The Shangri La hotel is really a setting to behold, as soon as you enter the 35th floor of the 1,016 ft high, and Western Europes tallest building: The Shard, London. You are instantly struck by the sweeping views of the city beneath you, through long floor to ceiling windows teetering through from the circular, winding, Ting Lounge and Restaurant. That’s not all, however. Everything is immaculate; hostesses dressed in floor-length, draping red dresses, impeccable service from the moment you enter, reception desks lined with jars of Eclairs which I feared you are not supposed to touch in a place as radiant as this, but have been craving ever since, a pianist trilling on the grand yamaha in the lobby and a sense of such order and subtle flow, that you begin to believe that you must be drifting through the clouds here.
Floors 36 through 51 of the hotel offer 202 rooms, yet you are easily led to believe you are one of a small, secret, club of members staying at the hotel: such is their discreet opulence. Each room is unique and features floor to ceiling windows, stunning city views, a fusion of refined materials – marbles and silk – blended with contemporary light wood, completing the urban cityscape. Topping all of this are two features which really define the level of detail The Shangri La is willing to go to, to establish ultimate comfort for you: a patented “body-contouring” Shangri La bed (yes ladies: it contours your body whilst you sleep) and: heated bathroom seats with in built oscillating bidets. In the hope that you do not read this whilst eating your meals: there is no refined way to describe it other than a massage for your bum.
The marble clad bathrooms also feature wide jacuzzi baths angled against the glasses views of the city. Add to that the integrated televisions and mirror screens, dressing chambers, equipped pantries, and automatic blind sensors (which had me constantly leaving the room and coming back in to test them, as if I were in Toy Story), and the summation of all this design is that you simply never want to leave your room. What I really commend about the hotel is that, although the Suites are truly breathtaking, and afford vastly spacious rooms; the standard rooms are equally luxurious, facilitated, stunning and equipped – you are not missing out whatever the room type you choose here.
Rainy london days will never seem grim again; if you watch the pitter patter outside from the floor to ceiling panoramic views from the 52nd floor gym, and “skypool.” Facing west across the city, the 11 x 4 m heated pool features stunning views of Londons iconic vistas as well as a cool, dimly lit relaxation area with chaise-longues and fruit infused water, tea and nespressos at your disposal. The ultimate quiet and relaxation for an escape from the busy city.
The dining options at The Shangri La are threefold; Lang, Gong Bar, and Ting Restaurant. Ting offer such a conifer able setting of deep, cushioned chairs and an atmosphere of subtle glamour. It offers a menu of Modern European food with an Asian Twist; which although is not reinventive by most measures I suspect that is not its goal. If it’s goal is to execute each plate to exuberant perfection, then this is well achieved. The Langoustine Risotto with chorizo, smoked paprika and parmesan, as well as the impeccably soft Scallop starters are unrivalled. The Beef Shortrib for main, arrives as a plentiful serving for two, although technically intended for one. It is stacked up and glazed with a sweet, sticky hazelnut surface to the crisp top layer of beef, and sprinkled with crumbled coffee to finish. A rich, intricate, filling dish, with meat so soft and tender it allows for the powerful glaze and coffee infusion. The Exotic Macaron with caramelised pineapple and coconut mousse is as guilty a pleasure as any for the desiring sweet tooth, and an excellent close to a satisfying meal.
Staying at the Shangri La redefines the term: City Experience. Whether it be for a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, or even just a well deserved treat, you find yourself drifting from comfort to comfort within this glass haven. As you drift back into your room, and the blinds automatically roll up to reveal the night time skyline, you almost want to say and expect them to understand: “no blinds, stay closed please” as you prepare for a blissful slumber in the ultra comfort-inspired beds. But the blinds at the Shangri La seem to know better than you; they’ve opened up as you entered for a reason. They don’t just want you to gaze at the stunning night time sky and a city which never sleeps beneath you…. No. They know that if you’re lucky, you might catch a plane in near proximity, soaring at eye level as it prepares to land in the city. And if you ask me; that’s surely as special as shooting stars.
The Shangri La is currently offering 15% off advance purchase rooms as well as a “Romance in The Clouds” package with in room breakfast, a set three course menu for two, and a bottle of Champagne and Bouquet of Flowers on arrival. Visit www.shangri-la.com/London/shangrila/offers for more detail.
