2 nights in Paris - ooh la la

After spending two weeks in the wilderness, I was excited with the prospect of spending 2 nights in Paris, but how would I cope with all the humans? Would I love it or would the crowds drive me to stay in my hotel room? I know Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan city but come on, it’s not Paris. During my quite time in the wilderness, I’d been thinking how I would spend my precious time in the city of love, I mean I needed to maximize every minute, I really only had one full day. I’d not been to Paris for 4 years, I was so excited. I had originally planned to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of my favorite areas of Paris. Having stayed in Paris many times, Saint-Germain-des-Prés would be perfect for 2 nights. All that changed with a chance dinner meeting before I left Australia! With my new business getting noticed globally, I was offered to stay 2 nights at the Shangri La Paris in return for my new skill set, I mean how could I say no? I’d stayed at the Shangri La before and loved it so it was an easy choice. I’ve stayed in many of the palace hotels in Paris but for sure this is my favorite. 

Upon arrival into Paris airport, it was a shock to see and be around so many people, it's like, where did all these people come from? I guess like all of us, they’ve been locked up for over 2 years and couldn’t wait to get out! One word of advice, leave more time than you used to at airports and pack your patience, you’ll probably need both.   

There’s many ways to get into the city from the airport but unlike Australia, they have fixed price clean taxis for the service, 53 Euro from the airport to city hotels which I thought was very good, its about a 40 minute ride. 

History, glamour and spectacular views meet me at Shangri-La Paris, once the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, there’s even a suite in the hotel that was his apartment! You can gaze at the Eiffel Tower from your room, or embark on an adventure through fashion, food and French culture to discover what really makes Paris tick. 

I love the reception because it’s more like a lounge room than your standard reception area. As they had my details from my previous stay, it’s a quick check in and I’m in my room with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. From my previous stay, one of the staff noticed I like a cold beer and that’s what was waiting for me in an ice bucket, two cold beers, how good is that. Of course there was macaroons and red wine but this is what sets hotels apart, personalizing your stay and making sure they keep your preferences. Having stayed in many of the world’s top hotels and resorts, few remember the small things which for me, makes all the difference, anyone can do the big things, we all loved to be recognized. 

To freshen up, I visited the amazing subterranean spa and fitness center. Besides the spa, gym and steam rooms, there’s a beautiful 17 metre pool you can do laps in, no need to pack your flippers or pool buoy, of course, they have it all on hand. No time to waste, I decide to walk to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, destination, Café de Flore, it’s a landmark in Paris and at least I know where I am when I’m in that area. It’s so different to Iceland and Greenland but it’s a beautiful day, beautiful people and my anxiety about too many people quickly disperses, Paris is so sophisticated. I taxi it back to the hotel for my meeting with hotel staff, no such thing as a free lunch! While I was in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, I tried on a sports coat but didn’t buy it. I kept thinking about it all night so the next day, I’m in a taxi to buy the jacket and I’m glad I did, I love it and if I didn’t, it would have been one of those moments where you think, I should have bought that. You know one of my sayings, it’s not the things we did do in life we’ll regret, it’s the things we didn’t! 

You would have seen my interview with Olesya Slizevich in the suite on level 7, amazing. Just in case you didn’t, here I the link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIXN7Eb6EZw&t=21s

Staying at the Shangri La Paris is an experience unto itself. The Shangri-La Paris can satisfy the most refined palates. You can choose a relaxed experience under the impressive glass cupola of La Bauhinia or an authentic culinary journey at Shang Palace, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France - all which are overseen by Executive Chef Christophe Moret. Each of the 100 rooms and suites are individually designed in a distinct French-meets-Asian style, dominated by a calming Rococo colour scheme and bathed in natural light. Commanding spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower or Avenue d’Iéna, many rooms can interconnect to accommodate larger families or groups. It’s a 10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe or a good hour to Saint-Germain-des-Prés!   

Next time your flying through Europe, stop in Paris for a couple of nights, treat yourself and stay at the Shangri La, hey, we only live once, you cannot take it with you. 

I’ll have some exciting news to share with you all soon…. 

www.brettdudley.com The Luxury Influencer, mystery shopper, and photographer 

Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do….