What it is

Intimate grandeur with drop-dead Eiffel Tower views.

What it isn't

Very central—the Louvre is about a 15-to-20-minute taxi ride away.

What we think

This is a palace hotel fit for royals—literally. The building was erected in 1896 as a residence for Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s grand-nephew. In 2010 it became the Shangri-La brand’s first outpost in Europe, but nods to Asia are limited (the elegant Cantonese restaurant, Shang Palace, is the most conspicuous). Instead, the overall look and feel is decidedly French, with beautifully restored grands salons, a glamorous grand staircase and extraordinary glass cupola. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon gave each of the 101 rooms a warmly residential appeal, with an elegant palette of gold, white and blue. About half have views of the Eiffel Tower—some with balconies—but the hotel’s proximity to the landmark means that it’s further removed from the center of Paris than some of its luxury rivals. Don’t miss a dip in the mosaic-tiled indoor pool, whose space was once used as a stable for the prince’s collection of steeds.

You're here because

You like your hotels at once palatial and intimate, and you don’t mind being away from the bustle.

The Moment

Soaking in your marble bathtub, you raise a glass of Champagne to the Eiffel Tower, performing its nightly spangled show just outside your window.

Restaurants & Bars

Shang Palace - Cantonese cuisine, 1 Michelin star

La Bauhinia - Contemporary French and Asian cuisine

Le Bar Botaniste

Location

Just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, about two minutes by taxi from Avenue Georges V and Avenue Montaigne.