Inside London’s Shangri-La The Shard, Where You Get All the Perks of Being a Tourist Without Feeling Like One
Chase Travel
Chase Travel experts visit the world’s top destinations to help you discover where to go and decide what to do. Book your stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London and explore more hand-picked hotels where Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers receive premium benefits through The Edit by Chase Travel℠.
Few buildings in London are as instantly recognizable as The Shard—the tallest skyscraper in Western Europe, a slender wedge of glass rising over the River Thames that became an instant icon when it opened over a decade ago. And many travelers will pay a pretty pound (about £30, or nearly $40) to take in the city’s skyline from its viewing platforms.
But far more special (and exclusive) is the experience of actually staying the night at the Renzo Piano–designed landmark, where a Shangri-La hotel occupies the 34th to 52nd floors.
At Shangri-La The Shard, London, you have a dazzling view from just about everywhere: the signature Asian-fusion TĪNG Restaurant; the upscale cocktail bar, GŎNG, on the 52nd floor; and even the bathroom. Even your entry-level room might overlook Tower Bridge or St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many have a freestanding tub with its own view, so you can soak in the skyline literally, too.
But it’s not only the staggering views that make this one of the city’s top hotels. (No pun intended.) Its standout cuisine and exemplary service continue to draw travelers and locals alike to Southwark. It’s the kind of hotel that demands you dress up at least once, not by mandate, but by the number of guests dressed as if to celebrate a special occasion.
Meals at Shangri-La The Shard, London are always accompanied by great views—but a glass of bubbly never hurts.
Cardmember Benefits
Shangri-La The Shard, London is a member of The Edit by Chase Travel℠, a collection of hand-picked hotels with premium benefits for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Customers who book a stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London through The Edit will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special benefits, outlined below.
Daily Breakfast for Two
Use your breakfast benefit for the substantial East-meets-West buffet, which includes a miso soup and congee station, bamboo steamers filled with prawn dumplings, plus eggs made to order and plenty of grab-and-go bites you can pocket for later (think: jars with chickpeas, kale, chili and flaked almonds).
Room Upgrade If Available
All rooms have freestanding soaking tubs, but a room upgrade might mean a tub with iconic landmark views and more space to splash out, for a truly exceptional experience.
Welcome Amenity
Guests who book through The Edit by Chase Travel will receive a treat like a cloche filled with miniature macarons or other sweets, depending on individual preferences and seasonality.
A $100 Property Credit
You can use your property credit for food and beverage purchases; put yours toward a festive afternoon tea which is always inspired by a special event, partnership or occasion.
The Room
When you enter your room or suite, you’ll notice the decorative Asian flourishes (cherry blossom motifs on the walls, ink brush paintings, a porcelain Chinese tea set) that are intrinsic to the Shangri-La brand, which got its start in Singapore and has retained its DNA even while expanding across the globe.
But there’s no mistaking that you’re in the heart of London. Binoculars (and telescopes in the higher-level suites) and a guide to the surrounding landmarks drive home the point.
And unlike observation-deck guests, you get to take in the view in private.
The Features
Don’t miss: The city’s highest swimming pool, which is located on the 52nd floor and can be reserved so you can have the space all to yourself. Just as cool is the outward-facing cedar sauna, where it can feel like you’re sitting on a riser overlooking all of London.
Standout features: The hotel’s marble bathrooms are attractions in their own rights, with heated Toto Washlets, towel racks and radiant floors. Many rooms have freestanding soaking tubs, angled so you can enjoy fabulous views of London landmarks while unwinding after a day exploring on foot (be sure to ask for one, if you so desire). Just be mindful that, due to the pyramid shape of the building, you might not have complete privacy from every angle.
Can’t stop thinking about: How effective the blackout shades are in the rooms. Despite the floor-to-ceiling windows and generous use of glass, it’s easy to drench your room in deep, delectable darkness. Just be sure to set an alarm—or request a wake-up call—before turning in; it’s too easy to oversleep.
The Lowdown
Grab a seat at the sushi counter at GŎNG on the 52nd floor.
The highly specific reason you’d come here: To take your mum out for a celebratory birthday tea (as long as she isn’t afraid of heights, of course).
