Shangri-La The Shard

Hotel review

Wow – that pretty much sums up Shangri-La at the Shard. It's absolutely amazing – that is the architecture and the view alone. As you'd expect from the Hong Kong based Shangri-La group, The Shard has been decorated with more than a nod to its Asian owners. Rooms (each one is unique due to the architectural design of the building) are graced with deep carpets, huge comfy beds and floor to ceiling windows offering a view over London that must surely be second to none. Bathrooms are large, with masses of marble on show and stand alone bathtubs positioned so that you can enjoy a soak whilst pin-pointing all of London's finest landmarks. But it's the little finer points that really please – a pair of binoculars that enable you to maximise that astonishing view, the leather accessories (umbrella stand, little tray for all your bits), the thoughtful stationary drawer (tippex, stapler....you name it, it's there), a (leather clad) copy of The Lost Horizon by James Hilton (presumably for the dreamier guest), and last but by no means least lovely smellies by Acqua di Parma and L'Occitane. To enhance that wow factor, pop up to the 52nd floor where you'll find the skypool (and gym) – it's the highest infinity pool in Europe and definitely worth bringing you swimmers for! Also up on the 52nd floor you'll find Gong Bar – perfect for a pre or post dinner drink with a view (though a slight niggle – the service was a tad on the slow side). For dining there's the Ting Restaurant and Lounge – here the emphasis is on European cuisine with an Asian twist in the restaurant, with a more relaxed vibe in the lounge and a wider ranging menu – a mix of brasserie style classics (think Caesar Salad and steaks) and house Asian specialities. Shangri-La at The Shard is a must for anyone looking for a hotel with the jaw-drop factor. Location wise – it's bang next door to London Bridge Station, (so all of London's attractions are easily accessible), and trendy Borough Market is literally round the corner.

Sarah Empson Review published: 12/03/2024