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Five Things We Love: Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Some cities never get old – NYC, Tokyo, and, of course, Paris. To me, Paris is magic: the light, the food, the architecture, the art, and the très-chic Parisians with their enviable sense of joie de vivre.

After spending a week in the French countryside, I took the high-speed train from Bordeaux to the City of Light and immediately checked into the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, a 100-room jewel-box hotel in the city’s swanky 16th arrondisement. This former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte is full of exquisite architectural details, all of which were meticulously restored and preserved during a past four-year renovation – the building itself is registered as one of the city’s Monuments Historiques. Upon arrival, I knew this place was everything I’d want my dream Paris hotel stay to be.

Here, five things I loved about Shangri-La, Paris:

The OMG View
One word: speechless. I could see the Eiffel Tower from my bed, my bathroom, and my closet! The balcony doors remained open whenever I was “home” and I couldn’t resist snapping photos of The Iron Lady at various times throughout the day. It was so close, I felt like I could reach out and touch it. A Terrace Eiffel View Room or Suite is an absolute must.

 

The very definition of “a room with a view.”

 

Room-Service Breakfast
If there’s ever a time to use your Virtuoso breakfast amenity for room service, this is it. You can be as indulgent or as healthy as you’d like based on the selections and combinations from the hotel’s extensive breakfast menu. My order showed up at the exact minute I requested, and I watched the sunrise over the Seine while enjoying my croissant and coffee.

 

A breakfast of champions. (Korena Bolding Sinnett)

 

Cocktails with Style
Pull up a chair at Le Bar Botaniste and let head barman Clément Emery make you a cocktail with rare botanical spirits. Or, grab a glass of rosé and people-watch from the lobby lounge at Bel’ Epoque, which serves Perrier-Jouët Champagne and the best bar snacks I’ve had in a while. If you’re in Paris this June through September, swing by the hotel’s Krug Champagne pop-up bar, open every evening from 6 to 11 PM on the terrace of Room 410, which features a direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

 

Rosé-colored glass(es) at Bel’ Epoque. (Korena Bolding Sinnett)

 

A Spa Worth Blissing Out In
After walking more than 25,000 steps in one day, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, was a must. Take a dip in the peaceful pool, treat yourself to a facial that incorporates organic products from The Organic Pharmacy, or indulge in a deep-tissue massage that will give you the energy to get up and walk 25,000 more steps tomorrow.

 

Aqua therapy at Chi. (Korena Bolding Sinnett)

 

The Spice of Life
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but after traveling in France for 10 days, I actually craved something other than French food. (L’horreur!) I never thought it’d be possible to tire of charcuterie, cheese, and bread, but alas, I had reached that point when I arrived at Shangri-La, Paris. Enter: Shang Palace, France’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. From dim sum to Peking, and the spiciest chicken and broccoli I’ve ever had, you don’t want to miss dining here. The service is outstanding, and definitely treat yourself to the wine pairings.

 

Dim sum for days at Shang Palace. (Winkelmann)

 

Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.

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