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Shangri-La Luxury Circle: How Does the Program Work?

  • Luxury
5 min read
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Shangri-La Luxury Circle: How Does the Program Work?
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Like Accor Step, Hilton Impresario, Hyatt Privé and Marriott Stars & Luminous, Shangri-La Luxury Circle is a program offering preferential rates to selected travel agencies. This means that when you book through one of our partner travel agencies, you’ll enjoy a whole host of privileges, from free breakfast to a hotel credit of up to $100. Here’s an overview.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle – Program Benefits

Shangri-La Luxury Circle allows travellers booking a Shangri-La hotel through an eligible travel agency to obtain the following benefits:

  • Complimentary breakfast for two for the duration of your stay
  • Hotel credit worth between 50 and 100 USD, depending on the hotel
  • Room upgrade, subject to availability at time of check-in
  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
  • Personalized welcome
  • Welcome gift, either a bottle of wine, a treat or something else
  • Regular accumulation of Tier points in the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program

It is important to note that the value of the hotel credit is generally equivalent to 10% of the price paid per room. However, the conversion is determined by the hotel and never exceeds 100 USD.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle – Participating Hotels

Luxury Circle rates are available exclusively at Shangri-La and Kerry properties, excluding Traders and Hotel Jen.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle: How Does the Program Work? - Shangri-La-The-Shard-London

The Shangri-La group has around 100 hotels worldwide, including three Kerry hotels and 97 Shangri-La hotels. In Canada, there’s Shangri-La Vancouver and Shangri-La Toronto, while in Europe there are just three destinations: Shangri-La Paris, Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul and Shangri-La The Shard in London.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle: How Does the Program Work? - Shangri-La-Le-Touessrok

The majority of the group’s hotels are in China, although there are a few around the world, including the luxurious Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius, and the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle Member Agencies

Reservations via the Shangri-La Luxury Circle program cannot be made directly by individuals; they must be made through an accredited travel agency. They can be found all over the world, from Canada to the United States, as well as in many European countries such as France and Germany.

Some agencies prefer online platforms for quick and convenient bookings, while others opt for in person consultations to offer a personalized experience. You should contact your local travel agency to check whether it is a member of the program.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle – Eligible Rates

Program benefits apply to all rates available on the Shangri-La website, whether promotional or not. This flexibility allows travellers to benefit from exclusive privileges, even when they choose special offers or reduced fares.

How Can I Get the Best Deal at Shangri-La Hotels?

Virtuoso

Other loyalty programs offer benefits similar to those of the Shangri-La Luxury Circle. The global Virtuoso travel agency network, for example, also offers first-class privileges at Shangri-La hotels when booked through an accredited travel agency. Not all Shangri-La hotels are part of the program.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

The American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, on the other hand, offers benefits at over 2,200 establishments worldwide – including Shangri-La hotels – without having to go through a travel agency.

To qualify, you must have an American Express Platinum Card in Canada or an American Express Platinum Card in France. Benefits include early check-in, late check-out, upgrades based on availability, breakfast included and a minimum $100 hotel credit. However, as above, not all Shangri-La hotels are part of this program.

American Express Platinum Card®

American ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
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Our valuation
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Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
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With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
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You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
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  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

BusinessAmerican ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$2,040
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 120,000 points
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on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:

  • 80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
  • 40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

  • Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
  • Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
  • Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
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120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 for a Statement credit, and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to :

  • 120,000 Aeroplan points
  • 120,000 Avios
  • 120,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 144,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
  • $200 Annual travel credit
  • $100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program
  • Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores, for example.

Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Legal

*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,815
2nd Year Value$311

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

While booking through one of the three programs offers similar benefits, there are a few differences.

BenefitsShangri-La Luxury CircleVirtuosoFine Hotels & Resorts
BreakfastFree breakfast for twoFree breakfast for twoFree breakfast for two
UpgradeSubject to availability at the time of booking or check-in.Subject to availability at time of check-inSubject to availability at time of check-in
Hotel credit

Between 50 and 100 USD, depending on the hotel

100 USD

100 USD

Early arrivalSubject to availabilitySubject to availabilityArrival at noon, subject to availability
Late DepartureSubject to availabilitySubject to availabilityDeparture at 4 p.m.
Additional servicesWelcome giftWelcome gift

–

Shangri-La Circle

Shangri-La Hotels’ loyalty program, Shangri-La Circle, also entitles its most loyal members to certain benefits.

Diamond members – those who have stayed at least 50 nights in one year at one of the chain’s hotels, or who have accumulated 15,000 Tier points – are entitled to important privileges, including :

  • Free daily breakfast for two
  • Room upgrade in the same category
  • Early arrival at 11 a.m. and late departure at 4 p.m.
  • Hotel credit worth 10 USD or 100 Tier points

Polaris status holders – by invitation only – are entitled to early arrival at 8 a.m. and late departure at 6 p.m., plus a daily breakfast in the hotel lounge.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle – Conclusion

Shangri-La Luxury Circle stands out for its ability to offer exclusive privileges to travellers booking through partner travel agencies. With a worldwide presence and a selection of prestigious hotels, this program represents a unique opportunity to enjoy a luxury experience at competitive rates, while benefiting from exceptional services.

Shangri-La Luxury Circle – Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a night at the Shangri-La Paris cost?

The Shangri-La Paris is one of twelve palaces in Paris; a night’s stay usually costs over 1,500 euros.

How much does it cost to stay at the Shangri-La The Shard, London?

A night at the Shangri-La The Shard, London costs an average of 700 euros.

Who is the founder of Shangri-La Hotels?

Robert Kuok, a Malaysian business magnate, investor and philanthropist, is the founder of the Shangri-La Group.

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Annual fee
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Our valuation
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Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
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Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

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Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

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The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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