Shangri-La The Shard, London

The leading luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, opened its first property in the United Kingdom in 2014.

London's first elevated luxury hotel occupies levels 34 to 52 of the iconic Renzo Piano-designed building, The Shard. In the main areas of the hotel, the designers have adopted a contemporary approach to present Oriental motifs, which are an integral part of the ShangriLa Hotels' signature worldwide. Colours, textures, and materials are used to harmonise the interiors with the cityscape view.

WHAT'S IT LIKE

Four soaring feature artworks greeted me next to the welcome concierge desk at the ground floor entrance lobby on St Thomas Street upon arrival. A strip of interlock-box-shaped crystal chandelier lights up the whole area, adding a sense of grandeur and luxury. I was drawn to the spectacular gold-shaded artworks that exhibited traditional and unequivocal Chinese grace. The simple yet stylish furniture evokes a warm and cosy atmosphere.

WHERE IS IT