The Best Shangri La Hotels Around The World

In global hospitality, the Shangri-La Group is a reference of Asian elegance and world-class service. Founded on the ideals of Robert Kuok, the group has redefined the essence of being a host, which is clearly seen in the best Shangri La hotels around the world.

Headquartered in Hong Kong SAR, Shangri-La has evolved from a single, pioneering hotel to a multifaceted global enterprise. Its portfolio now boasts over 100 properties under four distinct brands: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kerry Hotels, JEN, and Traders.

At the heart of Shangri-La’s ethos is a deep-rooted pride in its Asian heritage. Each property is an ambassador of Asian culture, from its architectural nuances to its culinary delights.

Shangri-La’s journey mirrors the economic rise of Asia, growing alongside and contributing to the communities it serves. The brand is strategically positioned to leverage trends in an era marked by the rise of Asia’s middle class and increasing global affluence. The Group continues to draw inspiration from Asia’s rich traditions and time-honored customs, upholding them even as it paves the way for future growth.

Shangri La Circle Loyalty Program

Shangri-La’s Luxury Circle program is a lesser-known program that offers exclusive benefits for Shangri-La stays compared to what’s offered through other programs. It’s one of the reasons why we recommend booking luxury hotels with a travel agent.

To get these benefits, you must book through a travel agent and can expect to receive:

• Upgrade to the next room type category at the time of booking, subject to availability
• Hotel credit of $100 USD (or 10% of the average daily room rate, whichever is higher) per stay
• Complimentary full breakfast for two, including in-room dining
• Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
• Welcome amenity

In our opinion, the upgrade to a level room and free breakfast are some of the better perks, and note that it is available for in-room dining. The major difference with Shangri La is they will provide you the upgrade at the time of booking vs at check-in, which can go a long way to ensure you will actually receive it.

The Best Shangri La Hotels Hotels Around The World

With over 100 properties scattered worldwide, it is hard to choose which Shangri La Hotel is the best. However, ten properties stand out for their architecture, decor, amenities, location, and overall experience.

1. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Right in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Shangri-La Hotel occupies the former palatial residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, dating back to 1891. The dome-topped marble entryway leads to spaces with original wood floors, stained glass, and hand-carved mahogany panels. The pièce de résistance is the “Stairway of Honor,” honoring the hotel’s royal heritage- it even has a coveted “Palace” status since 2014.

The hotel’s 100 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views, including an unobstructed sight of the Eiffel Tower. Dining options include the two Michelin-starred restaurants led by Executive Chef Christophe Moret: The Shang Palace, the first Chinese restaurant in France to receive a Michelin star, and La Bauhinia, with its elegant East-meets-West menu.

For relaxation, the CHI spa has a 15-meter pool bathed in natural daylight and decorated with Roman-style mosaics and backlit leafy imagery.

2. Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London

Inside The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, the Shangri-La Hotel in London begins at 125 meters on the 34th floor, offering unparalleled city views. The 202 rooms and suites of the hotel boast floor-to-ceiling windows with an interior decor that intertwines modern sophistication with subtle Chinoiserie elements. The comfort of body-contouring beds draped in Frette linens and marble-clad bathrooms featuring heated floors and Jo Loves amenities are perfect.

The three signature dining venues include TING restaurant, where guests try various cuisines while taking in the panoramic views of the city’s landmarks, such as the Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral. The crowning glory here is the Sky Pool, renowned as the highest hotel pool in Western Europe. Positioned on the 52nd floor, this infinity pool provides guests with a unique perspective of London.

While the gym may be compact, the emphasis on exclusivity and privacy is evident with single-person changing rooms.

3. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

Voted as one of the top 10 hotels in the world, the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok is a riverside retreat close to the city’s central business district and the Saphan Taksin BTS Station. The hotel’s 850 rooms and suites offer majestic views of the Chao Phraya River. The Krungthep Wing, in particular, boasts spacious rooms with balconies overlooking a private pool and the river. The Shangri-La Wing, meanwhile, provides convenient access to the hotel’s amenities, including the gym, pool, and a selection of fine dining restaurants.

With six eateries, two lounges, and a bar, guests can indulge in various international and local flavors. Angelini delights with its exquisite Italian cuisine, while Salathip offers gourmet Thai dishes. The NEXT2 Cafe is famous for its market-style buffet, particularly during brunch, and The Chocolate Boutique is a haven for those with a sweet tooth.

The decor of the rooms displays Asian silks, teak finishings, and a sophisticated neutral palette. Despite its size, the hotel maintains an intimate atmosphere. The spa has some of the largest spa suites in the city, with treatments that emphasize traditional Thai and Asian techniques.

4. Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto

The Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto is set in one of the city’s tallest buildings. Located conveniently on University Avenue, the hotel is close to many of Toronto’s attractions, like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the waterfront, and Yonge Street. Opened in 2012, the entrance has a striking steel sculpture by Chinese artist Zhang Huan, leading into a lobby decorated with Chinese calligraphy paintings, a Joni Mitchell-lyric inscribed Fazioli piano, and dual-sided fireplace.

The rooms, among the largest in Canada, average 525 square feet, with earth-tone furnishings, bamboo carpeting, and mahogany paneling. Dining options are exemplary, with the Lobby Lounge offering an extensive all-day menu and a famous afternoon tea experience featuring over 68 tea blends. Bosk, the adjoining restaurant, serves international dishes with local ingredients and has a wine list among the city’s largest.

The hotel offers a 42-seat screening room popular with film enthusiasts, a third-floor Garden Terrace with a bee wall producing honey, and a 9,000-square-foot wellness facility. This includes a 24/7 gym, a group fitness studio, a 64-foot pool under a skylight, and a Caudalie spa.

5. Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Situated 56 floors above the city, the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong offers views of The Peak and Victoria Harbour. Atop the Admiralty MTR station, this hotel provides easy access to the city’s shopping, cultural attractions, and transportation. Regarding accommodation, the hotel’s attention to detail caters to a diverse clientele, including markings for the Kiblat for Muslim guests. Guests in the Horizon Club rooms enjoy additional perks like access to the exclusive lounge and a complimentary copy of James Hilton’s ‘Lost Horizon.’

Dining at the Island Shangri-La includes the Michelin-starred Summer Palace for Cantonese specialties and Restaurant Petrus for French cuisine. The Japanese and international buffets at Café TOO are also popular among locals.

The hotel’s design reflects a blend of East and West, decorated with 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers and a 16-story high silk painting entitled ‘The Great Motherland of China’, visible from the bubble lifts. Fragonard drawings and an extensive collection of European and Chinese paintings add to its cultural richness. This old-school luxury is evident in thoughtful touches like providing a stool for handbags at the French restaurant.

6. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Find the Shangri-La Bosphorus in the Beşiktaş district of Istambul, in a historical building from the 1930s. Along the European shores of the Bosphorus strait, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace. The 186 rooms and suites are adorned with chandeliers and decorated in soothing cool tones, drawing inspiration from palatial Ottoman glamour and Asian aesthetics.

The hotel houses four restaurants and bars, including the well-known Shang Palace, which celebrates authentic Chinese cuisine with a twist. Like its counterparts in Hong Kong and Paris (which boast Michelin Stars), the restaurant represents the high standards of culinary excellence that Shangri-La is known for globally.

The Shangri-La Bosphorus is a magnificent representation of Istanbul’s unique position at the crossroads of two continents. It offers a harmonious blend of East and West, not just in its location but also through its architectural beauty.

7. Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

The Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver occupies the first 15 floors of the city’s tallest building. It is also close to the high-end shopping on Robson Street, the expanse of Stanley Park, and the nightlife on Granville Street. The 119 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame city views, with over half of the rooms with private balconies.

Rated Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the hotel’s service is impeccable. Guests are greeted warmly upon arrival by a staff wearing Asian-inspired robes, and are treated impeccably until the end of their stay. Shangri-La in Vancouver has a grandiose and modern style that stands out in the city’s hospitality landscape.

8. Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai

Surrounded by the mountain ranges of Northern Thailand, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai stands as a family-friendly 5-star oasis. This urban resort has the largest pool in the city. It is the ideal destination for those seeking to indulge, unwind, and explore. With 277 rooms and suites, the hotel showcases enriching Northern Thai design. It showcases native artwork, dark woods, and gold-painted Buddhist-influenced details.

The free-form swimming pool, complete with a splash zone and waterslide, promises endless fun for kids, while adults can enjoy the tennis courts, the fitness center, and the Chi Spa. At the on-site Kad Kafé, guests can savor Thai, Chinese, Japanese, European, and Mediterranean specialties.

Guests can explore the ancient city starting with a rickshaw ride through the Old Town’s narrow lanes, easily accessible from the hotel. Additionally, the proximity to the Night Bazaar offers a chance to immerse in the local shopping and nightlife scene. You can also connect with the elephants of the region —The hotel offers visits to the Patara Elephant Conservation Center, where guests can interact with the animals.

9. Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Located along the Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, Pudong Shangri-La is directly opposite the historical Bund. The hotel’s 950 guest rooms and suites are spread across the River Wing and the Grand Tower, offering amazing city views, and the signature family rooms feature the hotel’s own IP character, Pu Xiao Xiang.

There are 9 restaurants and bars at the hotel. The Chinese restaurant Gui Hua Lou, the fine dining French restaurant Jade on 36 with its views of the Bund, and the buffet restaurant YICAFE, are just a few dining options available. The hotel is also encircled by approximately 500 shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets. It is close to landmarks like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, SISEC, and the IFC Mall.

Chi, The Spa, emphasizes the Chinese philosophy of “qi”, with various treatments like massages, facial therapies, and pampering body treatments. The hotel’s recreation and leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool and two fitness centers. There are tennis courts available for day and night play. The additional amenities like sauna, steam bath, and hot whirlpool bath provide guests with various options to unwind and relax.

10. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is committed to the “Shangri-La Cares” initiative, emphasizing guests’ well-being and safety certified with the SafeGuard Hygiene Excellence and Safety label by Bureau Veritas. The hotel boasts the largest room inventory in the city, with 662 rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities.

As for the restaurants, The Lemon Garden offers a range of dishes. Find anything from sustainable seafood to local and international favorites, including a kid-friendly station. The Shang Palace, with authentic Cantonese culinary masterpieces by Chef Terence Foong, serves signature dishes that are a must-try for any gourmand. Zipangu provides a Japanese dining experience in a zen-like ambiance, led by the famous Chef Kazuo Takizawa. You can find Japanese delicacies, from premium sushi and sashimi to Teppanyaki-style preparations and bento box sets.

For guests looking to unwind, the hotel’s tropical garden and poolside provide a serene escape, while the Health Club and Spa offer rejuvenating treatments for relaxation and revitalization.

Summary & Takeaways

The Shangri-La Groupi is a collection of hotels and a global ambassador of refined Asian hospitality. Each property presented here, from the streets of Hong Kong and Shanghai to the landscapes of Chiang Mai and the cities of Paris, London, and Vancouver, embodies the Group’s commitment to excellence.

Shangri-La’s global expansion reflects its ability to blend the best of local culture with the universal standards of high-end hospitality. But beyond the tangible elements of luxury, the Group’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and preserving cultural heritage speaks to a deeper understanding of hospitality—one that transcends mere accommodation and touches the lives of guests and communities.