Shangri-La The Shard Offers London’s Best Hotel Views

London has one of the world’s widest selections of luxury hotels, with many considered to be some of the world’s best for accommodations, service and cuisine. While many of the city’s five-star hotels can offer the same royal level of service and luxury, only one delivers service and luxury with jetliner views. Of course I’m talking about the Shangri-La The Shard London. It’s a luxury hotel that occupies the 34th -52nd floors of The Shard, London’s (and Western Europe’s) tallest building.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the hotel many times since its opening in 2014 and just returned from another wonderful experience in December 2022. I really enjoy visiting the same property because I know what to expect and what I like.

My Room

I had one of what the hotel calls an “Iconic City View” room, which means I was on a higher floor, and facing Tower Bridge and the Thames. I love the rooms and have stayed in that same category of room, one floor higher, on my last stay. You have amazing views from the bed and the desk and also from the bathtub. To appreciate those amazing views, each room comes with binoculars and a view guide. Suites get telescopes.

The Food

Popular for its food as much as its views, the Shangri-La is home to TING, its modern British restaurant with a slight Asian influence. Also known for its wine list, I had a wonderful dinner there with a wine pairing, as I gazed out at the lights of London. I also enjoyed a Champagne-filled afternoon tea at TING, another popular daily event for both hotel guests and London locals. I also had some great drinks and delicious sushi at GONG, Western Europe’s highest hotel bar.

The Pool

No visit to the Shangri-La The Shard London is complete without a swim in the amazing Sky Pool. High above the city on the 55th floor, it’s Western Europe’s highest pool. As you swim, you can gaze out and see many London landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Pauls, the Palace of Westminster and more.

Why Shangri-La is Special

My favorite luxury hotel brand, Shangri-La brings its Asian influence (the company is headquartered in Hong Kong) to every property around the world. I’ve stayed in multiple Shangri-Las all over the world and always find that same luxury and warm hospitality. I love how the hotels have other consistencies to make it feel like coming home regardless of where you are in the world. The hotel has signature music, which plays in the lobby and on the TV when you check into your room. There is also a signature Shangri-La scent, which is used throughout the hotels. So you smell that fragrance and hear that music, and you remember it from other visits to other Shangri-La hotels.

Getting There

The other great thing the Shangri-La offers is a perfect central London location in Southwark with a Tube stop (London Bridge) almost adjacent to the hotel. To get to London, I flew in British Airways’ sensational Club World Business Class cabin, enjoying their new Club Suite seat. The seat, which easily becomes a flat bed for a great night’s sleep, also has a door, so you get your own tiny cabin. The door makes the space private and very quiet.

Read more of Freddy Sherman’s take on travel on his Go World Travel Blog. You can also follow more of his adventures on his @luxuryfred Instagram feed and on his YouTube channel.