6 days ago
Sleep in the Clouds at Shangri-La The Shard, London
Sleep in the Clouds at Shangri-La The Shard, London originally appeared on L.A. Mag.
The Shard building, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano to represent, as its name suggests, a shard of glass, is more than an iconic landmark. As the tallest building in the United Kingdom — standing 1,016-feet tall — the eco-conscious high-rise shines brightly over the Thames and some of the city's most recognized landmarks, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower Bridge. The behemoth is also home to Shangri-La The Shard, London, a five-star hotel that starts on the 34th floor and climbs up 18 stories to house its 202 rooms and suites, all with breathtaking vistas that can be taken in without leaving the luxury linens of the bed. In fact, there is little reason to leave the hotel at all if one is looking for unmatched luxe service and worldly, award-winning cuisine, especially after being greeted by General Manager Kurt Macher and his adorable little dog Rocky. Like many luxury properties, Shangri-La The Shard is leaning into not just being dog friendly, but encouraging the property to offer pet-passionate accommodations with Rocky acting as the unofficial diplomat for his fellow furry friends.
The hotel's TING restaurant includes a renowned afternoon tea, and for those who don't suffer from vertigo, a visit to GONG — on the building's 52nd level, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe— is a must. But the real delight is the spa with an infinity pool that hovers over the entire city. This summer, the Shangri-La The Shard, London is offering an Eat, Play, Love package inspired by the bestselling book of a similar name by Elizabeth Gilbert, which became a hit movie starring Julia Roberts.
You can Eat your way through the iconic Borough Market alongside an award-winning chef who will help handpick the finest seasonal ingredients - with a quick stop at the doorway of the building that served as the movie home of beloved character Bridget Jones - before returning to the hotel where the chef will prepare a personalized meal based on your choices. Or experience a high tea in the exquisite Hollywood star-worthy suite (rumor has it Beyonce posted up here) with delightful treats. Play came in the form of a private yacht experience along the Thames with bites and sips as we took in the sights, which included the headquarters for the legendary spy agency (Bond, James Bond) MI5 headquartered in the Thames Building and the neighborhoods built along the river.
Love can certainly be found in the serene and scenic heights of the spa, where Elemis facials can be had in private rooms located high above London. Languishing in the warm waters is the epitome of romance, as are the bathtubs for two in many of the hotel's rooms.
The city itself is spectacular, a walkable neighborhood and The Shard is in the center of it all.
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
