Paris Luxury Hotel Openings

While Paris doesn’t have the upcoming Olympics to hurry hotel openings along (though we’re expecting many Olympics-attendees to tack on a few nights in the City of Lights to their London trip), the city is welcoming a handful of exciting newcomers at a respectable clip. And, boy, are they swanky.

**Mandarin Oriental **The luxury brand opened its much-anticipated Parisian outpost in the First Arrondissement (a stone’s throw from the Louvre and the Garnier Opera) in June 2011. Two restaurants are helmed by Michelin-starred chef Theirry Marx. Rooms range in style and color schemes, but are all _tres chic _and come with humungous bathrooms. Rates from €795/night. www.mandarinoriental.com

**Shangri-La Paris **Originally built for Napolean’s grandnephew, Roland Bonaparte, in 1896, the hotel retains its mansion-like feel with all 61 rooms feeling more like Parisian pieds-à-terre. Many come with views of the Eiffel Tower. Rates start from €810/night. www.shangri-la.com

**Saint James Paris **The newly renovated chateau in the 16th Arrondissement (the only chateau in the city, for that matter) comes with 48 snazzy rooms reimagined by Philippe Starck and a new spa. Rates start from $436/night. www.saint-james-paris.com

The W Paris Opera The city’s first W will open on Valentine’s Day in the 2nd Arrondissement. 91 rooms will feature open bathrooms (with some cool LED lighting along the walls), high ceilings, and fun design details like mirrored headboards and funky chandeliers. Rates start from $537/night. www.wparisopera.com

_For general trip-planning info, see our Paris Travel Guide.
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