Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have acquired the historic palais of Prince Roland Bonaparte with plans to convert it to the Shangri-La Hotel, Palais d’Iena, Paris in early 2009, marking the group’s European debut.

The Bonaparte family mansion in Paris’ prestigious 16th arrondissement will be converted into the capital’s first luxury hotel fully owned and operated by an Asian hotel group.

Located, near the Trocadero, the building offers some of the city’s finest views of the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel lived nearby and obtained a neighbourhood building height restriction so that his tower was always easily visible from his home.

Consequently, 10, avenue d’Iena affords close-up views of the Paris icon, to be showcased from the future hotel’s rooftop terrace and suites.

The 110 year-old mansion was designed and owned by Prince Roland Bonaparte, grand nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The historic and architectural integrity of the building exterior will be maintained and Shangri-La will work with top interior designers, such as Richard Martinet and Pierre Yves Rochon, to renew and enhance the inner spaces.

Accommodation in the seven-storey building will consist of 104 deluxe guestrooms and suites, some to include private balconies.

A rooftop speciality suite with “reach out and touch” outlook on the Eiffel Tower and river.