You’ve seen it from the ground. Everyone has. That jagged glass spire piercing the Southwark skyline like a giant, futuristic needle. But staying at the Shangri-La The Shard London—the actual hotel tucked inside Renzo Piano's architectural marvel—is a totally different beast than just looking at it from London Bridge.
It's high. Really high.
Most people think "The Shard" is just one big building you visit for a quick cocktail, but the hotel occupies floors 34 to 52. That means you are living, sleeping, and showering in the clouds. It’s the highest hotel in Western Europe. Honestly, the first time the elevator hits that 35th-floor lobby and the doors slide open to reveal a panoramic view of the Thames, it’s okay to feel a bit dizzy.
But is it actually a good hotel, or just a very expensive viewpoint?
What the Shangri-La The Shard London gets right (and wrong)
Let’s be real: you are paying for the windows. If this hotel were on the ground floor in a basement in Croydon, it would still be nice, but it wouldn’t be legendary. Because the building tapers as it goes up, no two rooms are exactly the same shape. You might get a floor-to-ceiling pillar in the middle of your lounge, or a bathroom that juts out over the city.
The "wow" factor is the primary currency here.
Renzo Piano designed the building with "extra white" glass. Most skyscrapers have a greenish tint, but this glass is specifically meant to reflect the London sky. If the sky is moody and grey, the hotel looks metallic. If there’s a rare pink sunset, the whole room glows. It’s immersive. You aren’t just looking at London; you’re hovering over it.
However, the layout can be a maze. Because of the Shard’s unique geometry, the hallways curve and twist. You’ll definitely get lost trying to find the Skypool on level 52 at least once.
The "Bathroom with a View" phenomenon
There is a specific category of room here called the Iconic City View Room. If you’re booking this place for a proposal or a milestone birthday, that’s the one you want. Why? Because the bathtub is positioned right against the glass.
There is something deeply surreal about soaking in a tub while watching the tiny, ant-sized red buses crawl across Tower Bridge.
A quick pro-tip: The Shard has an automated blind system. When the sun hits the glass at a certain angle, the blinds might drop automatically to keep the room from turning into a greenhouse. It's high-tech, but it can be annoying if you're right in the middle of staring at St. Paul’s Cathedral. You can override them, but the building basically has a mind of its own.
Eating and drinking at 800 feet
You’ve got a few choices here. TING is the main restaurant. It’s heavy on the Asian-British fusion, which is the Shangri-La's signature. Think dim sum but with local ingredients. It's good. Really good. But the real star is GONG on level 52.
GONG is the highest bar in London.
Getting a table here if you aren't a hotel guest is like trying to get an audience with the King. It's tough. But guests get priority. The cocktails are themed around different historical eras or concepts—right now they’ve got a menu that’s basically a tribute to cinema. It’s dark, moody, and feels like a Bond villain’s lair.
Is it overpriced? Yes. A cocktail will set you back £25 or more. But you aren't just paying for the gin; you're paying for the fact that you can see the Wembley Stadium arch and the North Downs on a clear day.
The logistical reality of staying in a skyscraper
People often forget that the Shangri-La The Shard London sits right on top of London Bridge Station. This is one of the busiest transport hubs in the UK.
The contrast is wild.
One minute you are standing on a platform with thousands of commuters smelling of damp coats and burnt coffee. Two minutes later, after a quick security check and a high-speed lift ride, you’re in a silent, jasmine-scented lobby with a glass of champagne in your hand.
Privacy and the "Reflection" issue
Here is something the brochures don't always mention: the glass.
Because of the way the glass panels (the "shards") overlap at the corners of the building, there are certain angles where you can actually see into the room next to you if the lights are on and the blinds are up. The hotel leaves a little note in the room about this. It’s not like your neighbors are staring at you, but if you’re planning on walking around in your birthday suit, maybe pull the sheer curtains.
The Skypool: Not your average hotel gym
The pool is on level 52. It’s an infinity pool, and it’s heated.
