Occupying levels 34-52 of the building, Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard is one of the most exciting check-ins of the city plus a opportunity to observe the stunning views London has to offer you.
Upon entering, you are whisked up into the lobby on the 35th flooring in a lift which takes a mere 20 seconds — and leaves your stomach a couple of seconds behind. The lift doors open to show an unrivalled view of the vibrant splashes of automobiles, ant-size dots swarming to work — train lines snaking involving buildings tall and the town laid out at your feet, lights flashing and flickering. Life passes under at an alarming pace, yet up in the Shard it feels so calm, so collected, so serene. Music plays and swish carpets tickle at the bottoms of your shoes.
The reception staff, are friendly and helpful, checking in us and taking us around our area swiftly. We were on floor 51 at a deluxe King room with a city view and it is worth spending the extra to stay on the side of the Hotel. (Although every side of this shard has a stunning view) Our room overlooked the London Eye, the Thames, Big Ben and also most of the iconic London landmarks. From watching the morning mist rising over town, to the sun glow across all of London, it really is the way. 
The area from the Shangri-La featured a lavish King size bed, writing desk, side table and binoculars, armchairs, ideal for relaxing with a glass of Champagne and watching the world go by. The decor itself is contemporary and clean, with splashes of the Asian heritage interwoven in sleek, flowing lines and golden accents of this Shangri-La. The floor to ceiling windows are impressive and blinds may be controlled from several different points within the room. 
The toilet was among the highlights of the room — oozing opulence and lavish, a glimmering marble flooring paved way to a bath and a separate shower equally overlooking the whole of London. Scented salts the scents that are calming, bubbles and mirror with an attached television made.
The last piece de resistance of this toilet was the toilet, its high tech features like an electronically heated chair a true treat for the derriere. From top to bottom (pardon the pun) every facet at the Shangri-La is considered and it is the culmination involving the beautiful decor, the thoughtful touches and the impeccably attentive staff that made it near impossible to find fault.
Shangri-La Hotel — The Pool
In case you thought there is a pool merely a pool, Shangri-La demonstrates you are extremely much confused. They increase it to a whole new level and take swimming. Situated on the 52nd floor (the exact same floor as the Gong pub and the Hotel’s state of the art fitness center) is the Shangri-La swimming pool. Produced by Hong Kong based interior designer Andre Fu (the designer also behind Gong). 
Decor is swanky and elegant, every detail carefully elegant. Gold and splashes of blacks and beiges decorate the walls, gentle spotlights ooze a gentle glow in the ceiling as the blue of the water beckons you at first glance. On our trips to the pool (both day and morning) it was never too busy and there was always a waiter about to replenish towels (amazingly fluffy!) And refill water facilities and the coffee- a nice touch.
The very best thing about the pool however, is obviously the views. 600ft from the floor are inspiring as the whole city laid to swim a few laps and relax in the tranquil environment. It is breathtaking and the very best swim I’ve ever had in my entire life. Truth: In 600ft that the Pool is greatest swimming pool at Europe
Shangri-La Hotel — Dinner
Dinner in Ting is an experience in itself and one well worth attempting. Meaning ‘Living Room’ it’s a space located on the floor. There are no matter where you sit it’s hard not to be amazed and all-round views. Soft swirls of a sense of grandeur and intertwine with delicate blue and cream hues fills the air.
We were led to our table promptly and wine orders taken swiftly — that the prices were more realistic than we’d imagined, a jar of white originating at around #36. The menu itself is pleasantly unfussy (five starters and five mains), this selected availability a breath of fresh air in the choice of 25 half-heartedly slapped-together dishes.
Ting prides itself that it did and in cooking everything. Price wise it can rack up a bill nearly as high as the restaurant, (starters are around the #15-#18 mark) but again, you do get what you pay for and the food really does redeem itself contrary to the price tag. I opted for the ham hock terrine, endive and pickled radishes, with blood sugar. Delicious and beautiful, it was a way to commence the meal, the flavours exciting, yet not overpoweringly enough to whet your appetite for the primary course without filling you up to much. My partner chose the Hand-Dived-Scallops which came garnished with lettuce, ginger, mandarin and coriander. It was presented beautifully and infused with a plethora of flavours to create a real cure. 
Mains-wise I opted for the steak with a side of chips and Peppercorn sauce. It came medium rare (as requested) and aside from being a tiny oily, was a good size and off-set wonderfully by the flavour of this peppercorn sauce. The venison of my partner has been the choice of the two, succulent and tender and flavoursome than the steak. It had been served with Jerusalem artichoke mushroom and chestnuts adding a variety of textures and tastes and a slight crunch . 
Desserts are really where Ting comes into play however. An apricot tea ice cream with hazelnut crumble married together the perfect combination of creaminess and freshness, the ice cream smooth and light upon the tongue along with the crumble a welcoming accompaniment. My spouses choice of Black Forest dark cremeux with black cherry sorbet was an exciting finisher into the meal. The dark cherry flavours were coming and abundant, the sponge light and airy with the demonstration a treat along with just the right amount of moisture to the eyes in addition to the taste buds.
We rounded off our meal with a exploration to Gong about the 52nd flooring. Whilst you might have to await a table, it is well worth it when you sit down and if you ca get seated by the window, you will proceed if a person becomes available.
Dining at the Shangri-La in the Shard is a real experience and one well worth trying for a special occasion. The dishes were presented to perfection, the tastes married flawlessly, part sizes more than adequate. Waiters were prompt, useful and educated under you is a very cherishable experience and to while away the evening with life spilling exploding with food, fine wine and a map of London.
Shangri-La Resort — The Summary
The Shard is a one of a kind experience. It is a Hotel to make a excursion of and shows that a hotel can and should be so much than Simply a room. From the little touches such as binoculars in the room and complimentary coffee and tea and the staff to the decoration, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience and something everyone should experience. For the event, make it the best night of your life and head up to the Shangri-La for a Hotel stay you will never forget.
Shangri-La Hotel in the Shard
The Shard
31 St Thomas St
London SE1 9QU
Image From:seeninthecity.co.uk
