There’s no doubt that the designers of Shangri-La at The Shard, London understood the assignment. When your hotel occupies one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, the views aren’t just a feature – they’re the headline act.
Step into your room and the floor-to-ceiling, wraparound windows are initially veiled, the blinds at half-mast. Insert your key card, and the grand reveal begins: multiple sets of blinds rise in quiet synchrony to unveil London in all its panoramic glory.
It’s a simple yet theatrical act that’s symbolic of this place: it is undoubtedly somewhere special.
The Vibe
Like opening the door to a Rolls-Royce or walking into your favourite St James’s atelier, it’s the aroma that grabs you first. The second you enter the sky lobby on the 35th floor, the hotel’s signature scent whisks you far from the concrete jungle beneath to more exotic shores.
If you’ve been lucky enough to stay at another Shangri-La hotel, you will recognise it – as it’s the same in all its properties across the globe.
Named the ‘Essence of Shangri-La’, this fresh, clean scent is said to evoke sensations of serenity and calm. I can vouch for that. Six months under development, it was inspired by the concept of Shangri-La itself – the legendary land of harmony and beauty described in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon.
Like all the great hotels, the Shangri-La is here to provide you with an escape.
The Rooms
“The bed is perfect – the pillows are amazing, the mattress is amazing, I’m never going to leave.” That was my wife’s summary, which kind of covers the sleeping arrangements.
I’m not a bath man – but even I found it difficult to resist having a soak in the freestanding bathtub with the sun setting over the capital. There’s enough marble here to make a Carrara marble quarry doff its cap. And the Jo Loves lotions do an admirable job of making the place feel and smell like a luxury spa.
If you really want to splurge, the hotel has arguably the finest suite in the city: the £10,000-per-night Shangri-La Suite. Long-time readers of Square Mile might recognise it from our iconic shoot with Henry Cavill.
The centrepiece of this sprawling 232 sq m suite – at least when Henry isn’t in the room – is the signature Shangri-La Bed, complete with patented body-contouring technology and dressed in Frette 1,000-threadcount linen.
Food & Drink
Let’s put it this way: you’re not going to go hungry at Shangri-La The Shard.
On the lobby level, you’ll find the delightfully named TĪNG – I challenge you to say it without a high-rising intonation. It offers an elevated dining experience in every sense. Inspired by Asian cultures, the menu blends contemporary flair with signature classics, all served against the shimmering skyline of London. The name – taken from the Chinese word for ‘living room’ – reflects its refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast here is a thing of wonder – a buffet that covers everything from paneer curry to pork dumplings; miso soup to congee; fresh Continental to full English. Bread and butter pudding, anyone? No problem. Pastel de Nata tarts? Sem problema.
Try to bag a table looking over London Bridge station – it’s like looking down at a model train track, everyone buzzing about on their morning commute while you look down upon them like some benevolent deity. (Maybe I had too much of the Veuve Clicquot with my breakfast?)
Head up to the 52nd floor, and you’ll find GŎNG – the highest hotel bar in London, and arguably its most dramatic. Named after the traditional Chinese dougong (a complex interlocking wood bracket system), the bar’s design mirrors its namesake: intricate, elegant, and structurally striking. It’s a destination in itself, with three distinct spaces – a cocktail bar, a Champagne bar, and the showstopping Sky Pool (more on that below).
One floor below TĪNG, the Sky Lounge provides a more laid-back alternative. Set on Level 34, it’s a stylish retreat with light bites, plush seating and panoramic views. The drinks list features creative cocktails and a notable Veuve Clicquot selection (to go with that breakfast drink). The whole place can be hired out, should you have a celebration worthy of it.
Health Management
Infinity pools are always cool – but when they’re 52 floors above ground, they’re next level. Literally.
Remember to book a slot if you want to swim at a busy time (in other words, directly before and after work).
Both the gym and the sauna make use of their elevated positions, too, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. I normally avoid hotel gyms like the plague, but I’m happy to make an exception here.
Inside Track
This summer, Shangri-La The Shard has partnered with Margot Robbie’s Papa Salt Coastal Gin for A Summer Above – a limited-edition afternoon tea. Inspired by the gin’s Byron Bay origins and infused with native Australian botanicals, the experience channels coastal elegance with a sky-high twist.
Running until 31 September 2025, the menu – crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile – is a celebration of sun-drenched flavours. Expect patisserie infused with citrus, verbena, Japanese Sencha and Valrhona chocolate, from the silky Ocean Jewel to the dramatic Shard of the Sea.
A selection of bespoke cocktails completes the line-up, with highlights including the Lychee Breeze Martini and Sky Above the Sea – a floral, violet-hued ode to high-altitude refreshment, all made with Papa Salt Gin. Prices start at £78pp, or £96 with a cocktail.
For a more involved experience, Shangri-La The Shard is inviting you to rediscover the capital through its Eat Play Love experience – a curated trio of sensory escapes running from May to December 2025.
Choose from a chef-guided tour of Borough Market, a streetwise tasting walk through London Bridge, or a Champagne-soaked spa ritual in the clouds.
Each stay includes breakfast at TĪNG, an overnight in a luxury room or suite, and a tailored experience designed to help guests reconnect with the city – and themselves.
See more: shangri-la.com
