Shangri-La Opens Hotel in The Shard, London

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ has opened its first property in the United Kingdom, the highly anticipated Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.

Located in the tallest building in Western Europe on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London offers unrivalled views of London in every direction, overlooking such landmarks as the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral.

"The sweeping views from Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard provide an entirely new perspective on London. It is a spectacular setting in which to introduce our signature Asian-inspired hospitality to the U.K." said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. "The master architect Renzo Piano had amazing vision with his design of The Shard. We've created a unique hotel that complements the iconic building and makes the most of the 360-degree view of London."

Every one of the hotel's 202 guestrooms and suites has a view, and the rooms are amongst the largest in London, averaging more than 42 square metres (452 square feet). All offer the Shangri-La Bed, featuring patented body-contouring technology, marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors and Acqua di Parma amenities.

Complimentary internet access, one of Shangri-La's signature offerings worldwide, is available throughout the hotel, and butler service is offered in all suites.

The hotel's Asian touches extend to its three wining and dining destinations. Ting (derived from the Chinese word for a living room) serves locally sourced cuisine with a hint of Asian flavours in the restaurant and authentic Asian specialities and two unique afternoon teas in the lounge. Láng (the Chinese word for 'pathway') is a patisserie and artisan deli on the ground floor showcasing a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes and savouries for eat-in or take-away along with seasonal hampers. The third, Gong, London's highest champagne and cocktail bar, will launch 19 May 2014. Gong takes its name from 'dougong' – an ancient Chinese structural element of interlocking wooden brackets that will be a component of the bar's interior. Gong is located on Level 52, which is also home to the 24-hour gym and London's highest infinity pool, which will open this summer.

For intimate celebrations, private cocktail gatherings and luxury product launches, the hotel's three river-facing event spaces offer a London event experience like no other. Located on Level 34, they are connected to the sky lobby by a grand staircase with a vista of St. Paul's Cathedral and beyond. The venues accommodate from 10 to 140 people, and the entire 34th floor may be requested for a standing reception of up to 200 guests. Spectacular views from 125 metres above the city complement the state-of-the-art conferencing technology and tailor-made catering services.

"Today marks an important milestone in London's hotel landscape and the ongoing development of the South Bank Community and the borough of Southwark. We are thrilled to open our doors and be an integral part of this local community. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world and to delivering Shangri-La's legendary hospitality from the heart to each and every guest," said Darren Gearing, executive vice president and hotel general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London.

Opening room rates start from £450 per room per night, including VAT. In addition the hotel offers an exclusive "Room With A View" package starting from £530 per night based on two adults sharing with breakfast for two and two tickets to The View from The Shard; VAT is included. Terms and conditions apply.