Q: What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival . Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 1

How many restaurants are in The Shard?

Accepted Answer

The Shard has seven restaurants and bars across its upper floors, each offering stunning views of London. These venues provide a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to more casual options.

Question 2

What is special about The Shard?

Accepted Answer

The Shard stands out as the tallest building in the UK, reaching a height of 310 meters (1,016 feet). Its unique, glass-faceted design resembles a shard of glass, making it an iconic part of London's skyline. The building houses offices, restaurants, bars, a hotel and the renowned observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city.

Question 3

Is it worth going up The Shard?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! "The View from The Shard" observation deck spans floors 68, 69 and 72, giving you 360-degree views across London. From up there, you can spot iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye, making it an experience that’s truly memorable and perfect for sightseeing or taking photos.

Question 4

Why is The Shard so famous?

Accepted Answer

The Shard is famous for its striking design and status as the tallest building in the UK. Its unique architecture and the breathtaking views from its observation deck have made it a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of modern London.

Question 5

Can you go up The Shard for free?

Accepted Answer

No, you need a ticket to access the observation deck, prices can vary depending on the time of day and any additional experiences you choose. The View from The Shard spans floors 68, 69 and 72, and many visitors find it well worth the ticket for the sweeping 360-degree views of London’s skyline, landmarks and the River Thames.

Question 6

Is there a dress code for The Shard?

Accepted Answer

The dress code depends on where you’re visiting within the building:

• Smart Dress Code: Required at high-end venues like the Shangri-La Hotel, Ting and GŎNG bar.

• Smart Casual Dress Code: Expected at restaurants such as Oblix, Hutong, Aqua Shard and Sky Lounge.

• Relaxed Dress Code: Applies to the observation deck and Bar 31, where casual clothing is perfectly fine.

Question 7

What’s inside The Shard?

Accepted Answer

The Shard is more than just an observation deck, it's a full vertical city. Inside, you’ll find:

• Offices: Several floors are dedicated to businesses.

• Restaurants and Bars: Seven options ranging from fine dining to casual bars, many with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views.

• Hotel: The Shangri-La Hotel occupies floors 34 to 52, featuring luxury rooms, a spa and stylish lounges.

• Observation Deck: On floors 68, 69, and 72, providing panoramic views that stretch across London and beyond.

• Residential Apartments: Exclusive luxury apartments with stunning views of the city.

Question 8

What tube line is The Shard on?

Accepted Answer

The Shard is right next to London Bridge Station, which is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines of the London Underground. The station also connects to National Rail services, making it simple to reach from other parts of London or even from nearby cities. From the station, it’s just a short walk to the base of The Shard.

Question 9

What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Accepted Answer

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 10

What time is check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 11

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 12

What is Premier Inn CleanProtect™?

Accepted Answer

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind.

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Question 13

What facilities are provided for customers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access.

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Question 14

Can I bring my pet to a Premier Inn hotel?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.

The Shard hotels

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