Shangri-La announces it will own and operate a new hotel in 2012 in Lhasa, a city set on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, the highest region on earth. 

The 350-room luxury urban resort, owned and operated by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, will rest amongst the tallest peaks in the world: a striking mountain landscape of glaciers, valleys and lakes considered sacred by many.

Located on Lingkor Road, Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa will be 1.5 kilometres from the Potala Palace, the famous 7th century complex at the centre of Lhasa with over 1,000 rooms and a collection of cultural relics including handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.

The hotel will be about half a kilometre from other notable Lhasa landmarks including: Chokpori, known as "Iron Mountain" and one of the four holy mountains of central Tibet; Norbu Lingka, the summer palace originally built in 1755; and the Tibet Museum.

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa will include modern interpretations of traditional Tibetan architectural motifs and interiors will layer locally produced arts, crafts and fabrics over a contemporary space. Designed with comfort in mind, guestrooms will begin at 36 square metres and many will offer views of the Potala Palace. Service touches will include Tibetan welcome rituals and the local hand churned butter tea.

The hotel's design will also take into consideration the difficulties travellers face acclimating to the high altitude and attempt to mitigate its effects. Inspired by the window boxes of flowers found outside traditional Lhasa homes, the hotel will be surrounded with extensive garden landscaping featuring indigenous plants to increase oxygen levels in the area. The hotel will also have a full service clinic with medical staff to attend to guests.

"Shangri-La is delighted to announce a new project in the Himalayas, which will support development efforts in the region. The tourism and hospitality industry will bring greater prosperity to Tibet and we are proud that Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa can be part of that growth," said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

The modern hotel will feature a variety of dining and entertainment options including an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a bar and a lobby lounge.  Recreational facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and health club will be available. 

The meeting and banqueting facilities will include a 1,700-square-metre grand ballroom, complemented by several smaller function rooms.