'Mirror effect' offers Shard Shangri-La guests an unexpected vista
Guests at the newly-opened Shangri-La Hotel in London’s The Shard are being warned to close the blinds at night as the glass structure’s panels make it sometimes possible to see into other rooms.
Some of the glass surrounding the 1,016ft (310m) building acts as an inadvertent mirror when lights are on, so the advice is being issued to maintain guests’ privacy.
Darren Gearing, the executive vice president and hotel general manager, said: "As a building created largely from glass, all guests can enjoy spectacular views of London from floor-to-ceiling windows.
"In some rooms, due to the unique shape of The Shard, guests may be able to glimpse into a neighbour's room. For this, blinds are available for guest privacy."
Occupying levels 34 to 52 of The Shard, the £450 per night hotel offer views 125m above London’s streets, with ceiling to floor windows in place to maximise the vista.
Blinds were initially fitted to ensure guests weren’t woken at dawn, but are now serving an additional purpose, with guests staying in affected rooms reportedly being warned on check-in.
The hotel, which opened last week, features London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar, and will soon offer a penthouse suite which will cost £16,000 a night to stay in.