High Above The City: A Mother-Daughter Escape To The Shangri-La
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you’ve been dreaming of for years. For my second eldest daughter, a stay at the Shangri-La in The Shard was right at the top of her London wish list and what better reason to finally book it than a spontaneous overnight birthday treat.
In Partnership With Shangri-La
The location
Rising high above London’s South Bank, The Shard is arguably the capital’s most iconic skyscraper and inside, from floors 34 to 52, you’ll find the luxurious Shangri-La hotel. Located just a stone’s throw from London Bridge station and the buzz of Borough Market, it’s within easy reach of the city’s best sights. But honestly? Once you check in, you won’t want to leave.
What sets it apart
Let’s talk about the view. London has one of the best skylines in the world, and where better to gaze out at St Paul’s Cathedral or The Gherkin than fully submerged on the 52nd floor? The infinity pool at the Shangri-La is officially the highest in Europe, and although it’s smaller than expected, the views are quite definitely the best in London. Floating above the rooftops with the city stretched out below you is a moment that’s hard to beat.
It’s not just the views that make this place special. The staff were, without exaggeration, some of the warmest and most accommodating we’ve ever encountered, kind, genuine, and quietly attentive, with none of the pretension you might expect from a hotel of this stature.
That said, it’s not one for the claustrophobic. While the views are expansive, the hotel itself can feel a little enclosed at times – there were moments I found myself needing a stroll outside for some fresh air. But that’s a small price to pay for such an unforgettable stay.
The room
We stayed in a beautifully appointed Deluxe City Suite, which more than lived up to its name. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline like a living painting, especially magical at night when the city lights twinkled to life.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline like a living painting.
The space was sleek, luxurious, and surprisingly cosy, with the softest bedding, marble-clad bathroom, and even a set of binoculars by the window to enhance your view. Thoughtful touches were everywhere, from the delicate huge Shard chocolate, to the chilled bottle of Veuve and even a Japenese heated loo seat (yes, really).
The pool & facilities
Back to that pool. Set on the 52nd floor beside the hotel’s Sky Gym and bar, it’s a compact space but it’s hard to imagine a more unique swimming experience. We took our time floating, soaking up the view, and chatting about everything and nothing. For my daughter, it was the highlight of the trip. “I feel like I’m in a movie,” she whispered, grinning.
There’s also a top-tier fitness centre for those feeling energetic, though truth be told, we opted for slow lounging over workouts this time.
The pool was much smaller than expected but oh so mighty!
Breakfast with a view
Morning at the Shangri-La starts the way every morning should with a breakfast that goes above and beyond. We dined with the whole of London laid out beneath us, a cloudless sky and glinting rooftops as far as the eye could see. It was genuinely magical.
The spread? Nothing short of epic. Fresh fruits, eggs cooked every which way, smoked salmon, waffles, pancakes, pastries, dim sum, cheeses, juices, even a bloody mary bar. Everything you could imagine and then a little more.
Dinner at TĪNG
We dined at TĪNG Restaurant that evening, and the food did not disappoint. Standouts included:
- Pork Belly– buttery, rich and perfectly cooked with a glaze that lingered deliciously on the tongue.
- Matcha Tiramisu – a modern twist on a classic dessert, delicately layered with creaminess and just the right hint of earthiness. Light, beautiful, and totally addictive.
It’s an experience that blends indulgence with refinement high-end but approachable, with impeccable service throughout.
The verdict
The Shangri-La offers something truly rare in London: a sky-high escape that manages to feel both luxurious and personal. For us, it was a memory-making, skyline-gazing
Would I return? Absolutely. For without a doubt the very best views in London, the world’s best matcha Tiramasu,the warm welcome, and that feeling of floating high above the city with nothing to do but take it all in. Next time, I’ll stay a little longer and bring an extra bag for market goodies.
Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
website: shangri-la.com
