Paris may seem to have more tourists than ever, and there are: The city helped fuel France’s record-setting 102 million visitors last year. But there are pockets of Parisian exclusivity that can feel like your own tucked-away oasis from all the City of Light revelry.
Enter: the Palace, an official French government rating delivered to 30 distinct hotels across the country excelling in architecture, history, and service that make 5 stars seem like not enough.
Of the 12 Palace hotels in Paris, Shangri-La Paris has been on my radar thanks to its history (the property was formerly home to Prince Roland Bonaparte’s mansion), raved-about culinary scene, and much-ballyhooed views of the Eiffel Tower. While my stay coincided with a winter conference, the picture-perfect views and exemplary service are why we say Shangri-La Paris is the ideal place to book for a Summer in Paris — or any time of year, really.
The Eiffel Tower Room views, though, delivered on every piece of advance hype. The Iron Lady (in Tower not Thatcher form) fills the frame in a way that elicits the kind of glee seen during Carrie Bradshaw’s meme-inspiring arrival to her suite at the Plaza Athénée — no offense, but the Shangri-La’s view is closer to the action.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Luxury Travel Advisor.
