A new comer in the luxury hotels family is always welcome, especially when it’s part of a renowned group and located in such a great city as London is. Let’s discover Shangri-La at The Shard, London.
After opening an opulent residence in one of the most renowned address in Paris, consider also as their new worldwide flasghip, Shangri-La Hotels group continued its expansion in Europe with London and its new Renzo Piano’s iconic building, The Shard. In 2014, they inaugurated their new property located at top floors – 35th to 52nd – with rooms offering gorgeous city views, a fine-dining restaurant and an amazing Spa. Certainly the most exciting opening of the year and some fresh air for London tourism industry. Believe us, it’s worth a visit!
Living
Spa pool
First step entering Shangri-La at The Shard London is to pass through Concierge desk and Security check-in, to access lifts and finally reach 35th floor where the lobby and Reception are settled. Once there, the wow factor comes immediately! View over West London and its monuments is definitely a must-see, that’s certainly the best location in the city to do a check-in. Due to building layout, it’s also a place visited by any exterior guest coming for Ting restaurant – main hotel’s dining venue – or Gong sky bar ; can be busy at peak time.
Regarding Spa, I read some reviews saying it was small so I was expecting to be disappointed; I was absolutely not, especially since there is a fitness room with premium equipment, a cozy lounge with free tea/coffee drinks, a 11-meter infinity pool on window side and… the fact that you are at 52nd floor! The highest place in London (Europe?) for such entertainment.
Room
Deluxe City View room
Deluxe City View rooms can have several kind of size and view ; the one we had was directly overlooking the City and Tower Bridge from 42th floor which was stunning. Interior design follows Shangri-La global guidelines but is also quite unique due to The Shard building and its in-room pillars close to floor-to-ceiling windows. I really love the quality of overall furnitures – what a bed! – and layout of the bathroom, with its built-in TV. Maybe the entertainment system could be an axys of improvement ; I would appreciate to get a free online movie service, for instance, like many competitors are doing.
Dining
Ting restaurant – Set lunch main dish
Our dining experience at Shangri-la at The Shard London was composed of a breakfast and a lunch, both at Ting restaurant. As usually with Shangri-La hotels, breakfast is extensive and very rich while the business set lunch we had by Chef Emil Minev was really fine and tasty; the added value of this restaurant is obviously the great 270 degree view from Tower Bridge to the London Eye which is just incredible, especially when booking a window table!
Level of exigency
Shangri-La at The Shard is the second flagship of the group in Europe, after Paris. As expected, they put their level of exigency index very high and the place deserves it. During our short stay, service was really faultless and I particularly appreciated the service quality at Ting restaurant; I have also to notice the unusual split of Concierge (Ground floor) and Reception (35th floor) which is actually very efficient and allows guests to save time for most of request.
Stay from January 3rd to 4th, 2016 – Sponsorized media visit, but this article reflects 100% of my opinion and thoughts.
Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London opened in May 2014 and is composed of 202 guestrooms and suites. We stayed in Deluxe City View Room – around 40sqm – which public rate starts at 400 GBP/night.
Book at Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London
I’m glad to hear you were impressed by the Shangri-la at the Shard, I loved it there! Definitely the best views of London.