This Review of the Shangri-La at the Shard, London, is from our recent stay. For other posts from our London and Paris site inspections and visits, please see:
Review: Pur' Paris Restaurant, Park Hyatt Paris
Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
La Cuisine de Philippe Paris Review
Review: Paris Muse Discovery Walking Tour for Families
Hotel Review: The Mandarin Oriental Paris
Review: Mathieu Pacaud Histoires Paris, 2 Michelin Stars
Review: Hidden Paris Gourmet Walking Tour
Review: The Milestone Hotel, London
Review: Cheneston's Restaurant, London
Review: Brown's Hotel London West End
Review: London's Natural History Museum Dinosaur Exhibit
Restaurant Review: Wiltons, London (Since 1742)
TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso Benefits at the Shangri-La at The Shard in London:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests (served in Ting)
- 85 GBP Food & Beverage Credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in, subject to availability
- 4:00 pm guaranteed late check-out
Shangri-La at The Shard London Location and Check-In
Shangri-La at The Shard, London is located in the The Shard skyscraper in Southwark London, the tallest building in the UK, the 87th tallest building in the world, by the London Bridge rail station and the London Bridge Underground Station (Jubilee, Northern lines).
After entering the ground floor lobby, our bags were x-rayed by security, and we were then able to take the elevator up to the 35th floor, where the hotel's main lobby is located.
At the reception desk, we were quickly checked in and were soon on our way to the 42nd floor, where our Deluxe City View Room was located.
Shangri-La at The Shard London Deluxe City View Room
Deluxe City View Rooms range from 344 – 505 square feet in size, and our room, 4217, was especially nice within this category, as a spacious corner room:
Deluxe City View Rooms offer views of landmarks such as the City of London, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. While the weather was unfortunately overcast our entire stay, it was still great to enjoy the natural light and view from 42 floors up across London.
We'd requested two twin beds, although Deluxe City View Rooms also come with King beds.
Waiting for us on the marble coffee table were some fresh fruits, as well as some macarons cookies that made a nice little dessert for us that evening.
I was especially happy to see a hot water kettle as well as tea and tea cups, since I generally drink tea in the evening, rather than coffee. The tea cups even had porcelain covers, to keep the tea hot while the tea steeps.
For coffee drinkers, there is a Nespresso machine.
The bathroom offers two sinks, as well as a Toto washlet, which in my experience few London hotels, even luxury hotels, offer.
There's a walk-in rain shower, as well as a separate soaking tub.
Bath products are Acqua di Parma:
As with many Asia luxury hotel brands, Shangri-La provides more comprehensive toiletries than most Western luxury hotels: comb, toothbrush kits and shaving kit, as well as shower cap, q-tips and emery board.
Shangri-La at The Shard London Fitness Center and Swimming Pool
One of the great attractions of the Shangri-La at The Shard, in addition to the magnificent views from the rooms and the lobby on the 35th floor, is the infinity pool on the 52nd floor, the highest swimming pool in Europe.
While my son didn't spend a lot of time ogling the view, he definitely enjoyed the pool.
There are day beds with towels ready for lounging:
And there's also infused water to sip:
The fitness center is also on the 52nd floor, with Technogym equipment.
Breakfast at TING Restaurant, Shangri-La at The Shard, London
TING Restaurant is where the daily breakfast buffet is served (complimentary as a Virtuoso benefit). I recommend requesting a window table, for the views, although during peak times there may only be non-window tables available.
There are a la carte breakfast menu items as well, although I didn't try them:
Given Shangri-La's Hong Kong base, there are dumplings such as har gow and shumai:
The usual breakfast offerings are also available, such as juices and fresh fruit (including dragonfruit):
Bircher Muesli, yogurt and rice pudding:
Breads, croissants and pastries:
I was especially happy that the jam on the table was from Alain Milliat, one of my favorite makers of preserves, prepared with over 60 grams of fruit per 100 grams. I can't even remember the last time I saw Alain Milliat jam at a hotel restaurant, so kudos to Shangri-La at The Shard for this sourcing decision.
There was smoked salmon, Middle Eastern dips, and salad items, as well as quiche.
Hot options included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages:
I was especially happy to see the huge variety of teas offered on the tea menu; you can order any of these, or coffee, as part of the breakfast buffet:
Note that champagne is at extra cost:
The Verdict
If you prefer modern hotel rooms with great views, I recommend staying at the Shangri-La at The Shard in London. While I was initially worried that it wouldn't be convenient to get places, the fact that the hotel is right next to the London Bridge Tube Station made it easy to get everywhere.
Do note that because of the nature of the Shard building, rooms even within the same room category can vary considerably in size; in fact, the higher up you go, the more likely that your room will be towards the smaller end of the range for its category. Be sure to mention to TravelSort or your Virtuoso advisor which type of room you prefer, including the landmarks you're hoping to see.
The swimming pool on the 52nd floor, with its beautiful views, is a lovely change from the typical basement pool, for those London hotels that even have pools.
The breakfast buffet selection at TING was good, and I liked that Alain Milliat jam was provided at each table, as well as the extensive choice of teas to choose from.
If you've stayed at the Shangri-La at The Shard, London, what was your experience?
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Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay, including breakfast, for this site inspection visit. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
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