Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, London

With nothing but a wall of glass between us and the City of London, a stay at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard was always going to be interesting, but as romantic escapes go, this hotel takes some beating. Here’s why.

• Location: In the heart of historic London on the South Bank of the River Thames.
• Accommodations: The hotel has 202 rooms and 17 suites. There are four types of guest rooms – Superior Shard, Deluxe City View, Premier City View and Iconic City View - and four suite categories, with the largest and most desirable being the Shangri-La Suite. All rooms have Shangri-La’s unique body-contouring bed, free Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. Many have standalone bathtubs with views.
• Dining options: Although LÁNG café on the ground floor is perfect for casual dining, the focus at the Shangri-La is very much on TING, the elegant restaurant and lounge on level 35 where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with views stretching for miles. This is our full review of TING.
• What else is there: Not only is GONG cocktail and champagne bar at The Shard London’s highest hotel bar, it is also very “Ab Fab”. Situated on level 52, this super-chic venue is the place not just to enjoy spectacular views but also to unwind and indulge over a drink or afternoon tea. So incredible is the hotel’s infinity-edge pool that you might want to ditch the laps and simply swim up to the glass and gape at the view. In the 24-hour gym next door the views are equally spectacular – you can keep an eye on Tower Bridge and the Tower of London while sweating it out on the treadmill.  
• What’s nearby: Shangri La at the Shard Hotel is close to London Bridge Station which provides access to everywhere else in London and beyond, but it is also within walking distance is Borough Market, the galleries of Tate Modern, and the majestic architecture of St Paul's Cathedral.  
• Why go: It’s the height of luxury (literally!) views to die for and an ultimate indulgent escape in the heart of London.

The Space

Soaring to almost 310 metres, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and is the shining new star of London’s skyline. Italian architect Renzo Piano’s dazzling obelisk on the South Bank of the River Thames pierces the sky in dramatic fashion. You don’t have to ask for directions, just look up and you’re likely to see it. The Shangri-La occupies levels 34 to 52 of this extraordinary 95-story pinnacle. The jaw-dropping views start the minute the lift doors open at the lobby on level 35. Wherever you go – including every guest room – you find yourself staring down at London’s famous landmarks. From up there, the Thames looks a bronze ribbon snaking its way through the city, while trains coming and going from London Bridge station resemble long white caterpillars. You’re so high up the city looks like a world in miniature complete with little models of St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Here, binoculars become the guest’s essential tool, and a pair is provided in every room. The vibe is one of cool, understated luxury. The hotel somehow manages to exude elegance and exclusivity, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly making it perfect for an indulgent romantic escape. 

Where We Stayed

The enormous three-metre-wide bed in our Iconic City View Room was big enough to get lost in. Between it and the window was a large timber console with an LED-TV, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and a series of drawers where wine glasses and tumblers as well as white china cups, cutlery, premium-quality teabags and a teapot were beautifully laid out in individual compartments. In a separate drawer we found a range of optional extras including a selection of spirits and snacks, and the minibar was well stocked. In a box on top of a large desk was arguably the most useful piece of equipment the hotel provides – a pair of binoculars guaranteed to distract not only the most romantic of couples but also the busiest of executives. It seemed everything had been thought of, from a gentleman’s valet stand to a set of bathroom scales and two sets of bathrobes (white towelling or Japanese kimono). In the bathroom, as well as Acqua Di Parma amenities and a bowl of bath salts there was a pleasing collection of useful items such as loofah, toothbrushes, shaving kit etc, along with a swag of other useful things in the wardrobe from an umbrella to his-and-hers wooden shoe trees. A major draw card, however, was the bathroom; wth nothing but a wall of glass between us and the City of London, and given our altitude, we had no qualms about stripping off and wallowing in the bath, high up in that iconic glass tower, while gazing down at London.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The views, from everywhere.
• Indulging in a cocktail at GONG before dinner.
• The infinity pool. 

Insider Tips  

• Complementary bottled water is regularly refreshed by housekeeping and comes in sleek glass bottles.
• Set one evening aside for dinner at TING - it’s a romantic and fine dining experience not to be missed.

The Details

Shangri-La at the Shard is located at 131 Thomas Street, London SE1, www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/.