EUROPE'S FIRST ELEVATED HOTEL OPENS - THE SHANGRI-LA AT THE SHARD

Occupying floors 34 to 52 each of the 202 rooms and suites in the five-star Shangri-La offer stunning views of London which can be enjoyed from every guest's bed as well as many of the bathrooms. There will also be two restaurants, a champagne bar on floor 52, an infinity pool and gymnasium, a ground floor delicatessen as well as banqueting and conference facilities.

Today's launch means that now all The Shard's public facing space is now open. The Shangri-La's forward bookings reflect the huge level of interest in the building which has already seen more than 1 million people visit the dramatic viewing gallery - The View From The Shard at levels 68-72 - together with several thousand daily visitors to The Shard's three award-winning restaurants and bars on the mid-levels- Oblix, aqua shard and Hutong.

More than 30% of The Shard's office accommodation is now let and tenants are either already in occupation or are fitting out their space. Six occupiers have signed leases with several more in lawyers hands.

At the beginning of 2014 News UK formally signed its lease on The Place, The Shard's sister building, amounting to 428,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over 17 floors. News UK is currently fitting out the offices and the global media giant will begin moving in to The Place next month. As a result 65% of the entire London Bridge Quarter estate is now let.

"The opening of The Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard is yet another milestone in the hugely successful London Bridge Quarter. We believe the launch of this world class hotel further enhances the appeal of The Shard which already has become a global landmark and a London icon. The Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard will draw even more people to this part of London helping to firmly establish London Bridge Quarter as one of the capital's most exciting districts," said Michael Baker CEO of REM and Irvine Sellar, Vice Chairman of REM.