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© yohanes.budiyanto, 2013
Shangri-La Paris is the group's debut and first foray in Europe. After a lengthy search for the right candidate, owner/billionaire Robert Kuok finally settled for a former mansion / palace once belonged to Prince Roland Bonaparte, the grand nephew of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The beautiful palace is also the last Napoleonic Palace in Paris, having been built between the period of 1892 - 1896 on an unrivaled and enviable location at Avenue d'Iena, not far from Trocadero, Palais de Tokyo, Musee Quai Branly and Champs Elysees. It boasts the best and quintessential view of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, just across the Seine river.
Similar to Kuok, I also made a lengthy research on all 5 star Parisian hotels through google map to check the location, proximity and best angle for a hotel room with uninterrupted view of Eiffel Tower; and I found Shangri-La Paris is actually the closest to the tower and therefore clearly unrivaled. Ironically, Prince Roland Bonaparte hated the tower as it was an eyesore for him, so much that his own Master Bedroom faced the opposite side. To me, this is the million dollar view, and no visit to Paris should be legitimate before staying at one of the hotel rooms or suites with an Eiffel view!.
Despite the central location nearby all the tourist attractions, the hotel is a palatial heaven of calm. Inside, it is so serene that you immediately feel transported back to the past, and living the princely life of a Bonaparte. The architecture is so jaw-droppingly breathtaking that I was completely in awe everytime I passed through its amazing historical public areas. You could have mistaken it for being part of the Louvre, Versailles or even Notre Dame! It is nothing I have ever seen in my life in a hotel; and it is truly befitting that the hotel is the group's flagship property.
Everything about the hotel is of top quality and perfection. I might not be a fan of the Shangri-La group in the past, but this hotel alone has completely changed and restored my confidence to the group. It is simply the best, and not only it could give Four Seasons George V (FSGV) a run for its money, it actually beats FSGV on almost all aspects: architecture, decor, view, amenities, technology, and service.
FSGV is legendary, but I found the service at Shangri-La was better: it was highly personalized, classy without being snotty, responsive, unobtrusive, and impeccable. Check-in was done at one of the dedicated Historical lounges off the entrance and guests are treated to a relaxing sit-down registration with welcome drink of choice served. It truly sets a nice and welcoming tone to the stay, of which was absent at the FSGV.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the level of service to be consistent across the board. I was greeted by my last name, and they give you this warm and genuine smile, something I dreamed of becoming reality from Shangri-La's famous slogan: Service from the Heart. It finally happened!. When one day I mistakenly ordered pancake instead of waffle, the Assistant Manager insisted to change it to what I initially wanted, to which I refused (from wasting the pancake). She even gave gentle reminders if I found it unsatisfactory and wanted to switch back to waffle, she would be happy to arrange one for me. It was clear that everyone understands customer satisfaction; and strived to ensure guests had the most enjoyable stay. Even the porter was so hospitable that it was really pleasant to chat with him while waiting for the taxi to the Left Bank. Most porter I met seemed to be quite pretentious and tips-hunger. At Shangri-La Paris, I felt completely at home.
The food was superb. Shangri-La is one of the few hotels to have a list of popular Asian food in Paris. The month of August coincided with the Summer break, and it is unfortunate that most Michelin rated restaurants are closed, including two of the hotel's Michelin-rated establishments: L'abeille by Phillipe Labbe (2 Michelin); and the Shang Palace by Frank Xu (1 Michelin). That said, food at both La Bauhinia and room service was exceptional. The Thai food, especially Pad Thai is so delicious that I ordered it twice within less than 24 hours. I have heard about the rave reviews about the Cantonese food at Shang Palace, and it is among my top list for my next visit to Paris. Breakfast food was also amazing. It was served at the spectacular, oval-shaped La Bauhinia in a duplex setting. The Egg benedict with truffle was perfectly cooked and it was heavenly. European hotels really have taken luxury to a new height. During my European trip, there was always caviar, foie gras, truffle, lobster and champagne on daily basis for more than two weeks.
