Shangri-La Group announces Songtei Kyoto, Shangri-La Signatures

WORDS BY Sienna Shipton

September 23, 2026

Shangri-La Signatures has made its second move – opening a 77-key sanctuary opposite Kyoto’s Nijō Castle that reimagines the quiet grandeur of the city’s Edo-period residences…

Shangri-La Group has announced Songtei Kyoto, Shangri-La Signatures, the latest addition to its ultra-luxury Shangri-La Signatures collection. Situated opposite Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan, the 77-key hotel will be the second address in the Shangri-La Signatures portfolio – a collection of rare sanctuaries, each defined by the depth of its location and provenance, brought to life through intuitive, personalised hosting. The hotel is set to welcome its first guests from late 2026, with additional facilities opening progressively ahead of a full property unveiling in early 2027.

Image credit: Shangri-La Group

Rooted in local heritage and guided by a philosophy of intentional design, Songtei Kyoto will curate immersive experiences across art, wellness, gastronomy and storytelling – a reimagination of the quiet grandeur and ceremonial elegance of Kyoto’s prestigious Edo-period residences through a contemporary lens, brought to life through Shangri-La’s art and joy of Asian hosting.

Set on the former residence of the Kyoto Shoshidai, an important historical site in the city, Songtei Kyoto will feature 77 beautifully crafted rooms and suites, designed to frame carefully curated views of Nijō Castle’s Kita Ote-mon (Great North Gate), its gardens and the surrounding landscape, honouring the property’s unique historical setting.

: Image credit: Shangri-La Group

The hotel will also be home to a holistic wellness sanctuary, with a private spa, indoor and outdoor hot baths, an indoor pool and a state-of-the-art gym. Its culinary programme will celebrate the depth and breadth of Asian gastronomy and culture, spanning an all-day dining lounge, Chinese fine dining restaurant, kappo-sushi counter and intimate evening bar. Select facilities will open progressively ahead of the property’s full unveiling in early 2027.

Image credit: Shangri-La Group

Shangri-La Signatures’ inaugural property, The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou, opened on the tranquil shores of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hangzhou, China and has earned significant global acclaim in its first year. Highlights include being named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 and selected for the prestigious Prix Versailles’ The World’s Most Beautiful Hotels 2026.

Main image credit: Shangri-La Group

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.

Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.

Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.

Shangri-La Group announces Songtei Kyoto, Shangri-La Signatures

Shangri-La Signatures has made its second move – opening a 77-key sanctuary opposite Kyoto’s Nijō Castle that reimagines the quiet grandeur of the city’s Edo-period residences…

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