Hotel Review: What It’s Like to Stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London

At a Glance

It’s a cold January afternoon in London, and I am in a black cab on my way to Shangri-La The Shard, the highest hotel in Western Europe, where I’ll be spending the next six nights. Although it’s just a little past 4 PM, the sky behind Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is slowly turning crimson as we traverse the Waterloo Bridge over the Thames. I’m surrounded by glistening buildings piercing the dark blue sky, but none of them is grander than Renzo Piano’s glass-clad pyramid.

Sprawling over 18 floors in the middle of the Shard, London’s highest and most iconic tower, the hotel makes a dramatic first impression from the outside. And this sets the tone for the rest of my visit.

A ridiculously fast elevator flies me to Shangri-La’s opulent reception on floor 34 in 26 seconds, where a glorious panoramic vista of London unfolds right in front of me. I feel my heart pounding in my chest, the sheer immensity of the view overwhelming my senses. Can’t help but wonder if this is all but a daydream. I had no plans to write a review of Shangri-La The Shard, but after this, how could I not?

By the time I step into my room on the 45th floor, the skyline is already bathed in the glow of the setting sun. I rest for a while in the comfy leather chair by the floor-to-ceiling window, with the whole of London spread in front of me, pondering if I should stay in for the evening or venture out and take the pulse of the city. Thank goodness, I have an itch for exploration; otherwise, I would not have left this hotel at all.

After a six-night stay here, trying all the facilities on offer, exploring the surroundings, and basking in those fantastic London views, here’s my Shangri-La The Shard hotel review:

The Rooms

Complete with warm wood paneling, fluffy blue carpets, and massive white Frette-dressed beds facing a wall of windows, rooms provide a serene escape from the lively buzz of the public areas. The decor is elegant but subdued enough to not distract from those astonishing views, and the generously sized marble bathrooms have heated floors and toilet seats, along with bathtubs, walk-in rain showers, mirror-concealed TVs, and signature Jo Loves amenities.

All 202 units boast stylish leather-lined desks, spacious wardrobes, and a pair of binoculars for peeping out at the stunning vistas. These vary between room categories but generally encompass an impressive spread of London skyline punctuated by iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the River Thames.

We stayed in the Superior Shard Room, which left nothing to be desired, but if you wish to indulge in the ultimate luxury, Shangri-La London offers a variety of exquisite suites complete with separate living/kitchen areas, butler service, free private airport transfer, and possibly more glass walls than concrete ones.

Rates start at 650 euros for a standard room without breakfast.

Food & Drink

European fine dining meets the vibrant flavors of Asia at TĪNG, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Perched on the 35th floor, just around the corner from the reception, it’s a plush space with soft, comfy seating, big floral cushions, and sleek marble-topped tables placed at a very decent distance. The views are outstanding from every angle, but if you can, make a reservation for a table by the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, which puts the whole city at your feet.

Go a la carte or opt for a multi-course option, both of which feature beautiful, modern dishes made with fresh, ethically sourced produce from the Borough Market downstairs. Their sprawling, award-winning wine list has something for everyone and is easy to navigate, but if you’re having trouble finding a perfect match, they’ll be happy to send the sommelier over to assist with your choice.

Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea are also served at TĪNG, along with outstanding London views, but dinner is what you really want to get there.

Before or after, make sure to stop by Shangri-La’s bar, GŎNG. Located at level 52, this is the highest bar in Europe – a sleek, moody cocktail lounge with an Asian flair both in the decor and the menu. Whether you’re going for sunset cocktails or post-diner drinks, ask for a window table overlooking the lit-up Tower Bridge and take your pick from their Hues of Culture cocktail menu featuring artistic creations like Van Gogh-inspired Silent Blues (with cocoa butter and shitake sake) or Vermilion Sling (with spiced honey brandy and milky oolong tea). GŎNG also dishes up a selection of sushi and small Asian-flavored plates for lunch and dinner.

