Hotel Review: Shangri-La The Shard, London

The Shard sits just south of the river Thames at London Bridge and is in a good position to explore the tourist attractions along the river, including HMS Belfast, The Clink Prison Museum, the Golden Hinde and the London Bridge Experience. London Bridge station is just a two-minute walk away and Borough market, where the hotel sources most of its ingredients, is a five-minute walk away.

By car: the hotel is 4.5 hours from Manchester and 3 hours from Bristol. Parking costs £55 per day.

By train: London Bridge station is two minutes' walk away. London Waterloo is 20 minutes by taxi. Book trains to London.

A fusion of east meets west, the downstairs lobby has four giant lit acrylic artworks featuring Chinese ink paintings and rectangular crystal chandeliers. On floor 35, where the reception and TĪNG restaurant are, you'll find grey marble floors, wooden partitions and oriental silk motifs. Themed decor changes depending on the time of year and includes cushions, throws and floral arrangements.

Service is exceptional throughout, from the pool staff that will offer to take the Instagrammable infinity-pool picture, to the sommelier who will introduce you to wines and champagnes you may not have heard of. Aromatherapy massages are provided by Neals Yard, using their heavenly scented products.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have everything you want; super-king-sized beds and floor-to-ceiling windows to frame the city below. Use the binoculars to bring it all into sharper focus. Bathrooms are spacious and fully equipped with toothbrushes and razors among the usual amenities. Many rooms have baths with a view as well as showers.

Room types: Superior Room, Premier Room, Deluxe Room, Iconic Room, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with L'Occitane products, pillow menu, Nespresso coffee machine, TV, free Wi-Fi

In GŎNG bar on floor 52, you have sky-high views and a menu of unusual cocktails in the highest bar in London, while TĪNG on floor 35 serves modern British Cuisine with a subtle Asian twist. At the base of the Shard, at No. 31 St Thomas Street, BAR 31 is more informal and attracts a post-work crowd.

TĪNG: sky-high dining, British-Asian fusion. All-day menu, open daily. Dishes from £22.

GŎNG: bar and lounge, Chinese décor. Sushi and small plates. Open Mon-Wed, 4pm-12:30am; Thu-Sun, 12pm-1am.