Rooms and Suites at the Shangri-La are all beautifully decorated. Interestingly, it was designed by the same designer who was also in charge of redesigning the Four Seasons George V (and also Prince de Galles Paris, Four Seasons Park Lane London, Four Seasons Florence and The Savoy London): Pierre-Yves Rochon. I might not be his biggest fan, but I found what he did at the Shangri-La Paris is very exceptional. My personal preference and style usually gravitate around the modern and simplistic elegance of Tony Chi, Jaya Ibrahim, Andre Fu, Peter Remedios, and Super Potato; but I really like the sheer elegance he brought to the Shangri-La Paris.
The Eiffel Terrace Suite has a view to die for, and an expansive terrace boasting amazing views over Paris' most famous landmarks. It is so large that it could host an outdoor party!. Shangri-La Paris not only offers modern conveniences that are lacking at FSGV, such as electric blinds, mood-lighting, bedside console panel and heated towel rack; but it also provides other conveniences such as extra large safe, Yukata robe, Shangri-La signature aromatherapy home fragrance diffuser, complete set of bathroom amenities (Yes, even toothbrushes, razors et al), and a first-of-its-kind Ipad holder by the bathtub!. It really goes beyond creating an exceptional accommodation, but also the most enjoyable one. In each bathroom, a separate mini amenities pouch for the ladies is also provided, containing essentials by L'Occitane. Bathtub is huge by the window with pillow provided for greatest comfort. Shower compartment is equipped with the pre-requisite rainforest shower head (which is missing in FSGV), and water pressure is expectedly strong. Ad Notam TV by the mirror seems to be an industry standard for top hotels nowadays, and is also present here on the mirror by the twin vanities. The only thing missing is one of those smart Japanese toilets, the Toto Neorest.
Shangri-La Paris is truly a spectacular hotel. It is technically a Palace category hotel (currently only bestowed to Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, Four Seasons George V, Plaza Athenee, Le Meurice, Le Bristol and Raffles Le Royal Monceau). If not for Atout Paris' requirement for 2 years consistency rating for all new 5 hotels applying for Palace category, this is technically a Palace hotel to me!. It is currently my best hotel stay of the year, even though I have stayed at many upper tier suites during most of my travels this year. A visit to Paris is not complete without a stay at the Shangri-La Paris for me now. There is no better comparison of staying at an historic place steep in French history bearing the Bonaparte name than the Shangri-La. It's perfection!.
UPDATE 2014:
* The Shangri-La Paris has finally been awarded the Palace status in July 2014 together with the Mandarin Oriental Paris, making them part of only eight hotels in Paris with Palace distinction.
* 2 Michelin Star L'Abeille has been voted as The Best Restaurant in the Virtuoso's 2014 Best of the Best Hotel Awards
PERSONAL RATING:
1. Room: 95
2. Bathroom: 90
3. Bed: 95
4. Service: 100
5. In-room Tech: 90
6. In-room Amenities: 95
7. Architecture & Design: 100
8. Food: 95
9. View: 100
10. Pool: 90
11. Wellness: 90
12. Location: 100
13. Value: 95
Overall: 95.00
Compare with other Parisian hotels that I have stayed previously:
PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDOME: 90.00
My #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE HOTEL
LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG: 95.38
SHANGRI-LA PARIS
10 Avenue d'Iena
Paris
Awarded Palace Status (2014)
General Manager (current): Alain Borgers
General Manager (as of 23 Sept 13): Stefan Bollhalder
Executive Assistant Manager: Frederic Madre
Executive Chef: Phillippe Labbe (2 Michelin Star)
Head Chef (Shang Palace): Frank Xu (1 Michelin Star)
Architect (circa 1896): Ernest Janty
Architect (Renovation 2010): Richard Martinet
Interior Designer: Pierre-Yves Rochon
Hotel Opening Date: 17 December 2010
Heritage Listed: Historical Monument (2009)
Notable Former Owner: Prince Roland Bonaparte
Total Rooms: 54 Rooms (including 14 Eiffel Rooms)
Total Suites: 24 Suites (including 8 Eiffel Suites)
Signature Suites: 3 Suites (Suite Chaillot, La Suite Imperiale and La Suite Shangri-La)
Bathroom Amenities: Bvlgari White Tea
Restaurants: 3 (2 Michelin L'Abeille; 1 Michelin Shang Palace and La Bauhinia)
Bars and Lounges: 1 Bar and 3 Historic Lounges
Meeting & Banquets: 3 Historical Monument listed Salons and Salon Bonaparte
Health & Leisure: 24 hours Gymnasium and 15x6m indoor swimming pool
Toothbrush
PERMISSION TO USE: Please check the licence for this photo on Flickr. If the photo is marked with the Creative Commons licence, you are welcome to use this photo free of charge for any purpose including commercial. I am not concerned with how attribution is provided - a link to my flickr page or my name is fine. If used in a context where attribution is impractical, that's fine too. I enjoy seeing where my photos have been used so please send me links, screenshots or photos where possible. If the photo is not marked with the Creative Commons licence, only my friends and family are permitted to use it.