Are guests staying in our going out? Both: Start your night in at GŎNG, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe, which serves knockout sushi and cocktails—there’s even a special truffle menu, including a hamachi carpaccio with truffle-ponzu sauce and red chili paste. It’s a place where you’ll want to dress up for your pre- or post-dinner drinks. Then, head out to explore the rest of the city.
The dish to order: The Kagoshima A5 Wagyu sirloin with soy-glazed carrot, carrot puree and beef-and carrot sauce at TĪNG Restaurant. Don’t be surprised if its arrival at the table is followed by unanimous praise, and exclamations that “it’s not meat—it’s art.”
Don’t forget to pack: Your sunglasses; on sunny days, it can get quite bright in this glass pyramid.
Your kids won’t stop talking about: Romeo, the hotel’s almost-official fox mascot, named after a real-life fox that frequented the property while it was under construction. Kids can get complimentary stuffed fox toys and other amenities starring Romeo.
The Perfect Stay
Rise and Shine
“Welcome to the clouds” may have been scrawled on your window in washable marker when you checked in, and (almost) every minute of your stay should be spent enjoying the view. Start with a workout you’ll actually want to squeeze in at the 52nd-floor gym (grab the Peloton in the corner) or a few laps in the infinity-edge pool, set against a wall of windows.
Morning
While you wait for your soaking tub to fill up, order room service so you can have a private meal from the comfort of your own quarters. Like the buffet at TĪNG Restaurant, the room service menu includes plenty of Eastern and Western dishes (think: a full English breakfast or a bonito okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake).
Afternoon
Make a reservation for the hotel’s signature afternoon tea at TĪNG Restaurant, which is always a festive affair featuring elegant treats—for example, a miniature Shard-shaped cake filled with white chocolate, apple compote and cinnamon sponge on a dry-ice cloud that evokes the foggy London skyline outside.
Evening
Walk off the sugar rush by exploring Southwark, the vibrant neighborhood surrounding The Shard. Check out the latest exhibit at the Tate Modern, stroll across the River Thames on Tower Bridge or the Millennium Bridge and peruse (and snack your way through) Borough Market. The hotel can even arrange a market tour with one of their chefs; you’ll select fresh ingredients that will later appear in your personalized two-course lunch at TĪNG Restaurant.
Late Night
Head up to GŎNG, on the 52nd floor, for a drink at the highest bar in The Shard—and the highest hotel bar in Europe. Make a reservation for a table at sunset and order a vodka-and-champagne cocktail punched up with sandalwood and jasmine tea. If you still have room, split a sushi roll or sashimi.
Keep an eye out for landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Know Before You Go
Getting There
Cabs from the airport are expensive, and, depending on the time of day, it’s often faster to take public transportation. From Heathrow Airport (LHR), the fastest route is often the Elizabeth line to the Thameslink; the London Bridge stop is just a minute’s walk from the hotel.
Tech Specs
In-room controls might take a minute to get familiar with, but rooms have all the tech features you need, including high-speed Wi-Fi and an assortment of outlet types.
When to Go
Even though the city can get crowded around the holidays, it’s a merry time to travel to London—and this hotel in particular is always celebrating. Lean in to the cheer: Pack a Fair Isle sweater and order a festive tea.
What’s Included
A single (but big) bottle of water, Nespresso, tea and plenty of bathroom amenities, including a razor and shaving cream.
What’s Around
The hotel might be one of the easiest to find in the whole world; all you have to do is look up and walk to The Shard. The area might not be the most popular place to stay in London, but you’ll quickly get oriented and have plenty of things to do around Southwark, including shows at the Globe Theatre and shopping at Borough Market.
Fast Facts
- Number of rooms: 202
- Number of pools: 1
- Fitness center? Yes
- Spa? Yes
- Salon? Yes
- Number of bars/restaurants: 4
- 24-hour room service? Yes
- Childcare and kids club? No kids club, but they do offer babysitting services.
This feature, based on a visit in December 2023, includes information that is subject to change. Please check with the hotel to confirm information prior to your stay.
Booking With Chase Travel
Chase Travel is the first stop for your next adventure. Eligible Chase cardmembers can visit chasetravel.com for even more trip inspiration, including hotel recommendations, travel guides and editor-curated itineraries, and to earn and redeem points when booking hotels, flights, car rentals and must-do local experiences.
Eligible Chase cardmembers, get started at chasetravel.com.
For Informational/Educational Purposes: The views expressed in this article may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other content. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions, and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results.