When searching the best vantage point for spectacular scenery, most of us take a skyward approach towards Shangri-La The Shard, London. Showcasing flawless views from every angle, from the rooms, restaurants, bar to the pool; this hotel defines luxury.
Location – The Shard
Shangri-La The Shard, London is intelligently positioned like many other Shangri-La properties. Known as one of the most iconic frameworks worldwide, this acclaimed king of the architectural world promotes outstanding unparalleled views, intimately connecting us to London.
Starting on level 34 – a towering 125 metres high, Shangri-La The Shard, London occupies 18 floors of The Shard. Supplying panoramic skyline views overlooking the River Thames and beloved landmarks such as the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Designed by Renzo Piano; The Shard can be seen projecting from the London skyline up to the extent of 25 miles away, not to mention the views from the gallery at the summit, ranging as far as the grasslands of Kent and Sussex. Requiring a total of 11,000 panels of glass, there’s no wonder that The Shard have all of the bragging rights, as Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
As the second European property of Shangri-La group’s portfolio, the interior demonstrates a clean, contemporary, yet simplistic design. It is in-fact the composition of London’s cityscape, that rolls out beneath each window like a red carpet, making up for the majority of the wow-factor at this residence.
Shangri-La The Shard, London houses 202 combined rooms and suites (all with unrivalled floor-to-ceiling city views), three signature dining venues and London’s highest hotel infinity pool in Western Europe… this really is a tough gig to compete with!
First Impressions
As a London resident based in the suburbs of Twickenham, every now and again I like to get involved with an overnight stay in the heart of the city. So, after finishing a day’s work in my office at Bank, I took the opportunity to get my step count up and appreciate the Central London views. A short 10-minute walk later across London Bridge and I arrive at The Shard.
Now approaching the Shangri-La’s very own dedicated entrance on St Thomas Street, it’s hard not to notice the extraordinary paintwork on the selection of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and G-wagons, all pitched up outside Shangri-La The Shard, London. As I walk up to the entrance, I’m greeted by razor-sharp suited hotel porters, who welcome me through the glass turnstile doors, continuing to lead me toward the elevator.
A rapid 26-seconds later, and the doors to the lift ping open onto the 34th floor. Wow! What a jaw-dropping entrance into a hotel lobby. As guest’s check-in and out at the front desk, it’s evident to see everybody positioned across the marble clad, admiring either their first or final, awe-inspiring panoramic view of London city. This quite possibly could be the most impressive entrance into a hotel that I’ve ever had.
My Room – Premier City View King
Now comfortably with my bags set down, it is once again the views that immediately take your breath away from inside the room.
The interior is designed with a vision to promote the concept of Chinese cleanliness and simplicity. A monumentally sized bed covered in fresh White Cotton sheets, pressed against a cloud grey floating headboard (imprinted with intricate plum blossom details, which is the national flower of China); takes place amongst the room’s brown walnut panelling and blue swirled pattern carpeting.
Almond brown free-standing and fixed lamp shades, comfy swivel chairs and slim-line mirrors, make up for the room’s ingredients inside. Off to the side of the room, there is a very generously sized walk-in wardrobe, hosting a large floor to ceiling mirror and plenty of space to get dressed in.
However, It is the bathroom which provides the ultimate wow factor here, with the floor and walls covered in luxury marble. The free-standing bathtub is placed to allow the eye-line to strike against the stunning northerly views, of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. It’s clear that the modern décor and elements which make up this room, have been created to make you feel as though you are literally perched on a cloud, high up in the sky.
Dinner at TING restaurant
TING have a vision and goal to become a platform for all guests to be able to experience dynamic modern dining, inspired and influenced by Asian cultures. Derived from the Chinese word for living room; TING restaurant believes that what creates a warm and welcoming environment, are the guests.
Whilst the menu at TING changes regularly, it combines classic seasonal British gastronomy, with an Asian infused twist. A lot of the ingredients which make up the dishes on the menu are sourced from local partners; together with the cheese from Neal’s Yard, a selection of meats from Cannon & Cannon and with some ingredients from suppliers in Borough Market.
Our favourite dishes included tuna tataki (cured tuna, aubergine & sesame), Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin (soy glazed carrot, carrot puree, beef & carrot sauce) and a yuzu & mango pavlova (crunchy meringue, yuzu cremeux & mango sorbet). Each dish can also be accompanied by an award-winning wine list.
The restaurant views are just as dramatic as our room and includes the Tower of London, the Walkie Talkie, Old Billingsgate Market, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast. This helps to set the most romantic stage to dine on, surrounded by the twinkling lights of London.
Breakfast in Bed
With hotel rooms this plush, staying at Shangri-La The Shard, London will easily win over your decision to have your breakfast in bed.
The morning promises to deliver a buffet breakfast of dreams; expect pastries & cakes, locally sourced artisan sourdough bread, fresh fruits, cereal, yogurts, cold cuts, cheese, fresh juices and hot beverages. Then if you have any more room, you can opt for something from the breakfast menu like a full English, pancakes and more.
Things to do at Shangri-La The Shard, London
If you are still struggling to part with the company that the hotel so superbly offers, you can always book a slot at the hotels pool. Floating 52 stories above London, the infinity sky pool is the highest hotel pool in Western Europe. The pool is accompanied alongside the Sky Sauna and fully equipped gym, offering guests a wellness oasis with unparalleled views.
There are also some interesting wellness options. A new partnership with Surge Fitness at nearby Bank uses Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) technology which is revolutionising the way we will work out. This advanced resistance training tones, firms and strengthens muscles in just 20 minutes a week. If you don’t want to leave your room, AMS Aesthetics is offering range of non-surgical treatments at the hotel like Botox, Dermal Fillers, Micro Needling, Skin Peels, Anti-Wrinkle & Mesotherapy.
In time for the festive season, Shangri-La and sustainable luxury toy maker plaay? are creating the perfect gifts with sustainably handmade wooden toys inspired by the Lunar Year of the Tiger to raise funds for Make-A-Wish International across the Middle East, Europe, India, and Canada. As a nod to Shangri-La’s Asian heritage, the tiger toy is inspired by this Lunar Year of The Tiger symbolising strength and bravery in Asian culture. With every toy bought, 100% of the profits will be donated to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.
In a nutshell
Shangri-La The Shard, London will make you fall in love with London all over again. There is a special sereneness up in the clouds that makes this one of the best hotels in London.
To discover more, visit: shangri-la.com
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Shangri-La The Shard, London.