Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to manage its First Hotel in Europe

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and London-based Sellar Property Group, signed Monday, a 30-year lease agreement for the Shangri-La Hotel at London Bridge Tower. The partnership marks the first European hotel for Shangri-La, which opens late 2009, and is the first new-build five-star hotel in the Central London area in over a decade.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect, Renzo Piano, the iconic London Bridge Tower is situated on the South Bank of the Thames River diagonally opposite the Tower of London. It is projected to be the tallest building in Europe at 310 metres (1,016 ft.) high and a landmark synonymous with London itself. Sellar Property Group, acting on behalf of Teighmore Limited, obtained planning consent for the development of London Bridge Tower in November 2003.

The deluxe, 195-room Shangri-La, accessed by a dedicated entrance at street level, will occupy floors 34 to 52 (18 floors in total) of the "Shard of Glass," as London Bridge Tower has become known. The 70-storey building will include shops, offices, restaurants, residential accommodations and public viewing galleries offering sweeping views of the capital.

With the City of London minutes away and Canary Wharf easily accessible, the location is ideal for business travellers and leisure travellers to explore London, as it is situated close to key tourist attractions, such as the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Shakespeare's Globe. London Bridge Tower will have direct access to a key transport interchange providing extensive mainline railway, bus and underground stations.

"The Shangri-La Hotel at London Bridge Tower will be a dramatic introduction of our signature Asian hospitality and style to Europe," said Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. "International guests already familiar with Shangri-La touches, such as sparkling chandeliers and a sweeping lobby, 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 46 hotels and resorts, which will position this new property at the forefront of the world's finest hotels."

"We are absolutely delighted and honoured that Shangri-La has chosen London Bridge Tower as the location for its first European hotel, following an exhaustive decade-long search by the group," said Irvine Sellar, chairman, Sellar Property Group.

"We believe Shangri-La's deserved reputation as Asia's finest hotel company will only enhance London Bridge Tower's already established image as Europe's finest mixed-use building. With the hotel becoming the building's anchor tenant, major international companies will find it hard to resist London Bridge Tower as the answer to their corporate occupancy needs."

Guests will enter a double height lobby with uninterrupted London views. The 170 deluxe guestrooms, averaging more than 42 sq. metres (452 sq. ft.), will be amongst the largest in London, introducing a new standard of "suite-style" accommodation to the city. Additionally, 25 suites, including two specialty suites and a presidential suite, will offer glass-enclosed "wintergarden" balconies.

A wide array of guestroom features and services will include the "Shangri-La Bed," made exclusively for the hotel group, featuring patented body-contouring technology, designer LCD television and hi-fi equipment, a comprehensive range of business and communication features, and more.

Food and beverage outlets will include a specialty restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, and "food theatre" café with a choice of multiple cooking stations, combining international cuisine with a dash of drama.

The hotel will be home to Europe's first CHI spa, Shangri-La's signature brand. CHI combines Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies, the latter inspired by the mysticism of the Shangri-La legend, captured in James Hilton's famous Lost Horizon novel. CHI's spacious, private spa suites will be amongst the largest in the city, offering a "spa within a spa" atmosphere.

Fitness and recreational facilities will include an indoor infinity swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre, both with panoramic views of the London skyline, as well as whirlpool, steam and sauna.

Meeting space will include function rooms with seating capacity for 400. The Business Centre will offer a range of secretarial support services, from translation to business card printing, as well as board rooms, PCs and other office equipment.

In addition to access to the highest public viewing gallery in Central London, at 226 metres (735 feet) above street level, guests at the Shangri-La Hotel, London Bridge Tower will be able to take advantage of the development's exhibition spaces, auditorium, learning centre, gardens, piazzas, and an array of other services and amenities.

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