Great offer 15% off for this chain of hotels, they do have loads of different varieties of foods and dining options specially and surprisingly for breakfast. I stayed with them and really enjoyed it as well as the service which was the best I’ve seen so far. View speaks for itself you can’t compete with that.
I’m one of those people who really likes floor to ceiling windows. I love that you can see the city around you. It’s like feeling you own the world.
Shangri La is such a reputed name known all over the world and after reading this article i am sure why it is. Whole infrastructure is designed to offer hospitality and amazing once in a lifetime experience- making its visit more desirable.
“With the 1,016 ft high, and Western Europes tallest building, The Shard, London, is really a beauty to behold, with its picturesque stature in the middle of London” what a quote. who wouldn’t be mesmerized. So perfect.
Shangri La at The Shard, London holds the most beautiful view you would never have imagined. Providing some of their exceptional packages for their rooms make it one of the most sought after hotel for you to go for during your trip to London.
Shangri La always offers the best services and facilities possible for 5-stars hotels there are. The Shangri La at the Shard in particular offers you the best view of London. If you could get a room at higher floors, opening your window curtains is an amazing experience itself.
I have stayed at several Shangri La hotels in several cities. Each stay is always memorable.
Man, I've been living outside of the U.S. for so lo…ng.Bloke is a slang word for a man commonly used by the English and some West Africans. Bloke is now in my lexicon since I live and work with these folks.
The views are so stunning I can’t help holding my breath. Especially those cloud behind your window.
This is a dream… such a nice hotel! It looks worthy of a honeymoon suit! Excellent pictures by the way, so beautifully pictured!
I expect nothing less from any Shangri La Hotel anywhere in the world. So far, they are satisfactory in my book. If ever go back to London, I would likely pay this place a visit. It would be interesting to know how consistent they are or if being in London makes a difference in their standards.
Can I just tell you that I love the way you write…the tone and the flow. You make anything you write about really interesting and enticing, to say the least… the great shots are a bonus!
“Romance In The Clouds” is definitely a package I would like to book ahead, the hotel looks extremely modern and chic! Very good for escapades with you loved one. The pictures are very beautiful.
Shangri La Hotels never cease to amaze. They are really the icon of luxury living.
It is nicely put! I am totally agree with you that Shangri La hotel is the icon of luxury living.
I am just in love with the glasses all around and ceiling windows. They are designed everywhere creatively letting you experience a whole new world of luxury and comfort whole together!
SHANGRI-LA – is one of the best hotel groups for me, pretty sure most people who stay there feel the same. They choose the most beautiful locations all over the world and don’t even get me started on how comfortable their bedding is!
I wish to travel to all Shangri La Hotels around the world. I have worked in Shangri La Boracay for a year now. I take pride that we have the best amenities and service
When I stayed in Shangri La Manila a couple of years back, I was treated in a warm and pleasant way that felt really sincere, as opposed to other places I’ve stayed in where nearly all greetings were done only because they have to and not because they were truly thankful for having me around. I liked that feeling. I wonder if I can get the same treatment in their hotel in London?
I used to work in one of the Shangri Las back in college. I remember how strict my supervisor was. I was young and foolish and thought his strictness was unnecessary. I graduated and became a hotel supervisor myself. Only then did I understand the reason behind the way he was. He was not being mean. He was simply complying with high company standards – the way all employees are expected to. Anyway, I’m in a different industry now and often have to stay in hotels on business trips. Knowing what I know about Shangri La, I always choose to stay in their hotels if there are any near my places of assignment.
I love Shangri la hotels! They’ve never let me down in terms of impeccable service and breathtaking interiors. I love how the jacuzzi is right next to the glass window overlooking the awesome view!
YMMD with that anrswe! TX
I think I’m going here on my next travel to London! I’m going to have to convince my husband to take a second honeymoon. I’m already excited!
WE got to stay at the Shangri La for our honeymoon 2 years back and I can say that this place s divine. Our stay was really memorable. One of a kind, if I may say.
Although I wish I had your style (and love seeing your outfits!), it's posts like these that I admire. You're the real deal, misya.Todsy was another sunny NW day! Hope you had a chance to enjoy all that vitamin D. 🙂
Romance in the Clouds sounds too good to pass up. The views make this place exceptional.
Just cause it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s not super hefupll.