I was born and raised in London and have spent most of my life here, aside from a brief three-year stint at university. It might seem unusual to book a weekend staycation in your own city, but the idea has always appealed to me – the chance to become a tourist in familiar surroundings and experience its more luxurious offerings. When it came to choosing where to indulge, only one hotel came to mind: Shangri-La The Shard, London.
The hotel itself has become etched into London's iconography. As the tallest building in the city, it's almost impossible to miss from any angle, and its striking modern design, with glassy, angular windows and a tapering silhouette, instantly appealed to my taste.
© The ShardI booked a one-night stay for a girly weekend of pure luxury – think dimly lit sushi dinners, spa time, a sprawling suite, and, of course, a quintessentially British afternoon tea. Here's how to make the most of a weekend staycation in your own city, all from the comfort of one of its most lavish hotels that's become a landmark in its own right.
The room
I stayed in one of the Iconic Shard Suites, which felt like having a private apartment suspended high above the clouds. The suite features a separate bedroom and living area, both offering panoramic views across London's skyline.
The interiors struck a perfect balance between cosy and contemporary. Dove-grey sofas, layered with plush white cushions, sat against light wood walls, while warm orange hues softly bathed the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, casting delicate sunlit shadows across the ceiling – an enchanting touch.
Although I’m not usually drawn to carpeted floors, here they felt undeniably luxurious, with blue and grey speckled textures complemented by chic coffee tables. There's also a dedicated workspace tucked into the corner, ideal for catching up on emails. What I appreciated most was the sense of space; unlike many hotel rooms, it never once felt crowded.
The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable, dressed in crisp white linens and a feather duvet, with cherry blossom artwork lining the walls beside it. A 46-inch LED television offered a wide range of international channels, while a well-stocked refreshment bar catered to all your coffee and snack needs.
My favourite feature of the room, however, was the expansive bathroom, elegantly finished in glossy grey marble. It featured double sinks and an illuminated mirror, creating the perfect setting to get ready. As someone who loves the ritual of dressing up, a spacious, well-designed glam area like this feels essential – especially before heading out for an evening in the city.
The bathroom also included a rainfall shower and a separate bathtub positioned beside floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views across the skyline. It was all complemented by Signature Jo Loves amenities. For a girly weekend, my friend and I couldn’t resist spending time here doing our makeup.
The food
I booked dinner at GŎNG Bar on Level 52, an Asian-inspired restaurant bathed in dark, moody lighting. With glossy black chairs finished in velvet, dark wood interiors, and tables lined along floor-to-ceiling windows, it set the perfect scene for evening cocktails in the city.
© Andrew Beasley PhotographyWhile the atmosphere was undeniably alluring, what truly surprised me was just how good the food was. We started with the prawn tempura and salmon tataki before moving on to the sushi. I’d highly recommend the truffle salmon roll and the prawn dragon roll, paired with a side of cauliflower. It was some of the best sushi I’ve tried in London, full of rich, tangy flavours. I opted for the mango cocktail, a vibrant blend of Enemigo Blanco tequila, mezcal, mango, citrus, sesame, and oriental spices.
The breakfast buffet at TĪNG on Level 35 offered an impressive selection of morning favourites, from freshly baked pastries to eggs and smoked salmon, catering to a wide range of tastes.
We returned a few hours later to enjoy afternoon tea at the restaurant, a quintessentially British experience and an absolute must when visiting London. We sipped on glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne while indulging in a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, from coronation chicken and smoked salmon with crème fraîche to roasted dry-aged beef and truffle egg and cress. Next came the savoury bites, including a beetroot muffin paired with whipped feta. The highlight, however, was the warm raisin scones, generously topped with clotted cream and strawberry jam, followed by a selection of sweet treats to finish. The entire experience is priced at £88.00 per person.
The facilities
No city break is complete without a touch of wellness, and the hotel's infinity sky pool offers a view that alone feels instantly rejuvenating, lifting you above the bustle of the city below. As the highest swimming pool in Western Europe, it sits alongside the sky sauna and gym, creating a serene oasis high in the clouds where the noise of buses and busy streets feels worlds away.
© The ShardThat said, the space is relatively compact – something not uncommon in city hotels – so it's worth planning your visit carefully to avoid peak times, particularly during family and children's swimming hours.
© Tim WinterHow to book
The Iconic Shard Suite averages £1,542.00 per night, and I'd say it's well worth it for a special occasion, especially for the chance to stay in one of London's most iconic buildings. What truly sets it apart is the sense of space and privacy, it feels less like a hotel room and more like your own elevated apartment in the sky.
© The ShardIt's a grand, memorable stay that I'd highly recommend for a celebratory weekend in London. The service was exceptional throughout, from the restaurants to reception, with staff always on hand to answer calls promptly and cater to every need with genuine warmth and a smile.
To book, visit shangri-la.com
