Fusion Of Cultures

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris successfully blends Parisian and Asian influences against a backdrop of rich heritage and history

- Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

In 1896, the French Imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte built a palatial residence on Avenue d’Iéna in Paris, France. This location was then—and even now—the city’s most elegant neighbourhood. It was originally designed by architect Ernest Janty, who worked on the Louvre and the Tuileries palaces. It was known for its “eclectic style,” as the building’s architecture was unique for its time.

When the Shangri-La Group acquired the Palace in 2006, preserving its historical significance was their top priority. They immediately registered it with France’s Monuments Historique and enlisted architect Richard Martinet and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to lead the renovation team. These artisans were chosen specifically for their expertise in highlighting the building’s 19th-century architecture, while simultaneously turning it into a hotel fit for the 21st-century guest.

Renovations spanned four years—the same amount of time it took for the construction of the original building. Even the areas that were not historically registered were restored with a keen eye for detail. The result is a hotel that celebrates its rich history while making way for modern times.

Today, guests arrive at an entryway flanked by two Ming Dynasty-inspired vases that signify a fusion of cultures inside. Elaborate monograms of Prince Roland Bonaparte are integrated into the architecture and are complemented by Asianinspired décor throughout the hotel.