Tag Archives: luxury hotels in Paris

The Peninsula. Paris, France

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The first word that comes to mind when I think of The Peninsula Paris would be grandeur. This Peninsula Paris is located in a late 19th century Haussmanian building, which first opened in 1908. The hotel closed for restoration (costing almost 1 billion dollars gasp!!!!) and re-opened in August 2014, nearly 6 years in the making. The heart of the hotel is in their stunning lobby. Adorned with curved ceiling, glistening chandeliers, marble floors, and contemporary furnishings, the grand entrance welcomes guests with a feeling of awe. An installation called “Dancing Leaves”, located in the lobby, is made of 800 hand-blown crystal leaves, but that is not the most impressive thing. In fact, 20,000 pieces of gold leaf have been applied throughout the public areas of the hotel, making the hotel to actually seem shimmering.

The rooms are inspired by Parisian architecture and fashion. Covered in soft tones of grey and cream, they are equally timeless and modern. Each room comes with the traditional Peninsula functionality, equipped with the latest tech gadgets, perfect for the modern luxury traveler. All the lights and switched are controlled with an iPad, which some find confusing and others love. The Premier Suite is amazing, best views in the house! The 1,075 square foot room has views of Avenue Kleber and the Eiffel Tower. In the mood for some oysters and champagne in the City of Love? Order it without ever having to leave your bubble bath for two from the interactive digital control tablet.

L’Oiseau Blanc, The hotel’s sixth floor restaurant, serves up no only stunning French cuisine, but also some of Paris’ most stunning views. Lili is the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant. The interior is modeled after the drama of a Chinese and French opera. Sit at the chef’s table and order the dim sum! If you’re just looking for a drink and a smoke, head to Lounge Kleber, a discreet lounge perfect for a cigar and a dirty martini.

The Peninsula Paris Spa is over 1,800 square meters of pure luxury. The menu of Oriental, Holistic, and European-inspired treatments would satisfy even the weariest of travelers. The Peninsula Paris is the hotel of the future in the way they combine the traditional with the futuristic. Classic glamour is seen in every detail of the hotel while their policy on the latest up-to-date technology is very apparent. This hotel is sure to find itself becoming a landmark of Paris like the monuments it surrounds.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Shangri-La Hotel. Paris, France

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Flowers, pastel colors and fairytale rooms are just the just right combination for the parfait mother’s day voyage.

It’s in a city where food is more appetizing, love is more fervent, and fashion is more creative. Any ideas? You guessed right, my beloved Paris. A city in which no matter what tasteful corner you turn on, it will always take your breath away.

After carefully researching for my dream hotel (if I were a mother of a human and not my dear puppy), I came up with the most enchanting property ever, Shangri-La Paris.
It was built in 1896 by Napoleon’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, so you can be sure that luxury emerges from every corner of the hotel.

As you walk in through the ever-so-French elegant façade, the royal treatment will begin in this quiet residential area of the 16th arrondissement.

The best part of the whole stay is walking into your room and seeing before you the finest view of the iconic Eiffel Tower welcoming you to the city of lights. Oddly enough Prince Bonaparte was not a big fan of his knockout view, so he asked for his master bedroom to be built in the opposite direction.

Yes, the guestrooms are superb, but the bathrooms are something else. They feature marble bathrooms, gorgeous floor to ceiling windows (which I love), heated floors, rainfall showers and silk-threaded wallpaper. The silver accents and orchids complete the tasteful and lavish look.

The service is so exquisitely detailed and precise, that from the moment you set foot in the hotel, you will feel like you are living in your Parisian mansion. Note that a few dozen uber-qualified staff will be at your service at all times. They also make you feel that their sole purpose of existence is to please you, which is pretty awesome.

Dining has to be the best part. The hotel currently lays claim to two Michelin rated restaurants: L’Abeille and Shang Palace. Executive Chef Philippe Labbé of L’Abeille was also recognized as the Cuisinier de l’Année 2013, which basically means he is the best cook in Paris. Quite an accomplishment I would say.

Since I like saving the best for last, I left the Spa for the end. This was the final piece in my puzzle in order to rate this hotel as the best and most luxurious new hotel in Paris.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.