Shangri-La hotel to open at The Shard on 6 May

The much-anticipated Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard in London is to finally open, following many months of delay, on 6 May 2014.

Located adjacent to London Bridge Station within the 306m high, iconic glass-clad Shard building, the 202-bedroom hotel will mark the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group's third in Europe, following openings in Paris in 2010 and Istanbul in 2013.

The hotel was originally due to open in May 2013, but was delayed when the original construction company, the John Sisk Group, was removed from the project and replaced by the Chorus Group.

As well as being the tallest hotel in Europe, the Shangri-La will also be the first high-rise hotel in London occupying levels 34 to 52 of the 72-storey Shard.

Darren Gearing, executive vice-president and hotel general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, said: "We are thrilled to be opening our doors in May after a number of years of planning and preparation

"The hotel's inspiring views will connect emotionally with guests, while our service hallmarks will position the hotel at the forefront of the world's finest hotels."

Guests will enter the hotel via the entrance on St Thomas Street, where a high-speed elevator will take guests to the lobby on level 35. All the bedrooms, which are individual in layout and design and range in size from 30 to 188sq m, feature floor-to-ceiling windows with widespread views of either the capital or towards Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

The signature suites, which all overlook St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and down river towards the O2 Arena, will not open until September. Situated on level 39, the Shangri-La Suite will enjoy 180-degree views of London.

The hotel will feature three food and beverage outlets: GŎNG, London's highest bar on level 52; TĪNG, the signature restaurant and lounge on level 35 and LÁNG, an artisan deli on the ground floor.

Level 52 will also be home to a 24-hour gym and London's highest infinity pool, and along with GŎNG, level 52 will open from 1 July.

There will be three river-facing event spaces on level 34 , accommodating 10, 35 and 140 guests respectively.

The hotel will be open for advance rooms, events, restaurant and lounge bookings from 17 March, with opening room rates starting at £450 per room per night, including VAT.

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