Stepping into The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard London, it feels like you’ve been transported (by a very fast elevator) to a resort in the sky, miles away from the busy streets of London.
I have worked and stayed with The Shangri-La London a number of occasions, and each time I am greeted by something new. Shangri-La are constantly redecorating to match current events, for example, during the Queen’s Jubilee you would notice the reception honoured this celebration with Queen Elizabeth’s portrait, and during summer there was a beautiful butterfly display, meaning each time you step out of the elevator to the warm welcome of the reception team, you are delightfully surprised with something new, no matter how many times you stay.
The Shangri-La holds 5 standard rooms - 3 of which with great views of the city; and 6 suites. The largest of which being the Shangri-La Suite, which is described as “the ultimate VIP retreat”. The apartment like suite holds a super-king size bed, kitchenette and living space, perfect for meetings, celebrations and longer stays. There is over 2200 sqf of unparalleled luxury. The views from this suite are as you can guess, iconic, with visibility from the River Thames up to Canary Wharf. The Shangri-La also offers a number of connecting city view rooms, perfect for families travelling together.
Once you are up in the city sky, there isn't much reason to return down, with a gym, spa, swimming pool with panoramic London views and a modern-British restaurant and 3 bars, everything you need is right in the clouds. GONG bar is perfect for groups and couples, there is an extensive cocktail list (which I am yet to make my way through), great music and of course, the view will keep you there for hours.
Every time I have stayed with the hotel, I have stayed in a Deluxe City Room. These rooms are perfect for couples who are looking for a touch of luxury, a stunning view and home away from home feel. Some of my favourite amenities include;
The softest robes and slippers (although they are a tad big for 4’11 me)
Toilet seat from the future which has a number of buttons and most importantly, a heated toilet seat
A bath tub with a view, that I actually soaked in for over an hour
China tea set which is ideal for the morning cuppa in bed
A pair of binoculars for people watching even from 125 metered above ground
As you can imagine, its the view that sells the Shangri-La London to my clients, but what I love about working with the Shangri-La is that the hotel has something for everyone, meaning it is suitable for every single client I work with. The hotel is ideal for business travel, with full-size executive writing desks in each room; perfect for families with a baby-sitting service and connecting rooms; enjoyable for couples with an open-till-late bar and heaven for the ladies who enjoy a relax by the pool.
I am still yet to experience a getaway at one (or two) of the other 100 hotels and resorts that the Shangri-La group occupy across over 70 countries world wide. Top of my list is the iconic Shangri-La Paris so I can live out my ‘Ela in Paris’ fantasy weekend in the most luxury hotel in the city of love. Lets see what Valentines holds…
To book your stay with preferential rates please email ela@thejetsetlifestylegroup.com
Comments