A Five-Star Hotel In Western Europe's Tallest Building Features London's Highest Infinity Pool

Way up high in London's iconic The Shard — one of the city's most famous skyscrapers — is a five-star hotel that offers luxury paired with breathtaking views. Shangri-La The Shard occupies floors 34 to 52 of Western Europe's tallest building, and the hotel is also home to London's highest infinity pool.

The Sky Pool is on the 52nd floor, and it's an oasis with panoramic views of the city and the River Thames. Although spring is the best time to visit London for perfect weather and fewer crowds, the Sky Pool is heated, so you can enjoy it year-round. This infinity pool is so impressive; it's a reason to stay at the Shangri-La all on its own. However, you don't have to book a room to use it. Visitors who aren't hotel guests can access the pool with a Skypass for £125 ($157), which includes a £50 ($63) credit at the hotel's restaurant — talk about an amazing daycation opportunity. You'll also get access to the Sky Sauna, where you can relax while taking in London's iconic landmarks, like the London Eye and St. Paul's Cathedral.

Hotel guests get free access to the Sky Pool, but reservations are required. Speaking of daycations, the Shangri-La offers a daycation package for guests who'd like day use of a room with access to the hotel's amenities. The pricing starts at £420 ($529) for a Superior Shard room. It's the perfect thing to do if you only have a one-day trip to London.

Beyond the Sky Pool, Shangri-La has 202 luxurious rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the London skyline. The Shard was designed by Renzo Piano, and at 306 meters, it's the tallest building in the U.K. It's home to a mix of offices, residential apartments, and restaurants in addition to the hotel. Visitors can experience "The View from The Shard," an observation deck on the 72nd floor with the best city views in London. General entry starts at £32 ($40), with options to upgrade with various perks.

Dining at the Shangri-La is top-notch. Fine-dining restaurant Ting offers a blend of traditional British food with Asian influences, and it sources ingredients from the nearby Borough Market, so everything is super fresh (here are some of the most overhyped foods at London's Borough Market). For a swanky evening, head to GŎNG, the highest hotel bar in London, for a sophisticated cocktail. The city backdrop makes this a must for Instagrammers looking for the perfect shot.

Getting to Shangri-La is convenient — the hotel is about an hour from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and it's less than a half-hour drive from the city center. To make your visit even more luxurious, you can book a limousine pick-up through the hotel. However, if you're more into public transit, there are bus and train lines that run close to the hotel that can get you there in under an hour from the airport.