Shangri-La The Shard
31 St. Thomas St., London, Greater London, SE1 9QU, England
Why We Like It
Most five-star hotels cluster around Mayfair, but the Shangs brings luxe south of the River Thames. The London Bridge base is a chance to explore a more authentic London away from the Buckingham Palace scrum, but it is also very conveniently located to many East-side icons. The Shard itself is one of them.
Fodor's Expert Review
With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's highest cocktail bar, and unrivaled views of the London skyline from 1,016 feet above the South Bank of the Thames, the Shangri-La has become one of the city's most distinctive hotels, occupying floors 34 to 52 of the tallest skyscraper in western Europe. Located next to London Bridge station, it's within easy walking distance of Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, the Southbank Centre, and the Tower of London. Room decor is tastefully understated so as not to distract from the the jaw-dropping views of the city visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows (a small price to pay for occasional privacy concerns since nearby office buildings can also see in). There's also a 24-hour fitness center, a spa with an infinity pool overlooking the skyline, a lounge serving Asian-themed light bites, and a Modern British–meets-Asian fine-dining restaurant on the 35th floor featuring ingredients from Borough Market.
PROS
- Perhaps the city's best vistas from a hotel
- Great infinity pool and spa
- Superb restaurants and cocktail bar
CONS
- Design allows some guests to see into neighboring guest rooms at night
- High prices
- Unexpected additional service charges
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Like its new millennia haus, Shangri-La rooms and suites feature a blend of marble, silk, and light woods for a sleek, contemporary finish. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean there’s always a chance to soak up the views—binoculars and a skyline guide are provided to aid. Up-to-date tech is integrated in-room allowing for seamless business and digital entertainment, and electronic sun shielding panels and blackout curtains block the elements.
Bathroom
Marble bathrooms have walk-in rain showers, separate tubs, and Japanese Toto toilets. Some rooms feature standalone bathtubs that are window-side. Pair these with the complimentary Jo Loves products and room service Champagne for an unforgettable soak.
You Should Know Not every room has a bathtub positioned by the window. You’ll need to make a specific request for one, subject to availability.
Lobby
Airport-style security is required at ground level before all guests ascend to the lobby on 34. Remember this is no ordinary skyscraper, it’s The Shard. Up here you’ll find a mix of clientele keen to check the icon off their bucket lists, from gal pals doing afternoon tea to couples checked in for romance (and many, many proposals) in the clouds.
Pool
Floating 52 floors above ground, the Shangs’ Sky Pool is the highest swimming pool in London and Western Europe. Beside it, a sauna and shower area allow guests to get warmed up before a brisk dip.
Spa
There is no dedicated spa facility per se, but guests may book a day room for treatments, as well as take to the pool, gym and sauna on floor 52 for wellness.
Gym
The gym is small with limited apparatus but is worth a whirl just to say you ran on a treadmill 52 stories high.
Dining
TING is the signature restaurant, offering modern British cuisine with Asian influence. Think: Hoisin Duck Cannoli and Vegan Mapo Tofu. This is also where breakfast and afternoon tea are served. The Sky Lounge downstairs offers brunch and light bites throughout the day.
Tip TING is a long wrap-around restaurant, which is fine for lunches and dinners, but at breakfast not so much if you’re the indecisive type. In the morning, ask for a seat on the side of the building next to the buffet for ease of back and forth.
Drinking
The ‘highest’ superlatives go on and on. GŎNG, also on level 52, is officially the highest hotel bar in London, serving cocktails, wine, sake and shochu.
Proposals
In the same way that height equates to romance on the Eiffel Tower, The Shard’s a magnet for ‘yes’ seekers. The concierge is well-versed in bespoke proposal planning, whether your budget stretches an elaborately decorated suite or a candlelit dinner for two.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Located right above London Bridge station, in the Southwark neighborhood of London, the Shangri-La is within walking distance of major attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Tate Modern, and Borough Market. London Bridge tube station is well connected to the rest of the city, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service to Oxford Street. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are roughly an hour away.
Restaurants
Located right above London Bridge station, in the Southwark neighborhood of London, the Shangri-La is within walking distance of major attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Tate Modern, and Borough Market. London Bridge tube station is well connected to the rest of the city, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service to Oxford Street. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are roughly an hour away.
Bars
There are many pubs in the area, such as The Barrowboy & Banker and The Old Kings Head, plus a new Cahoots Postal Office bar themed to a 1940s mail room.
Photos
Quick Facts
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No Meals
People Also Liked
R
Rosewood London
S
Shangri-La Paris Hotel
C
