Un-deux-trois, three hotels make news in Paris

The choices for high-end meeting space and accommodations in Paris multiplied in June, as three properties opened, renovated, changed hands and expanded in the City of Lights.

Starwood’s Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts reopened the legendary Price de Galles following a two-year restoration that emphasized its Art Deco splendor.

The update is part of Starwood’s strategy to invest $200 million in some of its most celebrated Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, including the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, and The Gritti Palace in Venice.

Situated in the city’s most desirable quarter, on Avenue George V by the Champs-Elysées, the Prince de Galles originally opened in 1928.

The current renovation was designed by architect André Arfvidson, and led by French designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Bruno Borrione, to bring the hotel "back to the whimsically opulent era of the Parisian Art Deco 1930s." 

Meanwhile, the 298-room Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel joined the Marriott International portfolio this week.  

Located in the heart of the city on the right bank of the Seine, the historic property is Marriott’s 12^th property in Paris.

"Paris is one of the most dynamic and sought after cities in the world and we look forward to being ready to host the next generation of travelers," the company said. 

Originally built in 1927, the hotel was the vision of architect Baron Haussmann, who was commissioned to reshape the streets and architecture of Paris. 

It has hosted kings and heads of state, as well as the events and parties surrounding Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic.  

And at the Shangri-La Hotel, the new botanically inspired Garden Wing has opened its doors, offering a landscaped French garden in its inner courtyard, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

The new wing sits next to the 19^th-century hotel originally commissioned by Prince Roland Bonaparte, and adjacent to the hotel’s two-star gastronomic restaurant L’Abeille, run by Executive Chef Philippe Labbe.

Created as an extension of the hotel’s main building, the Garden Wing is directly accessible from the lobby.

It adds 11 new rooms and nine suites that can be combined to form spacious private apartments.

Set in what used to be the private home of a member of Parisian’s high society, the Garden Suite and the Garden room on the first floor share a semi-circular terrace overlooking the gardens.

Landscaped by French Architectures & Scenes d’Exterieur agency in homage to Prince Bonaparte, a noted botanist in his day, the garden is planted with sculpted topiary, evergreens and trellises, rosebushes, mimosa, jasmine and magnolia.

By Cheryl Rosen

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