For something less pretentious, Bar 31 on the ground floor of the Shard serves up tasty market bites and local craft beers on tap both inside and on the outdoor terrace.

Service & Amenities

A courteous hotel attendant greeted us on arrival, helped with our luggage, and guided us to the reception on the breathtaking 34th floor. The check-in process was probably the smoothest and most efficient I’ve ever experienced.

The staff was well-trained, well-dressed, and willing to make our experience memorable. Even when our plans for utilizing the hotel’s complimentary sky pool were thwarted due to unforeseen maintenance, they promptly responded with a thoughtful gesture, offering us a complimentary breakfast as a token of their apology. Needless to say, the concierge team will accommodate all your requests, from dinner reservations and theater tickets to providing recommendations.

Aside from the glamorous GŎNG Bar, level 52 also houses a state-of-the-art 24-hour gym, a stunning infinity pool, and a sauna. Hotel guests have free access to all of them (reservations are required, though), and all have magnificent views of the city below, of course. If a day of sightseeing has tired you out, a selection of luxurious in-room massages and spa treatments are available upon request.

Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the hotel, minibars are stocked with tempting treats, and the Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, complete with porcelain Chinese tea sets, make lounging in your room and taking in the views even more delightful.

Last but not least, skip the £120 black cab ride to the airport and pamper yourself! For £200, the hotel’s luxury chauffeur service whisks you away to Heathrow in an impeccable Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series, where you can relax in spacious comfort with heated massage seats, a top-notch sound system, and huge legroom.

The Vibe

Grand, modern, and unshamingly luxurious, with towering orchid bouquets framing sumptuous sofas and endless marble surfaces adorning most public spaces. There’s a happening international scene, especially on weekend evenings, when well-heeled outsiders come in with their flashy cars for dinner and cocktails up in the sky.

Throughout the week, a constant stream of power players, politicians, afternoon tea enthusiasts, and couples celebrating special occasions flows through the hotel.

Travelers who frequent intimate boutique hotels may find the ambiance a bit corporate, but here, that also means consistently high-quality service.

Standout Detail

The views. A breathtaking panorama unfolds wherever you turn at this hotel, from the expansive lobby to the serene guest rooms, the sleek gym, the infinity sky pool, and the decadent bars and restaurants. London’s unforgiving urban skyline is core to the experience at Shangri-La The Shard. You get a dramatic perspective of the city, both literally and figuratively.

The Area

The hotel is located in the Southwark district, on the south bank of the River Thames. The area is lively, diverse, and well-connected to public transportation. It’s also home to bars and restaurants, several cultural attractions, and, more importantly, some stunning modern architecture.

At the foot of the Shard, the bustling Borough Market makes for a thrilling (and very delicious) diversion from your bucket list. London Bridge Station, one of the city’s major railway and underground stations, sits right next door, providing convenient access to various parts of the city and beyond. A scenic 15-20-minute stroll along the riverside path will take you to the Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge. Tate Modern is within walking distance, and you can even reach St Paul’s Cathedral by foot in under half an hour.

Who Is It For

Luxury travelers who want an upscale downtown experience surrounded by London’s best views. Those willing to splurge on something extraordinary, whether to celebrate a special occasion or indulge a little extra.

What Not to Miss

Sunset at the hotel. Plan your day accordingly so you can get back when the sun goes down, setting the sky ablaze. Watch the sun melt behind London’s landmarks from the comfort of your room, or venture to the 52nd floor at GŎNG for a perfectly mixed cocktail with a killer view of the skyline bathed in golden hues. As night falls, the city transforms into a sparkling sea of lights that extend as far as the eye can see.

Final Thoughts

Shangri-La The Shard isn’t the type of hotel you just use as a place to sleep. With impeccable service, opulent amenities, and fine dining juxtaposed against a glorious urban backdrop, it’s a destination in its own right, one that’s worth experiencing once in your life. Everyone comes here for those dizzying views, and so should you. The grandeur of London’s skyline will undoubtedly leave you in awe and remain etched in your memory forever. The rest will be history.