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.
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.
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.
- Annual fee
- $799
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Plus $510 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,190
- Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 3 months
- Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply 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”).
- Annual fee
- $799
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360Plus $680 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,360
- Welcome offerAfter $15,000 in 3 months
- Up to 120,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply 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”).
While booking through one of the three programs offers similar benefits, there are a few differences.
| Benefits | Shangri-La Luxury Circle | Virtuoso | Fine Hotels & Resorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Free breakfast for two | Free breakfast for two | Free breakfast for two |
| Upgrade | Subject to availability at the time of booking or check-in. | Subject to availability at time of check-in | Subject to availability at time of check-in |
| Hotel credit | Between 50 and 100 USD, depending on the hotel | 100 USD | 100 USD |
| Early arrival | Subject to availability | Subject to availability | Arrival at noon, subject to availability |
| Late Departure | Subject to availability | Subject to availability | Departure at 4 p.m. |
| Additional services | Welcome gift | Welcome 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.
