One new 2013 possibility for some top hospitality in the London Bridge area is the planned Shangri-La Hotel at the 1016 – foot (310 metres) 70-storey Shard building, for which the inauguration of its outside shell was this month.

The five-star luxury hotel is the 72-property Asia-Pacific group’s first in the UK and is likely to open May/June 2013 on floors 34-52 with 202 large guestrooms of around 452 sq feet (42 sq. metres), one conference and banqueting room for up to 200, (divisible into two) two meetings rooms for up to 20, a luxury spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, restaurants, a champagne bar at floor 52 and London views for forty miles on a clear day.

Those with £24.95 to spend can book advance tickets from the Shard’s owners to enjoy the views from February 1st 2013.