Editors' Picks

The Peninsula Shanghai

Historic, city views, Art Deco splendor

No 32 The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai 200002

+86 21-2327-2888

See Website

At a Glance

The 1920s and 30s, Shanghai’s golden era, come to life at the Peninsula, an art-filled cocoon that’s centrally located but feels apart from the city’s bustle. Many of the Art Deco details of the building, originally part of the British Consulate, were marvelously restored, while exotic woods, imported marble, black lacquer, carved glass and polished chrome add a contemporary dash of style. The main draw of staying on the Bund are the views of super-futuristic Pudong across the river. While being surrounded by the Peninsula’s old-world charms, those kaleidoscopic vistas appear even more dramatic (many of the 235 rooms face the river). The hotel can help with insider touring of this culturally rich city, including guided walks of the nearby former French Concession, and cooking and art classes. But what a pleasure to return to this property for tea in the lounge, a treatment in the spa or a cocktail at moody Salon de Ning, where you half-expect a group of flappers to come sauntering through the beaded curtains.

The Standout: The high-quality, original artwork, especially the two lobby murals by Hong Kongbased artist Helen Poon Don’t Miss: A private cruise along the Huangpu River aboard Azimut 47, the hotel’s yacht

Indagare Loves

  • Getting picked up from the airport in one of the hotel’s Rolls-Royce Phantoms
  • The 82-foot pool that sits beneath a skylight
  • The eco-friendly bath amenities, custom-created with local “fragrance curators,” featuring natural ingredients and recyclable packaging

Review

Even by the Peninsula Group’s high standards, the company outdid itself in Shanghai, to the point where many in-the-know hotel aficionados now consider the Peninsula Shanghai the best hotel in China. The first brand-new development on the Bund in some 60 years, the hotel opened in late 2009 with a heavily Art Deco-inspired façade that looks in step with the rest of this fabled waterfront’s buildings. (The hotel marks a return home for the Kadoorie family, who, along with many, fled Shanghai in the 1930s. They have since made the Peninsula brand one of the great city hotel chains in the world; given that Shanghai was their original home, it was only to be expected that the landmark was lavished with special attention. Their gifts to the city can also be seen in the incredible collection of sculpture, wooden masks and tribal costumes that they donated to the Shanghai Museum.)

The 1920s and ‘30s (Shanghai’s golden age) are also prominently featured within the 235-room property, but thanks to the expert touch of interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the public spaces and guest rooms feel timeless. Rochon chose to reference China mostly in the use of such materials as exotic wood, imported marble, black lacquer and carved glass, coupled with polished chrome and a muted yet rich color scheme. Overall, the Peninsula seamlessly blends historic Art Deco Shanghai and contemporary design.

The most coveted guest rooms are those that face the river, with striking panoramas of Pudong’s gleaming skyscrapers. The comfortable interiors feature an elegant color palette of rich gold and blues, with sliding doors separating the bed- and bathrooms and beautiful fabrics throughout. Innovative amenities include Nespresso makers, iPod docks, widescreen televisions, free international telephone calls (via Skype) and control panels for everything from lighting and curtains to temperature and audio-visual systems (all straightforward and easy to use). My favorite detail was a small built-in nail drier in the bathroom, a great touch for the harried traveler in need of a self-manicure on-the-go.

You don’t have to be on a high floor to feel like the Peninsula operates as a serene cocoon in midst of Shanghai bustle. From the moment guests arrive, there’s an overall vibe of privacy, in part thanks to a wonderful collection of high-quality, original art work displayed throughout. Particularly striking is Chinese photographer Zhou Jun’s Shanghai Huangpu River, behind the concierge desk, and the two enormous lobby murals, created by Hong Kong–based artist Helen Poon, whose glossy surfaces reflect the changing light throughout the day. Other beautiful common spaces include the sultry Salon de Ning, named after the celebrated socialite whose appetite for travel was legendary in the 1920s and ‘30s. The different rooms are deeply glamorous (if a bit orchestrated), with an Indian Room, and Azure Room and a drawing room with an upside-down fireplace and paintings. Unlike New York City’s Salon de Ning, on top of the Peninsula hotel with sweeping views, this one is hidden beneath the Chinese restaurant, Yi Long Court, and makes a cozy spot for an aperitif on a cool evening.

For rejuvenation, the Peninsula has a stunning, 25-meter swimming pool on the third floor, beneath a skylight and with views of the Pudong skyline; a large state-of-the-art exercise room; and a sleek ESPA with nine treatment rooms. Service is classic Peninsula: smooth and unobtrusive, with an excellent concierge team happy to advise on Shanghai’s shopping and culinary scenes. Best of all is the hotel’s central location, overlooking the Bund and Pudong and a quick taxi ride away from the French Concession.

Who Should Stay

Travelers looking for a stylish setting with a Bund location

Written by Simone Girner

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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