Shangri-La, the Asian luxury hotel brand has opened its first hotel in London. Located in the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard London is the city’s first high-rise hotel. It offers spectacular views of London in every direction.
“The sweeping views from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard provide an entirely new perspective on London. It is a spectacular setting in which to introduce our signature Asian-inspired hospitality to the U.K.” said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. “The master architect Renzo Piano had amazing vision with his design of The Shard. We’ve created a unique hotel that complements the iconic building and makes the most of the 360-degree view 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.
All the hotel’s 202 guestrooms and suites has a view, and the rooms average 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, 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. Tīng (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, Gŏng, London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar. Gŏng takes its name from ‘dougong’ – an ancient Chinese structural element of interlocking wooden brackets that will be a component of the bar’s interior. Gŏng is located on Level 52, which is also home to the 24-hour gym and London’s highest infinity pool.
“Today marks an important milestone in London’s hotel landscape and the ongoing development of the South Bank Community and the borough of Southwark. We are thrilled to open our doors and be an integral part of this local community. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world and to delivering Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality from the heart to each and every guest,” said Darren Gearing, executive vice president and hotel general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.
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.
