Shangri-La The Shard, Southwark, London

Explore the tourist attractions along the river, including HMS Belfast, The Clink Prison Museum, the Golden Hinde and the London Bridge Experience. The hotel sources most of its ingredients from Borough market, which is only a five-minute walk away.

The Shard sits just south of the river Thames at London Bridge and the station is close by.

By car: around 4 hours 30 minutes from Manchester and 3 hours from Bristol. On-site parking costs £55 per day.

By train: London Bridge station is a 2-minute walk away. London Waterloo is 20 minutes by taxi. Book trains to London.

East meets west at this iconic hotel. The downstairs lobby has four giant lit acrylic artworks featuring Chinese ink paintings and rectangular crystal chandeliers. The reception and TĪNG restaurant are on floor 35, where you'll find grey marble floors, wooden partitions and oriental silk motifs. The décor changes seasonally and includes cushions, throws and floral arrangements.

From the pool staff that will offer to take your Instagrammable infinity-pool picture, to the sommelier who will introduce you to wines and champagnes you may not have heard of, service is exceptional. Aromatherapy massages are provided by Neals Yard.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Pet-friendly
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have everything you want. Floor-to-ceiling windows help frame the city below and provided binoculars bring those views into sharper focus. Bathrooms are spacious and fully equipped with toothbrushes and razors as well as the usual amenities. Many have baths with a view, and showers.

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

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

Enjoy sky-high views at GŎNG (floor 52), the highest bar in London. At the base of the Shard, BAR 31 is more informal. TĪNG (floor 35) serves modern British Cuisine with a subtle Asian twist. The seared king scallops with chicken jus, clementine, coriander oil, caviar and truffle is exquisite.

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.