Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London opens in the summer of 2013

HONG KONG – Luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, will open its first property in the United Kingdom in the summer of 2013. London’s first elevated luxury hotel will occupy levels 34 to 52 of The Shard. As with every property in the group, it will operate on the simple yet powerful philosophy of Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality.

The new-build five-star property will offer 202 rooms and suites (all with unparalleled views), four signature wining and dining venues, three river-facing event rooms as well as an infinity pool and a 24-hour gym on level 52.

“Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London will be a dramatic introduction of our signature Asian hospitality and style to the United Kingdom,” said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. “International guests already familiar with Shangri-La touches will also enjoy panoramic views of London from all vantage points. But most striking will be the authentic and gracious Asian style of service, the hallmark of our 78 hotels and resorts, which will position this new property at the forefront of the world’s finest hotels.”

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. It is the tallest building in Western Europe at 310 metres (1,016 feet) high and a landmark synonymous with London itself.

With the City of London minutes away and Canary Wharf easily accessible, the location is ideal for the business traveller. It is also a convenient base for leisure travellers to explore London, situated close to key tourist attractions such as Tate Modern (UK’s most successful gallery), the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe. Borough Market, London’s most renowned food market is a five-minute walk away.

The hotel’s 202 deluxe guestrooms, averaging more than 42 square metres (452 square feet), will be amongst the largest in London. A wide array of guestroom features and services will include the “Shangri-La Bed”, made exclusively for the hotel group and featuring patented body-contouring technology; iPod docking station; complimentary high-speed Internet access; designer amenities, individual coffee machines, heated floors and washlet toilets in all bathrooms; butler service in all suites; climate control to complement the building’s integrated sun shielding system, and more.

The hotel will offer four wining and dining options, including a gourmet deli on the ground floor, a destination restaurant and lounge on level 35, and a signature bar on level 52.

Gourmet by Shangri-La, the hotel cake shop and artisan deli on the ground floor, will feature an inviting selection of Shangri-La’s renowned signature cakes, home-made chocolates and pastries as well as freshly prepared seasonal hampers, classic savouries and sandwiches for eat-in or take-away. Creative beverages and afternoon tea will also be available.

The Shard 35 restaurant on level 35 will offer a sumptuous array of locally inspired dishes enthused by the fresh produce of the nearby local food markets and crafted with meticulous attention. Featuring London’s best views and open throughout the day and evening, Shard 35 will be the perfect venue for any special occasion.

The adjacent Lounge, featuring uninterrupted panoramic views, is the place to relax, socialise or simply enjoy a cup of tea, high above the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from the traditional afternoon tea, the Lounge will offer an Asian-inspired Shangri-La tea featuring one of the largest selections of Chinese teas in London. Continental breakfast, light meals and evening drinks will also be available, with an emphasis on Shangri-La’s signature Asian dishes – Hainan Chicken Rice, Laksa, Nasi Goreng, Char Kuey Teow and Wonton soup among others.

GONG, the destination bar on level 52, will take one on an aspirational journey infused with modern Asian sensuality. The name derives from “Dougong” – a unique structural element of interlocking wooden brackets , used in traditional Chinese architecture and also featured in the bar. The design ethos of the venue is inspired by the mythical aspect of C innabar – a mineral that has been used historically to create the ‘dragon red’ most commonly used in the walls of the Chinese Imperial Palaces. Crafted into a number of chambers of intimate proportions (Cocktail Bar, Champagne Bar and the Swimming Pool), the interior is also reminiscent of the traditional boudoirs of the West. The stunning backdrop of London’s skyline will unveil the perfect setting for sunset cocktails or late night drinks.

Fitness and recreational facilities (situated on level 52) will include the above mentioned indoor swimming pool and fully equipped 24-hour gym, both with panoramic views of the London skyline.

Located on level 34, the unique function space will comprise three river-facing venues, the largest of which has a total seating capacity of 110. The Thames Ballroom, London Bridge Room and Tower Bridge Room will all offer stunning views, natural daylight, state-of-the-art conferencing technology and a wide array of professional services. The grand staircase connecting levels 34 and 35 (at 125 metres / 410 feet above sea level) will be the ideal location for wedding photographs with the stunning backdrop of the city views. Shangri-La’s unique Signature Events and Signature Weddings concepts will bring an extra special flair to London’s meetings market.

The London Bridge area is one of the most vibrant and historical districts of London, dating back to 43AD, when the Romans built the first bridge connecting London to the rest of the Roman Empire. It inspired Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Dickens’ Oliver Twist and Keats’ romantic poems.