Breakfast is usually a simple affair for me – a bowl of oatmeal, maybe some yogurt and a muffin. But when I’m staying at a luxury hotel, especially one in Paris, my breakfast game changes completely. I’m talking big, hearty, and utterly indulgent. And believe me, I make sure all the food groups are represented: bacon, pastries, berries, and of course, cereal. After all, I’m going to be spending the day exploring the city, so a little extra fuel is always welcome!
This recent trip to the Shangri-La Paris, a personal favorite amongst the world’s top luxury hotels, was no exception. Every morning, I savored a lavish in-room dining breakfast, all while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. Talk about a morning treat!
The La Bauhinia Breakfast: A Symphony of Flavors
My go-to room service breakfast is usually a Continental spread – a muffin, coffee, and juice, often with a protein side like bacon or ham. But at the Shangri-La Paris, things are elevated to a whole new level. They offer what they call the La Bauhinia Breakfast, a luxurious experience named after one of their incredible restaurants. For €59, this feast includes a hot beverage, a cold beverage, an array of delicious pastries, your choice of hot main dishes, and two sides.
My go-to order: a comforting hot chocolate, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and scrambled eggs. I couldn’t resist adding a side of crispy bacon and a bowl of fresh berries. The bread basket was a delight, filled with flaky croissants and mini baguette rolls. Every single item was perfectly prepared, and the flavors were simply divine.
A Commitment to Quality: The Secret to Shangri-La’s Success
The magic of the Shangri-La Paris breakfast lies in the absolute commitment to quality in every single ingredient. It’s not just about the taste, it’s about the source. The bacon comes from a special butcher selected by the hotel. The orange juice is made with the freshest oranges available. The butter is from a renowned farm in Normandy, known for its exceptional dairy products. And the hot chocolate? Made with milk from the same dairy farm, and sweetened with Alain Ducasse chocolate – talk about a decadent touch! Even the eggs for my scrambled eggs come from a specific farm famous for their amazing quality.
More Than Just a Breakfast: A Shangri-La Experience
Beyond the luxurious accommodations and Michelin-starred restaurants (the hotel’s Shang Palace boasts the only Michelin star awarded to a Chinese restaurant in all of France), the Shangri-La Paris is renowned for its warm, personalized service. This dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of your stay, right down to the breakfast experience. My breakfast arrived promptly within 35 minutes of ordering, and the presentation was impeccable. The food arrived on a rolling tray with a hot box, keeping everything warm and perfectly prepared.
The Eiffel Tower: A Parisian Icon
No Parisian breakfast is complete without a view of the Eiffel Tower. My room at the Shangri-La Paris offered a beautiful vista of this iconic landmark. The hotel even has terrace suites and signature suites that offer direct views of the tower and private outdoor spaces where you can relax and soak in the Parisian magic.
A Palace with a Past: The Shangri-La Paris
The Shangri-La Paris is a true palace hotel, with a rich history. Originally built as the grand home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, great-nephew of Napoleon, the mansion perched atop a hill, offering stunning city views. Interestingly, the mansion was built after the Eiffel Tower was erected, but it faces the opposite direction. Even Prince Roland’s private apartment, now a spectacular suite, looks away from the tower. This is likely because Prince Roland, like many Parisians of his time, considered the Eiffel Tower to be a modern monstrosity, a blemish on the beautiful Parisian skyline.
So next time you’re in Paris, treat yourself to a breakfast fit for royalty at the Shangri-La Paris. It’s an experience that will leave you with memories to cherish, and a taste of true Parisian luxury.
