Unrivaled, in-your-face views of the Eiffel Tower from 50% of the rooms
Housed in the former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte (Napoleon’s grand-nephew)
The pool is located in the prince's former stables and is bathed in natural light
Quick Take: It's a legitimate palace with a price tag to match, but the dining scene has lost a bit of its sparkle recently.
Reviewed by @gregkiep: I stayed in this room for a weekend getaway and I'm still dreaming about that balcony. Sipping champagne with the Eiffel Tower so close I could touch it was magical. If you want a romantic splurge, this is absolutely the place to book.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Guests universally worship the views and the 'Palace' status service, often calling it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
Reality check
Some recent guests felt the 'nickel and diming' (e.g., €13 for a machine coffee) was insulting given the room rate.
You are planning a proposal or honeymoon and need a 'money shot' view
You appreciate Empire-style decor and Napoleonic history
You want a pool that actually feels like a sanctuary, not a basement
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
Housekeeping: Twice-daily service is standard. Most guests report 'spotless' rooms.
Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble. No reports of mold or grout issues.
Maintenance: Excellent condition, though one review noted 'glamour over dust' in high corners of the pool area.
Linens & towels: Plush, heavy, and crisp. High thread count Egyptian cotton.
Odors & scents: Signature 'Shangri-La' scent (white tea/ginger notes) in the lobby; rooms smell fresh.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Street traffic on Avenue d'Iéna (lower floors)
occasional noise from the pool area if your room is directly above/adjacent
Before you book
Good to know
The hotel is in the 16th Arrondissement, which is residential and quiet at night — not a party district.
Valet parking is ~€55/night; street parking is virtually impossible.
The 'Bamboo' panda mascot amenities for kids are a huge hit if you're traveling with little ones.
What to pack
Swimsuit (the pool is a highlight, not an afterthought)
Dressier clothes for dinner (the vibe is old-money formal)
A high-quality camera/lens for the balcony photos
Room Genie
Best picks
Eiffel View Room (Category) — The entry-level for the view you came for
Duplex Terrace Eiffel View Suite — The ultimate splurge for a private balcony breakfast
Room 410 or similar high-floor corner rooms for dual-aspect views
Rooms to avoid
Superior Rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor (often face the courtyard or street with no view)
Rooms near the service elevators (can be noisier)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and specifically requesting a room on the 4th floor or higher to minimize street noise. If possible, a room with a direct, unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower would be deeply appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does every room have an Eiffel Tower view?
No. Only about 50% of rooms have the view. You MUST book an 'Eiffel View' category room to guarantee it.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no, unless you book a specific package or have Virtuoso/Amex FHR status. Otherwise, expect to pay ~€70pp.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a stunning 17-meter indoor pool located in the former stables, with natural light.
Is it kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes. They have a 'Bamboo' panda mascot, kid-sized robes, and the pool is welcoming to families.
How far is the Eiffel Tower?
It's directly across the river, about a 10-15 minute scenic walk.
What is the 'City Tax'?
As a 'Palace' hotel, the city tax is higher than standard 5-star hotels, around €15.93 per person, per night.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'Bar Botaniste' serves rare botanical spirits; ask the bartender for a custom creation based on your mood.
✨
You can access the garden directly from some ground-floor rooms, but you lose the view.
✨
Walk to the nearby Musée Guimet for an incredible Asian art collection (fitting, given the hotel's brand).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Napoleonic Bee' symbols are everywhere in the decor because the original owner was Napoleon's grand-nephew.
💡The pool area used to be the stables, which explains the high ceilings and stone arches.
💡There is a hidden 'changing room process' complaint in reviews — some guests find the spa staff a bit pushy with product sales.
💡The hotel has its own private garden, which is a rarity in central Paris.
💡The 'Shang Palace' restaurant is the only Chinese restaurant in France that *held* a Michelin star for years (until 2025).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Shangri-La Paris is located and what's nearby.