Princely Estate. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

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Prudence Mason
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1 Princely Estate R Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

3 shangri-la hotel, paris

4 THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN.

as we strolled along the cobblestone streets heading back to the hotel, the late afternoon breeze felt crisp on our faces and the comforting aroma of coffee grinds tickled our noses.

5 as we strolled along the cobblestone streets heading back to the hotel, the late afternoon breeze felt crisp on our faces and the comforting aroma of coffee grinds tickled our noses. Leafy olive-green trees rustled gently and if we stopped and listened very carefully, we could still hear the words of philosophers and poets lingering in the air. We arrived at a quaint little bridge crossing over the River Seine, and as it would happen, our timing was impeccable as with each step we took over the bridge, the wrought-iron At the same time, all the buildings and streets began to light entire city lit up around us, there we stood spellbound on the it was some time before we could breathe again. 1

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when we passed through the iron gates of this palace that was once home to Prince Roland Bonaparte, we were met by a doorman donning a most endearing smile.

8 when we passed through the iron gates of this palace that was once home to Prince Roland Bonaparte, we were met by a doorman donning a most endearing smile. His welcome was so sincere that we could literally feel it in our hearts, and his whole demeanour was so exceptionally amicable that I could not help but ponder what wonderful legacy the good prince had left behind. Inside the lobby, an ethereal brightness embraced the hallway and were so impressive it was as if they had come from a real Ming Dynasty palace. Burnt caramel and cream coloured marble tiles dangled with that unmistakable Parisian charm. What we had found most remarkable, however, was that despite the hotel s opulence and grandeur, it had an aura that was genuinely welcoming, settling us from deep within.

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leaving a panorama of glittering stars outside, we stepped into L Abeille restaurant where a flurry of silver, grey and taupe tones greeted us politely.

11 leaving a panorama of glittering stars outside, we stepped into L Abeille restaurant where a flurry of silver, grey and taupe tones greeted us politely. Bright yellow roses dotted every table set perfectly with delicate porcelain tableware. Coffee-coloured taffeta curtains draped the walls, and up above, smoky crystal chandeliers softened the room. In true Parisian style, the restaurant possessed entrées poached to perfection, we were transported to an unchartered world of culinary excellence. The next night, the dazzling Shang Palace whisked us back to the imperial days of China with its interior of mahogany carved screens, luminous jade columns and a collection of Chinese artwork and vases reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty. The restaurant s signature dish was as appetising as it was artistic an iridescent rainbow of finely shredded vegetables, delicate slices of salmon sashimi and lashings of a deliciously piquant sesame dressing. 13

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14 the day ended perfectly out on the terrace of our suite with a kaleidoscope of colours glittering before us. The Eiffel Tower stood poised by our side shimmering with a soft golden glow, towering over the city and miniaturising everything in sight. As we let our minds wander through the adventures of the day, a soft Parisian breeze swirled majestically at our feet, and with every sip of our into a neat little album of enchanting memories. Finally, when we could not keep our eyes open any longer, we retired to our plush white tea scented room. We drew the heavy velvet drapes behind us and nestled into the king-sized bed that was so comfortable that within minutes we were back outside, adrift on a cotton candy-like cloud sailing over this incredible City of Light. 18

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19 Shangri-La Hotel, Paris 10 Avenue d Iéna, Paris, France Tel: (33 1) Fax: (33 1) reservations.slpr@shangri-la.com 2012 Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. Published in Hong Kong Printed and bound in China. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. SLPR0912

21 There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly and prosperous population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers. Lost Horizon, James Hilton It was through this 1933 classic that we found our name. And it was this novel that inspired our heartfelt hospitality. Every hotel around the world has its own story to tell and, in keeping with how it began, each captures its account in a little book. Collect as many books as you can from over 70 hotels and resorts around the world.

Tranquil. Nights. Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen

Tranquil. Nights. Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen Tranquil Nights R Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen futian shangri-la, shenzhen THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN. next door, the park was majestic with every shade