DESPITE living a stone’s throw away, we’d never made it to Shangri-La The Shard. It’s one of those landmarks you admire from afar, always meaning to visit but never quite getting around to it.
So when the chance arose for a London staycation, we couldn’t resist. There’s something quietly indulgent about being a tourist in your own city: no queues, no passports – just the buzz of London and the luxury of seeing it with fresh eyes.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
From London Bridge Station, Shangri-La The Shard gleams above us – sleek, iconic and suddenly personal. We’re here to experience the “Love is in the Air” package and from the moment we arrive it feels every bit as romantic and elevated as promised. The lobby welcomes us with discreet efficiency and, within minutes, we’re gliding skywards.
When our room door opens, the view stops us in our tracks: London Bridge, the Thames and a sweep of skyline all bathed in golden light. A handwritten message on the window greets us but the star of the moment is our chihuahua, Betty, whose own plush bed, embroidered bandana and curated dog-friendly map make her the happiest guest in the room.
Bathtub with a view
Our Deluxe City View Room offers 180-degree vistas through floor-to-ceiling glass, the city stretching endlessly in every direction. Even the bath comes with a skyline – one touch and the blinds lift to reveal the city from the comfort of warm bubbles.
At GŎNG, Shangri-La The Shard’s cocktail bar, we toast the evening with a Negroni and Paloma, nibbling olives and naming landmarks in the distance. A sudden cheer erupts behind us – a couple just got engaged. It’s a scene straight from a film: love suspended between sky and city.
GŎNG, Shangri-La The Shard
Dinner at TĪNG is a triumph. Modern British flavours meet Asian nuance, each plate a study in balance and elegance. The sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel is unforgettable.
Morning arrives too soon but breakfast softens the farewell: a decadent spread of global flavours –dim sum, hummus, fresh pastries, fruit and omelettes made to order. My husband, not one for grand statements – and someone who’s experienced some remarkable hotels around the world – looked up and said, “That was the best breakfast of my life.” I couldn’t agree more.
We stroll along the Thames one last time, Betty trotting off-lead cheerfully at our side. And Shangri-La The Shard, once admired from below, now holds a place in our hearts from above.
By Ashleigh Jacobs
shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/offer-detail/rooms-suites/love-is-in-the-air/