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SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, LHASA TO OPEN 17 APRIL
IN THE HEART OF THE HIMALAYAS
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Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will bring its world
renowned hospitality to the highest region on earth with the debut of a
289-room urban retreat in Tibet
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Few places in the world are as magical as Lhasa,
the administrative capital of Tibet. Set on a plateau soaring 3,650
metres above sea level, the city is encircled by the fabled Himalayan
mountains, glaciers and desert-like landscapes. This intriguing
destination will become home to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ newest
property, the 289-room Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, which opens
on 17 April, 2014.
Welcoming travellers from afar, Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa will be a
luxurious home base for those wishing to explore dramatic scenery and
some of the world’s most culturally significant Buddhist sites,
including World Heritage Sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang
Temple, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka Palace. The hotel is conveniently
located within walking distance to Potala Palace and Norbulingka
Palace.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Guests will approach the hotel through a grand entrance gate, which
opens onto an expansive plaza and is inspired by traditional Tibetan
architecture, as is the hotel’s exterior. The unique Tibetan culture
was the reference for the property’s harmonious, contemporary interiors
– the heart of which is Lodgers Lounge.
The focal point of the lounge is a dramatic 6.5 metre bell-like
chandelier draped in flowing red fabric which is reminiscent of a
prayer wheel. Dressed in warm tones and earthy colours drawn from
Thangkas (Tibetan paintings), high ceilings and windows surrounding the
lounge let in light and fresh air, and guests can enjoy snacks and
beverages inside or on the outdoor patio. To the right of the
lounge is the Front Desk, where a floating cloud installation behind
Reception creates a dream-like space. Signifying unity and strength,
the ancient Tibetan symbol of swirling clouds are made into a
contemporary work of art by using hammered oxidized bronze.
Paradise on Earth
The Shangri-La brand was inspired by the mythical paradise found in
James Hilton’s novel, Lost Horizon. True in spirit to that imaginary
Shangri-La, the hotel offers guests Shangri-La’s heartfelt hospitality
and a full array of facilities and luxurious comforts, from a range of dining
venues and recreational facilities, to spacious guestrooms and elegant
meeting and event spaces.
The hotel’s Horizon Club Lounge caters to the full range of travellers’
needs, providing destination information, arranging tours and
transportation as well as offering business services.
Visitors to Lhasa are advised to acclimate to the high altitude before
exploring widely. To refresh and assist guests in doing so, the hotel
has built the first oxygen lounge to be found in a hotel in Lhasa.
Guests can relax and enjoy reflexology treatments there while
overlooking the hotel’s landscaped garden. Two stunning pavilions built
by Tibetan craftsmen using bronzeware, lacquer, murals and carvings
anchor the landscape. In addition to the oxygen lounge, a spa, fully
equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool, and a complete clinic with
professional staff are located onsite.
Among the hotel’s 289 contemporary guestrooms are 10 long stay
apartments. Guestrooms, some of which offer views of the Potala Palace,
start from 42 square metres and are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi
Internet access. The rooms’ modern décor is grounded in neutral colours
and accentuated with the earthy reds, deep blues, and vibrant greens
that are seen in traditional Tibetan dress. Traditional Himalayan
accents such as turquoise stone, decorative metals, floral patterns and
auspicious symbols complement the contemporary design.
In-room services will include authentic sweet tea served in Tibetan
pots and turndown gifts such as hand-woven pouches made of yak fur.
The hotel’s signature outlet is Shambala, a tapas bar and lounge. It
pays homage to the region by featuring authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Signature dishes will include Roasted Lamb Ribs marinated in Tibetan
yoghurt and Baked Bacon wrapped in Tibetan cheese. Guests will also
find a variety of traditional Yunnan dishes on the menu. The cosy
interior of the restaurant is low lit by lights reminiscent of oil
lanterns carried by monks; while the walls are draped in Tibetan
hand-crafted carpets. Other Tibetan influences include decorative metal
fixtures across the low ceiling beams and the repetitive use of the
auspicious endless knot. Guests can opt to enjoy drinks and food in one
of three areas: the lounge, dining room or outdoor tapas bar where they
can take in views of Potala Palace.
The all-day dining restaurant, Altitude, serves international fare and
also has an outdoor dining area. Guests can enjoy a theatre of cooking
due to the open kitchen layout. Shang Palace, a Shangri-La signature
restaurant, will serve authentic Cantonese and Sichuan specialities in
a contemporary setting and in the restaurant’s 10 private dining rooms.
For destination meetings and events, organisers will find ballrooms and
function spaces starting from 81 square metres. The 1,215-square-metre
Grand Ballroom is the largest in the city. The eves of the ballroom are
inspired by Jokhang Temple, while the ceiling is covered in wallpaper
using a gold brush technique. The breakout area at Level 5 leads to the
Outdoor Terrace which overlooks Potala Palace and the surrounding
mountain range, making it an ideal space for a pre-event cocktail.
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is a 40-minute drive from Lhasa Gongar Airport
and a 10-minute drive from the world’s highest railway station.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s
premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages more than 80
hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over
34,000. Over four decades, the group has established its brand
hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart.’ The group has a
substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Mainland
China, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the
United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please
contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
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