Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ has opened the doors to its first property in the U.K.-the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.
Set the tallest building in Western Europe on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the city’s first high-rise hotel. The hotel is also the first luxury property to open south of the River Thames.
“The sweeping views from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard 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.,” says Shangri-La president and CEO Greg Dogan. “The master architect Renzo Piano had amazing vision with his design of The Shard. We’ve created a unique hotel that complements the iconic building and makes the most of the 360-degree view of London.”
The spire-shaped, glass-clad Shard is a 1004-foot-high building on the South Bank of the River Thames. The modern building complements the hotel’s elegant, contemporary design, which drew inspiration from London’s vibrant art, fashion, and entertainment scene and Shangri-La’s Asian heritage.
Each of the 202 guestrooms and suites feature Chinese art reinterpreted in a modern, abstract way alongside a soothing color scheme and mood lighting. All offer marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors and Acqua di Parma amenities.
The hotel’s Asian touches extend to its three dining destinations, including Tîng (derived from the Chinese word for a living room) and Láng (the Chinese word for ‘pathway’). The third, GÅng, London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar, will launch on May 19th. GÅng takes its name from ‘dougong’-an ancient Chinese structural element of interlocking wooden brackets, which will feature in the bar’s interior.
