SHANGRI-LA Hotel, At The Shard, London will open to guests on May 6, 2014. One of the tallest hotels in Western Europe, the Shangri-La occupies levels 34 to 52 of the 72-storey glass-clad Shard. Located on the historic South Bank of River Thames, the hotel will be the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group’s third in Europe, following debuts in Paris in 2010 and Istanbul in 2013.
“Our continued expansion in Europe reflects the growth opportunities for the brand and portfolio,” says Shangri-La president and chief executive officer Greg Dogan. “The Shard is a landmark synonymous with London and we hope to encourage visitors to our hotel and the surrounding area. We are truly excited to be an integral part of the ongoing development of the South Bank community and the borough of Southwark.”
The hotel’s 202 rooms and suites range from 30 to 188 sq m, and are among the largest in London. Because of The Shard’s spiral shape, each of the guestrooms and suites, are individual in layout and design. All feature floor to ceiling windows, marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors, and mirrors with integrated television screens.
The hotel’s three signature suites, which afford the best views, will be unveiled in September.
The hotel will feature three food and beverage outlets: GŎNG, London’s highest bar on level 52, TĪNG, the signature restaurant and lounge on level 35, and LÁNG, an artisan deli on the ground floor. Level 52 will also be home to a 24-hour gym and London’s highest infinity pool, and along with GŎNG, level 52 will duly open from July 1.
Three river-facing event spaces on level 34 will offer stunning views and state-of-the-art conferencing technology along with catering services. The largest of the venues, Ren, can accommodate up to 140 guests. The other two, Yi and Li, can hold up to 10 and 35 guests, respectively. The grand staircase connecting levels 34 and 35, with its vista of St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond, makes for a good location for wedding photography.
“We are thrilled to be opening our doors in May after a number of years of planning and preparation,” says Darren Gearing, executive vice-president and hotel general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London. “The hotel’s inspiring views will connect emotionally with guests, while our service hallmarks will position the hotel at the forefront of the world’s finest hotels.”
The hotel will be open for advance rooms, events, restaurant and lounge bookings from March 17, with opening room rates starting at £450 ($616) per room per night, including VAT.