Shangri-La Hotel, at the Shard, London now open

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ has opened its first property in the United Kingdom – Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London. 

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the Hong Kong-based hotel group’s 83rd hotel and third in Europe, following the openings of Shangri-La Hotel, Paris and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul in 2010 and 2013, respectively.

Located in the Renzo Piano-designed tallest building in Britain on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the city’s first high-rise hotel. It offers unrivalled views of London in every direction, overlooking such landmarks as the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The hotel is also the first luxury property to open south of the River Thames and is conveniently positioned minutes from The City of London.

The spire-shaped, glass-clad Shard is a 306-metre-high “vertical city” located on the historic South Bank of the River Thames.  The modern building provides the perfect foil for the hotel’s elegant, contemporary design, which drew inspiration from the rich cultural offerings of London’s vibrant art, fashion and entertainment scene and Shangri-La’s Asian heritage.

Take a video view of this new property courtesy of Bloomberg TV:

Every one of the hotel’s 202 guestrooms and suites has a view, and the rooms are amongst the largest in London, averaging more than 42 square metres (452 square feet). They feature Chinese art reinterpreted in a modern, abstract way alongside a soothing colour scheme and mood lighting.  All offer the exclusive “Shangri-La Bed” featuring patented body-contouring technology, marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors and Acqua di Parma amenities.  Complimentary Internet access, one of Shangri-La’s signature offerings worldwide, is available throughout the hotel, and butler service is offered in all suites.

The hotel’s Asian touches extend to its three wining and dining destinations. T?ng (derived from the Chinese word for a living room) serves locally sourced cuisine with a hint of Asian flavours in the restaurant and authentic Asian specialities and two unique afternoon teas in the lounge.  Láng (the Chinese word for ‘pathway’) is a patisserie and artisan deli on the ground floor showcasing a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes and savouries for eat-in or take-away along with seasonal hampers.  The third, G?ng, London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar, will launch 19 May 2014. G?ng takes its name from ‘dougong’ – an ancient Chinese structural element of interlocking wooden brackets that will be a component of the bar’s interior.  G?ng is located on Level 52, also home to the 24-hour gym and London’s highest infinity pool, which will open this summer.

or intimate celebrations, private cocktail gatherings and luxury product launches, the hotel has three river-facing event spaces. They are located on Level 34 and connected to the sky lobby by a grand staircase with a vista of St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.

The venues accommodate 10 to 140 people, and the entire 34th floor may be requested for a standing reception of up to 200 guests.  Spectacular views from 125 metres above the city complement the state-of-the-art conferencing technology and tailor-made catering services.

Opening room rates start from £450 per room per night, including VAT.  In addition, the hotel offers an exclusive “Room With A View” package starting from £530 per night based on two adults sharing with breakfast for two and two tickets to The View from The Shard; VAT is included.