Shangri-La Hotel Paris

Shangri-La Hotel Paris, originally a palace, has been converted to a true five-star hotel with meticulous care toward its restoration. An elegant designer's touch is on display throughout the property, from the grand glass cupola and Murano chandelier that crown La Bauhinia restaurant to the delicate wallpaper chinoiserie in the fitness center, a converted stable. The architecture and open space of the high ceilinged lobby is stunning, with the area featuring elaborate moldings, huge tapestry-like rugs, and inlaid marble floors. Each of the hotel's three restaurants is individually and expensively decorated, with unique design elements that match the quality of the fine, Michelin-star cuisine.Shangri-La's garden is reminiscent of the formal French grounds at Versailles and furnished with luxe, minimalist tables, chairs, and sofas for lingering with a craft cocktail. Antiques and art are everywhere; even the cherry wood-paneled elevators are decorated with classic botanical prints. The Shangri-La transports visitors to another time for a true luxury experience.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris has quintessential views of the Eiffel Tower from certain room balconies and even from some bathtubs. Located right off of the Seine in one of the most expensive areas of the city, the property is a short stroll from the designer shops of Avenue George V. There are tourist destinations galore in the vicinity as well: the Museum of Man, Museum of Modern Art, Paris Aquarium, and other locales are within walking distance. The metro is also close by.

Many rooms and suites at Shangri-La Hotel Paris have iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, well worth the upgrade (although these rooms book up quickly). Every room here is fit for an emperor, tastefully decorated in golds and blues with silk-threaded wallpaper, feather duvets, marble bathrooms with heated floors, Bulgari toiletries, and TVs embedded in mirrors (even in the bathrooms) to preserve the period vibe. The Imperial Suite offers over-the-top fabric swags, passementerie, immense canopied beds, and gold bathroom fixtures. Nespresso machines and champagne-stocked minibars are available as well.

There are too many hotel "best features" to choose from, including free shoeshines! The mosaic-tiled swimming pool is exquisite, as are the property’s ballrooms, with high ceilings, gold leaf trimmings, and beautifully carved doors. Le Bar is sophisticated and inviting, with memorable designer cocktails. La Bauhinia, a two-story restaurant with a stunning glass cupola, offers Asian-influenced afternoon tea with scrumptious pastries. Shang Palace (one Michelin star) serves authentic Cantonese cuisine in an upscale setting, and L'Abeille (two Michelin stars) serves seasonal haute cuisine -- think suckling pig, lobster, and foie gras. For those wishing to work off the calories from fine dining, a 24-hour fitness center is on-site, as is a lovely small spa for relaxing.