Swimming there at 6:00 AM when the sun is coming up over the Canary Wharf skyscrapers is probably the peak London experience. It’s quiet. It feels exclusive. By midday, it gets busier with families and influencers trying to get "the shot," so go early.
The gym is right next to it. It’s a bit small, but honestly, who is looking at the treadmill? You’re looking at the horizon.
Is the service actually "Shangri-La" level?
The Shangri-La brand is famous for "hospitality from the heart." In London, that translates to a mix of very polished international staff and local experts.
They do this thing where they remember your name from the moment you check in at the ground floor. It’s impressive. You’ll find little touches, like a pair of binoculars in the room with a "spotter's guide" to the buildings below. They know why you’re there. They know you want to identify the "Walkie Talkie" building (20 Fenchurch Street) and the "Cheesegrater" (the Leadenhall Building).
Dealing with the British weather
Let’s talk about clouds.
Sometimes, London decides to be London. You can pay £700 for a room and wake up inside a literal cloud. You see nothing. Just white mist.
The hotel can't control the weather, obviously. But the staff are usually pretty cool about it. If the visibility is zero, that’s the time to head down to the sauna or spend a few hours over a long breakfast at TING. The breakfast spread is massive—everything from traditional English fry-ups to congee and laksa.
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Practical insights for your visit
If you are planning a trip to the Shangri-La The Shard London, don't just wing it. This is a "logistics" hotel.
- Book the right side: The "City View" rooms face North/West. This gives you the River Thames, the Tower of London, and the City skyline. The "South View" rooms are often slightly cheaper and look out towards the rolling hills of Kent and the South Coast. Both are great, but the North view is the "classic" London look.
- The Entrance: Don't go into the main Shard entrance where the "The View from The Shard" tourists go. The hotel has its own discreet entrance on St Thomas Street.
- The Sky Lobby: You don't check in on the ground floor. You go up to 35. If you arrive early, they can hold your bags, but honestly, just sit in the lobby and watch the trains move like toys below. It’s better than any TV.
- Celebrations: If it's an anniversary, tell them. They are known for doing pretty elaborate towel art and leaving personalized treats. It's a bit "extra," but at these prices, you want the "extra."
How to get there without a limo
You don't need a private car. The Shard is literally connected to London Bridge station. You can take the Jubilee or Northern lines, or the Thameslink train directly from Gatwick Airport. It takes about 30 minutes. It’s actually one of the most accessible luxury hotels in the city.
If you want to arrive by water, the London Bridge City Pier is a five-minute walk away. Taking the Uber Boat (Thames Clippers) to the hotel is a much cooler way to arrive than sitting in a black cab in Southwark traffic.
The Final Verdict on The Shard Hotel
Staying here isn't just about a bed. It's about a perspective shift.
You see the logic of London from up there. You see how the river bends, how the old Roman roads still dictate the traffic, and how the tiny patches of green parks are scattered like confetti.
It is expensive. It is occasionally a bit flashy. But there is nowhere else in Europe where you can wake up, press a button to open the blinds, and see the entire history of a 2,000-year-old city laid out beneath your feet while you’re still under the duvet.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the sunset times: Before booking, check when the sun sets during your stay. Aim to be at GONG or in your room 30 minutes before that time.
- Join Shangri-La Circle: It’s their loyalty program. Even if you only stay once, you often get better rates or a dining credit that covers a round of drinks.
- The "Premier" hack: If the Suites are too expensive (and they usually are), look for the "Premier City View" rooms. They are corner rooms that offer a 180-degree view, giving you almost the same experience as a suite for a fraction of the cost.
- Footwear: If you plan on walking to nearby Borough Market (which you absolutely should, it's 3 minutes away), bring comfortable shoes. The cobblestones around Southwark are brutal on heels.
Don't just stay in the room. Go down to the street level, grab a coffee at Monmouth Coffee in the market, and then look back up at the glass peak where you're sleeping. It’s a trip.