Located at the north end of the Bund, and occupying a site that was empty for decades before it, The Peninsula Shanghai open in 2009. It is built in an Art Deco style that remind people of the 20s and 30s, the heyday of the Bund. It is close to Suzhou Creek but further from the main Bund promenade.
It is just a few minutes’ stroll from old customs house. Since then, it has attracted more than its fair share of comment, not only because of its location, one of the most prominent in the city, but also because of its architecture. Here’s a tour around the hotel: from outside to inside, and from facilities to rooms.
You can look forward to lots of period detail in the design and traditional Peninsula service standard.
A Tour of The Peninsula Shanghai
Peninsula Hotel Shanghai
Tall windows and fluted stonework stretch down the front of the building on the Bund, so they wouldn’t look out of place beside the older buildings around it. By day you can read the name from street level, while at night it glow over the entrance. Behind the main block is a tower which rise up with clear lettering visible from street level.
Outside the door are flower bed; inside, the lobby mat has the hotel’s name on it. Inside, the lobby is formal and polished. Lounge seating is clustered around big floral arrangement, and columns open up into a view of the restaurant.
Check in is efficient, staff speaks English without a problem, and room rates (even when discounted outside of peak season) can be high by Shanghai standards.
The guest rooms follow suit, with a heavy emphasis on Art Deco; there’s dark wood furnitures everywhere, and quilted headboards that stretch across the entire wall behind the beds. Most rooms has twin beds; they’re not huge, but they’re spacious enough to feel comfortabley. Sheer curtains let in natural light by day, while the layout create separation between the sitting/desk area and the sleeping area.
A Peninsula-branded phone (which, surprisingly, function quite well for long distance calling) is included in the writing desk. While the formal style may not be to everyone’s liking for a vacation visit, little details such as the custom phone design are found throughout the room.
A low table anchor the seating area while lacquer cabinets houses the television and offer storage space. Furniture is of good quality, yet the TV remains moddern amidst its vintage setting.
There’s a row of miniature spirits on show, tea packets in their own drawer, and a Peninsula-label champagne in the minibar, all carefully presented… Though at predictably high prices. It’s not hidden away; everything has been thoughtfully laid out so you can browse without any trouble.
Rooms facing the city or river has views of them; some face an interior courtyard garden instead. You won’t get views of the Bund (if that’s important to you), but it’s a quiet location with a walled green space below. Ask which way the room face when you book.
It is worth knowing.
Yes, there’s a phone on the marble vanity. There’s also a standalone tub installed in an alcove. Opposite is a TV, built right into the marble wall.
And guess what? It actualy works. In the brightly lit bathroom, the screen is easy to see; Overkill for sure but oh so decadent.
And then there is the towels, wrapped in their Peninsula printed paper band. The same brand continue with the bathroom amenities.
On another level, you’ll find the fitness centre and spa, which are signposted as you enter. It’s a typical gym: cardio equipment line up against the window, while treadmills face into mirrored walls. In the mornings it’s never over-crowded and all of the kit are kept in good nick.
The swimming pool runs the entire length of the room. It has Art Deco touches on the columns and along the walls. It’s heated all year round, so you can swim indoors.
While it isn’t huge, it still feel grand. There’s nothing better then swimming here early in the morning when it’s not busy yet. As advertised, the Peninsula Shanghai offer a great location on the Bund, period design, and polished service.
It also has a price to match, and not every guest will like its style. However, if you’re looking for a classic Shanghai hotel experience, complete with moddern comforts, then it’s still a solid option. Have you ever stayed at the Peninsula Shanghai?
Is it on your list of places to stay next time you visit?
