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SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AT THE SHARD


By Paul Revel


THE SHANGRI-LA OPENED IN central London’s iconic Shard in May this year, occupying floors 34-52 of the 72-storey tower. At more than 300m, the Shard is the UK’s tallest building. The Hong Kong- based group has 80 properties around the world, and this five-star London hotel is its third in Europe.


31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU • Tel: +44 (0)20 7234 8000 shangri-la.com/london


ROOMS: There are five room categories, starting from 30sqm, plus several suite options. My spacious Iconic City View room on the 50th floor featured triple-aspect, full-height windows offering a stunning 180-degree panorama. Even the standalone bath had splendid views. The rooms have charming touches, including powerful binoculars, cotton kimonos and fragrant Chinese tea served on arrival. RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The main restaurant, Ting, serves seasonal modern British/ European cuisine with an occasional and subtle Asian twist: we enjoyed Cornish crab meat in gazpacho with heritage tomatoes, monkfish teryaki, and beef fillet with wild mushrooms and foie gras. Ting is also the place for excellent breakfasts. The Gong bar on the 52nd floor is an intimate spot for excellent cocktails – it’s best to reserve a place. BUSINESS FACILITIES: Meeting rooms are on the 34th floor, connected to the 35th floor


reception via a mezzanine with staircase and double-height windows. The largest of the three event rooms can host up to 140 delegates theatre-style. The entire floor can be hired for events for up to 200 people. LEISURE FACILITIES: An experience to remember is swimming above the city on the 52nd floor, in the UK’s loftiest pool. Towels, iced water and fresh fruit salad are laid on; take the lift up there in your bathrobe. The small but well-equipped gym on the same floor is open 24/7. VERDICT: From bathroom to infinity pool to cocktail bar to boardroom, those fantastic London views are everywhere. But luckily, the luxury Asian brand doesn’t rest too heavily on these laurels – rooms are beautifully appointed, service is friendly and attentive, and food, wine and cocktails delicious. Of course all this comes at a price, but for business travellers and event bookers with the requisite budgets, it will be as popular as it is with the tourists.


LUFTHANSA B747-8 PREMIUM ECONOMY


Frankfurt-Washington DC By Tom Otley


THE NEW PREMIUM ECONOMY will roll out quickly across the long- haul fleet: all B747-8s will be fitted with it by December 2014, and A330-300s and A380s by late summer 2015. Benefits include an increased free luggage allowance of 2 x 23kg bags.


BOARDING: I had connected from London so went through security and made my way to Gate Z52 to board LH418 at 1310. Boarding (and check-in) is the same as for economy passengers. THE SEAT: The B747-8 has 32 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout – economy, immediately behind, is 3-4-3. The only divide between the classes are some shades hanging between the seats. Premium economy seats feature adjustable footrests, 11-in seatback in- flight entertainment screens, power outlets


BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM


and USB ports. They are comfortable, but it is difficult to work when the seat in front is reclined. The seat also has a fair amount of ‘give’ in it, which means you can feel the passenger behind you using their touchscreen. THE FLIGHT: After take-off, we were given


a juice drink and headphones. Wifi costs Ð9 for one hour, Ð14 for three hours and Ð17 for the flight, and was temperamental.


Catering is the same as in economy, although the main course is served on porcelain. The starter was a mixed leaf


salad with black tiger shrimps, and the mains were beef strips in chilli sauce or garganelli pasta bolognese. Portions weren’t large. Drinks, including a choice of wine, were served with the meal, and spirits afterwards. A snack was offered later on. VERDICT: A welcome addition. Lufthansa has pitched this as an upgraded premium economy product and, in that, it succeeds. If you are planning on working on a long-haul day flight, it’s possible, but be prepared for some inconvenience if using a laptop. The seat is good for sleeping.


BBT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 91


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