Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London Exceeds Guests’ Wildest Expectations
Standing at more than 1,000 feet (309.6 meters) tall, the Shard is not only the tallest building in London—it is also the tallest building in all of Western Europe. Originally designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, this brilliant structure is a testament to post-modern architecture as well as the creative potential of humankind.
However, viewing The Shard from a distance is only the beginning of a long journey towards wonder, luxury, and exceptional service. Occupying the 34th through 52nd floors of this architectural wonder is Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, London.
The Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London originally opened in 2014, making it the third Shangri-La Hotel located in Europe (joining Paris and Istanbul). Shangri-La Hotel has long worked to establish itself as one of the top luxury hotel brands in the world, committing themselves to provide excellent customer service and redefining luxury altogether.
Looking back to their Asian roots, the hotel officially opened with a ceremony known as “the Awakening of the Lion.” Since then, the hotel has only grown in popularity, luxury appeal, and the ability to ensure guest satisfaction. The team at NAVIS was privileged to experience this masterpiece of a hotel, and the results exceeded our already high expectations.
Offering a Whole New View of London
According to Shangri-La President and previous CEO Greg Dogan, “The sweeping views from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London 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.” The design teams—work behind both the building itself and the luxury hotel that occupies it—wanted to ensure guests could have the “full London experience.”
Navigating your way to this masterpiece of a hotel allows you to experience some of the city’s most remarkable and world-renowned attraction. London Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, and various other attractions are all just a stone’s throw away.
As you take in the 360-degree views of the city, remarking on the perfect blend of historical and modern architecture, you will quickly realize that there are few—if any—cities in the world that can be directly compared to London. The city is a constant mixture of tradition and innovation, the old and the new, and presents itself in a way that is truly timeless and worth exploring. Nowhere has the heart of London been seen so clearly as it can be seen in The Shard. As the clear centerpiece of this modern wonder, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London has established itself in a class of its own.
Commitment to Luxury, Above All Else
Walking around the hotel’s many floors, the ongoing commitment to luxury becomes immediately apparent. You will quickly find yourself surrounded by some of the finest Chinese and modern art you have ever seen in your life. The design team wanted to create displays that were both accessible and prestigious. As you take a close look at the impressive decorative display, it becomes clear that this goal was effectively achieved.
Luxury emanates throughout the hotel’s entire campus. Between having access to various amenities—such as a spa, fitness center, and, of course, the pool on the 53rd floor—the rooms themselves each have a lot to offer. Decorated in marble and other fine materials, the bathrooms have heated floors that can be adjusted according to your preferences. As a butler brings you a warm cup of coffee to start the day, you can look at on the River Thames and realize you are finally home.
While every room in the hotel offers a personal slice of this truly global city, it appears it is Shangri-La, at the Shard, London’s three signature suites that place her in an unprecedented class of her own. The three suites--named the London Suite, the Shangri-La Suite, and the Westminster Suite--were designed by the renowned Italian design firm F.M. Architettura. Upon exploring each suite, the firm’s remarkable yachting background becomes immediately apparent. The attention to detail, the impressive of use of materials, and the comprehensive design scheme all create a sort of lasting beauty that enthusiasts of luxury will cherish.
Providing Culinary Excellence
As you could come to expect from one of the world’s top luxury hotel brands, the Shangri-La at The Shard is not without its fair share of luxury dining options. Ting is a restaurant that blends the warmth and comfort of locally sourced cuisine along with traditional Chinese cooking methods. The restaurant offers stunning views of the world-famous Tower Bridge, unlike any other in the city. The setting is a constant reminder of London’s rich history, vibrant present, and optimistic future. The Ting provides the perfect juxtaposition of the comfortable and the cosmopolitan—while the food was indeed sourced and cared for locally, it synergizes bold flavors from all around the world.
Upon furthering your exploration of this luxurious hotel, you will also find Gong, a hip, panoramic drinking establishment that prides itself in being “London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar.” The bar is connected to the pool, which integrates into a single gathering place every night at 9 pm. Surrounded by history, culture, and character, there are few places in the world that are better for having a drink. As you sip your champagne and watch the sun set over the city, you will feel as if you are close to British royalty.
Having just passed its fifth anniversary, the stellar reputation of the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London has been hard-earned. She has already become recognized as one of the top luxury hotels in London and, consequently, in the entire world. With the entire city well within reach, there is seemingly no better way for the U.K. to be enjoyed.
