2 Best Hotels in South of the Thames, London

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.