For Qataris planning a visit to London there is a great variety of top hotels to choose from -- but it's fair to say that none offer the stunning vistas of the Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard. The hotel opened for business yesterday, and though the decor is extremely attractive with fine marble floors and exquisite chandeliers, all eyes at the opening were on the breathtaking views of the city. This is Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts' first property in the UK and they have certainly picked a great location.
Celebrating Shangri-La's Asian heritage, the hotel's opening ceremony began with the traditional 'awakening of the lion' and a colourful dance procession, which was followed by the official ribbon cutting led by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London, is the Hong Kong-based hotel group's 83rd hotel and third in Europe, following the openings of Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, in 2010 and 2013, respectively.
Located in the tallest building in Western Europe on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard is the city's first high-rise hotel. It offers unrivalled views of London in every direction, overlooking such landmarks as the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. The hotel is also the first luxury property to open south of the River Thames and is conveniently positioned minutes from The City of London.
"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 UK," said 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."
Everyone of the hotel's 202 guestrooms and suites has a view (including from the bathtub!) and the rooms are amongst the largest in London, averaging more than 42 sq metres (452 sq ft). They feature Chinese art reinterpreted in a modern, abstract way alongside a soothing colour scheme and mood lighting.
All offer the exclusive 'Shangri-La Bed' featuring patented body-contouring technology, marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors and Acqua di Parma amenities. Complimentary Internet access, one of Shangri-La's signature offerings worldwide, is available throughout the hotel, and butler service is offered in all suites.
The hotel's Asian touches extend to its three wining and dining destinations. Tīng (derived from the Chinese word for a living room) serves locally sourced cuisine with a hint of Asian flavours in the restaurant and authentic Asian specialities and two unique afternoon teas in the lounge. Láng (the Chinese word for 'pathway') is a patisserie and artisan deli on the ground floor showcasing a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes and savouries for eat-in or take-away along with seasonal hampers. The third, Gŏng, London's highest champagne and cocktail bar, will launch 19 May 2014. Gŏng is located on Level 52, which is also home to the 24-hour gym and London's highest infinity pool, which will open this summer.
For private gatherings or luxury product launches, the hotel's three river-facing event spaces offer unique settings. Located on Level 34, they are connected to the sky lobby by a grand staircase with a vista of St Paul's Cathedral and beyond.
The venues accommodate from 10 to 140 people, and the entire 34th floor can be requested for a standing reception of up to 200 guests. "We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world and to delivering Shangri-La's legendary hospitality from the heart to each and every guest," said Darren Gearing, executive vice-president and hotel general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.
Opening room rates start from £450 per room per night, including VAT. In addition the hotel offers an exclusive "Room With A View" package starting from £530 per night based on two adults sharing with breakfast for two and two tickets to The View from The Shard; VAT is included.
© Gulf Times 2014