In the bathroom there was toothbrushes that were melted where they were hanging in there holder, right next to the rinse glass which survived fairly well. There was lots of crazy burnt things to take photos of inside the burnt and abandoned Brisbane house
The keeper at Werribee Zoo knows the trick to get the Hippo's to open their mouths. It is a most impressive display. I' m glad this was not in the wild.
My attempt to make an interesting image from a boring subject. Lit with a SB-700 behind and to the right of the brush, triggered via CLS in manual mode.
This red lacing tool started out in life as a Fuller toothbrush. When worn out, the brush was removed and the handle sharpened into this tool. I have no idea how many rugs this little heirloom has made before I inherited it.
Electric toothbrush head
PERMISSION TO USE: Please check the licence for this photo on Flickr. If the photo is marked with the Creative Commons licence, you are welcome to use this photo free of charge for any purpose including commercial. I am not concerned with how attribution is provided - a link to my flickr page or my name is fine. If used in a context where attribution is impractical, that's fine too. I enjoy seeing where my photos have been used so please send me links, screenshots or photos where possible. If the photo is not marked with the Creative Commons licence, only my friends and family are permitted to use it.
This was shot in a small cafe next to the fountain of Quevedo in Bogotá Colombia. An plaza dating from the mid 1500s.This was our first night in Bogotá and Nancy and I were feeling effects of the altitude (about 8,600 feet 2,600 m). Or gracious guide and host Carlos ordered us a hot sugary drink he said would help with our altitude sickness. It worked! However, I still had the wrong camera setting, the only shots I have of this were taken as jpegs. But at least I had remembered to take my camera with me.
Technical:
Processing this image involved further experimentation with and learning about using luminosity masks in post-processing.
Two luminosity masks for the lights and highlights. One of the masks was an intersection of a hand painted mask and a highlight luminosity mask. This was my first time combining mask and I had to go through all three options, add, subtract and intersect to find out which one would do what I invisioned.
The last two luminosity masks were "basic" mid-tones masks which I used to adjust the levels and the vibrance. About half a dozen other miscellaneous masks preceded the luminosity masks.
Perhaps the work of post-processing would have less if I had set the camera to shoot in RAW. :)
Ok the following joke will offend everyone!
Do you know how you can tell they invented the Toothbrush in (Alabama/West Virginia/Kentucky/Southern Ohio/Mississippi/Boise/Ottawa)?
If they had invented it anywhere else it would have been called a Teeth Brush!
My dad brushes his teeth so hard that the bristles start to go "in bloom" within the first week of him getting a new one. He has amazing teeth for his age, though. I don't think he'll ever need dentures. On the other hand, he's left behind a ton of toothbrushes that will undergo therapy for life. RIP toothbrushes.
This designer travel version of my beloved Sonic electric toothbrush goes with me when ever I leave home. It went with me to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. I'm pretty sure I was one of the only ones with an electric tooth brush on both adventures.
Number 12 for 122 Pictures in 2022:Brush/Brushes.
A most unusual brush, which I must say functions extremely well,
I'm not sure you can still call this a toothbrush . . . it really does need to go. At least it was still good for something, right?
For Macro Mondays "Bathroom Items" assignment.
A Christmas pressie for my brother-in-law who travels a lot. My first attempt at making a toothbrush/toothpaste travel roll. I will modify it if I make another. Lovely mirror ball dots for the binding!
The BristleBot is a vibrobot with an agenda.
It's built with a vibrating pager motor and the busines end of a toothbrush that has slanted bristles.