille where Chef Labbée was awarded 2 Michelin stars the same year. The restaurant is named after the bee; the emblem of the imperial family. If it’s too difficult to choose go for the best of both worlds in the more informal Bauhinia restaurant, which offers all day dining on a French-Asian theme under the spectacularly renovated glass dome.

If I have convinced you, try to plan a stay before summer is over to enjoy the terrace on the 1^st floor which is open until the 1^st week of September, it’s perfect for sunset cocktails overlooking the Eiffel Tower and until the 6^th August the 100 m2 panoramic terrace of the Shangri-La Suite on the top, 7^th,  floor is open, upon reservation, for an exclusive Krug and Petrossian Caviar Tasting while you enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The high life indeed.