It won’t be lost on many that Tibet is the fictional location of Shangri La, as described by author James Hilton. Admittedly, he may not have imagined it in the centre of Lhasa! The Shangri-La Lhasa exemplifies the consistently high standards of this brand, combining premier luxury accommodation and facilities with a peak location overlooking Tibet’s sacred Potala Palace.
The rooms are bright and contemporary with nods to typical Tibetan design. Playing to the hotel’s best feature, floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame the views over the surrounding hillsides towards the Potala Palace. An extensive range of high quality facilities include a calming spa offering a wide range of treatments, a generously-sized indoor swimming pool with poolside relaxation, a 24-hour oxygen lounge, and a fully-equipped fitness suite. Watch the chefs cook international dishes and local specialities in an open kitchen, or settle down in an intimate private dining room to taste a classic Sichuan hot-pot. Enjoy traditional Tibetan teas under the impressive chandelier centrepiece in the spacious main lounge, as the red curtains sway in the cooling breeze, or relax with sunset cocktails and tapas by firelight on the rooftop terrace.
In the heart of Lhasa with fantastic views of Potala Palace and the mountains. Ask the concierge to arrange transport to and from the excellent Tibetan Family Kitchen across town if you fancy it...
Indoor pool
Oxygen lounge
Full spa suite
Horizon Club private lounge
Instead of heading out we just used the Altitude restaurant for dinner. The food was lovely and the staff were incredibly friendly - they went all out to keep us smiling.
Discover what to expect from staying at Shangri La Hotel Lhasa
After a long journey, and the initial disorientation of arriving somewhere as distinctive as Tibet, the Shangri La is a welcome sight. In a classical sense, it’s probably the most luxurious hotel in Lhasa, though more understated than some other Shangri La hotels around the world. There’s an interesting diversity of food available in-house, and the freshly squeezed breakfast orange juice is unworldly sublime (what’s in it!). The hotel acknowledges Tibetan style, and the result is a respectful bow to the region’s culture. Each morning you open your curtains to cinematic views of the Potala Palace or the epic mountains.
When you aren’t out touring or exploring, it's just a case of relaxing at your leisure Shangri La-style. The pool is a welcome facility, and you may like to make time for a treatment at the spa. Get straight into that oxygen lounge if you need to, as it can really help ease the physical symptoms of being at high altitude.
Shangri La Hotels has a growing commitment to the environment and sustainable operation. The Lhasa property is one where this project is more visibly underway, including a sustainable food supply, and commitments to recycling and local employment.