Designed by internationally acclaimed architect, Renzo Piano, the iconic London Bridge Tower is situated on the South Bank of the Thames River diagonally opposite the Tower of London.  It is projected to be the tallest building in Europe at 310 meters (1,016 ft.) high and a landmark synonymous with London itself.  Sellar Property Group, acting on behalf of Teighmore Limited, obtained planning consent for the development of London Bridge Tower in November 2003. The deluxe, 195-room Shangri-La, accessed by a dedicated entrance at street level, will occupy floors 34 to 52 (18 floors total) of the "Shard of Glass," as London Bridge Tower has become known. The 70-story building will include

Rendering of the 70 story London Bridge Tower;  the 195-room Shangri-La Will Occupy Floors 34 to 52

With the City of London minutes away and Canary Wharf easily accessible, the location is ideal for the business traveler. It also will be a convenient base for leisure travelers to explore London, situated close to key tourist attractions, such as the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Shakespeare's Globe.  London Bridge Tower will have direct access to a key transport interchange providing extensive mainline railway, bus and underground stations.

"The Shangri-La Hotel at London Bridge Tower will be a dramatic introduction of our signature Asian hospitality and style to Europe," said Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.  "International guests already familiar with Shangri-La touches, such as sparkling chandeliers and a sweeping lobby, will also enjoy panoramic views of London from all vantage points.  But most striking will be the authentic and gracious Asian style of service, the hallmark of our 46 hotels and resorts, which will position this new property at the forefront of the world's finest hotels."

"We are absolutely delighted and honored that Shangri-La has chosen London Bridge Tower as the location for its first European hotel, following an exhaustive decade-long search by the group," said Irvine Sellar, chairman, Sellar Property Group.

"We believe Shangri-La's deserved reputation as Asia's finest hotel company will only enhance London Bridge Tower's already established image as Europe's finest mixed-use building.  With the hotel becoming the building's anchor tenant, major international companies will find it hard to resist London Bridge Tower as the answer to their corporate occupancy needs."

Guests will enter a double height lobby with uninterrupted London views.  The 170 deluxe guestrooms, averaging more than 42 sq. meters (452 sq. ft.), will be among the largest in London, introducing a new standard of "suite-style" accommodation to the city.    Additionally, 25 suites, including two specialty suites and a presidential suite, will offer glass-enclosed "wintergarden" balconies.

A wide array of guestroom features and services will include the "Shangri-La Bed," made exclusively for the hotel group, featuring patented body-contouring technology; designer LCD television and hi-fi equipment; a comprehensive range of business and communication features, and more.

Food and beverage outlets will include a specialty restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, and "food theater" café with a choice of multiple cooking stations, combining international cuisine with a dash of drama.

The hotel will be home to Europe's first CHI spa, Shangri-La's signature brand.  CHI combines Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies, the latter inspired by the mysticism of the Shangri-La legend, captured in James Hilton's famous Lost Horizon novel.  CHI's spacious, private spa suites will be among the largest in the city, offering a "spa within a spa" atmosphere.

Fitness and recreational facilities will include an indoor infinity swimming pool and fully equipped fitness center, both with panoramic views of the London skyline, as well as whirlpool, steam and sauna.

Meeting space will include function rooms with seating capacity for 400.  The Business Centre will offer a range of secretarial support services, from translation to business card printing, as well as board rooms, PCs and other office equipment.
In addition to access to the highest public viewing gallery in Central London, at 226 meters (735 feet) above street level, guests at Shangri-La Hotel, London Bridge Tower will be able to take advantage of the development's exhibition spaces, auditorium, learning center, gardens, piazzas, and an array of other services and amenities.
Italian-born architect Renzo Piano is recognized for major projects such as the Potsdamer Platz reconstruction, Berlin; the Kansai International Airport, Osaka; and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.  Two of his current projects include the New York Times Headquarters building and Art Institute of Chicago expansion.  Renzo Piano Building Workshop has offices in Genoa and Paris.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 46 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders Hotels brands, in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates with a rooms inventory of over 21,000.  In addition, the group has over 20 projects under development in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Lori Lincoln
Director of Public Relations, North America
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Tel: (212) 382-3155
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.shangri-la.com