Shangri-La to launch iconic London hotel
SHANGRI-La Hotels is to open the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard,
London, on May 6. The new hotel will be the tallest in Western
Europe and will occupy levels 34 to 52 of the 72-storey Shard.
Guests will be escorted in a high-speed elevator from the hotel’s
dedicated entrance on St. Thomas Street to the sky lobby on level
35. Levels 36 to 50 will house 202 unique guest rooms and suites,
ranging from 30 to 188 square metres. The Shard’s spiral shape
gives each room a unique design and layout, with oor-to-ceiling
windows giving unrivalled views across London. Over a third of the
bathrooms will have views of the city. Accommodation includes
Deluxe, Premier and Grand Premier rooms and suites with northerly
views. Superior guest rooms and suites look south over the city and
beyond. The hotel’s three signature suites will overlook
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and down the Thames towards the
O2 Arena. Three wining and dining venues will include the highest
bar in the city. A 24-hour gym, London’s highest innity pool and
three river-facing event spaces will be available to guests. Advance
bookings can be made from March 17.
Starwood pilots smartphone check-in
STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts is to launch a pilot programme that
will enable guests to use their smartphones for checking in. It will
initially be available at Aloft hotels in Cupertino, California, and the
group’s hotels in Harlem, New York. Preferred guests who sign up
for the programme will use their smartphone to check in and gain
entry to their room. The programme will be implemented within the
next three months. The hotel group is working with a Swedish-based
lockmaker to develop the programme and plans to roll it out to all
Aloft and W hotels by 2015.
Drakensberg Sun Resort completes renovation
TSOGO Sun’s Drakensberg Sun Resort in KwaZulu Natal has
undergone an extensive refurbishment project that spanned an
11-month period and included a renovation of all areas within the
hotel. The lounge, reception and bar have all had facelifts. The
main pool has been resurfaced and features a permanent umbrella
combined with brand-new poolside furniture. “The rejuvenated
public spaces promise comfort and style to match the warmth and
elegance of the resort,” says Darron Moore, gm of the resort.
Guest bedrooms have received new at-screen TVs, glass-fronted
fridges, dressing tables and desk chairs and bathrooms have
been completely redone. The resort’s Presidential Suite has been
renovated and now features new furnishings and nishes. The décor
includes marble, timber contemporary velvets and cottons. The
environment was also considered throughout the renovation process,
ensuring that saving of water resources and electrical energy was
kept in mind.
