Peninsula Opens in Shanghai

A spectacular new hotel opened its doors on Shanghai's celebrated Bund on Sunday. Built in the style of a noble residence of the 1920s and 30s, The Peninsula Shanghai harks back to Shanghai's heyday, when the city was the "Paris of the East". A blend of Art Deco features with subtle Chinese influences has been faithfully recreated in the 235 guestrooms and suites in a marriage of history and contemporary comfort.

The first new building on the Bund in over 60 years and occupying a prime site on the Huangpu River beside the former British Consulate Gardens and the Suzhou Creek, The Peninsula Shanghai offers impressive views of the Pudong skyline, river and historic Bund.

This new landmark property is the group's ninth hotel, and also marks the return of parent company, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, to its Shanghai roots after an absence of 60 years, where it operated four of the city's premier hotels -- The Kalee, Majestic, Palace and Astor House -- in the first half of the last century.

Special Peninsula features include an elevator large enough to deliver a limousine to the ballroom, a custom-made 1930s Schindler cage lift and a full-scale replica of a 1930s seaplane in the Rosemonde Aviation Lounge, The Peninsula Arcade with a selection of the world's top luxury brands, customised Rolls-Royce Phantoms, not to mention unique wedding photo opportunities, from the marble staircase, to the 900 sqm Palace Suite wraparound rooftop terrace with its views of the entire city.

When it comes to dining at The Peninsula Shanghai, China's first Michelin Star winner, Chef Chi Keung Tang already has a loyal following for his famous signature Cantonese dishes. Enjoy his MSG-free classic cuisine and dim sum favourites at The Yi Long Court restaurant, which together with the speciality tea counter, Chef's Table and seven private dining salons, revives the lofty elegance of a rich 1930s merchant's residence.

Traditional Afternoon Tea will be served in the triple-height Lobby lounge overlooking the former British Consulate Gardens, with tea dances held once a month. As the rollout continues, guests can look forward to the unveiling of the rooftop Sir Elly's Restaurant Bar and Terrace, the hotel's international dining venue offering modern European cuisine with French influences. Spectacular skyline views can be enjoyed both from Sir Elly's dining room and the top floor private dining rooms. The basement will see the decadent days of Shanghai's heyday come to life in the Salon de Ning late night lounge, while The Compass Bar, with its dramatic deep purple and French navy decor, maritime memorabilia and outdoor terrace is the hotel's cosy and inviting bar, a perfect meeting place just off the Bund.

No Peninsula would be complete without a Peninsula Spa by ESPA, and the partnership with the renowned operator continues, with new decor and special spa treatments unique to The Peninsula Shanghai. Nine treatment rooms, with a cool navy and white nautical theme, complement the sauna, steam and relaxation rooms, just steps from the 25-metre indoor swimming pool and expansive Fitness Centre.

"Opening The Peninsula Shanghai is a unique opportunity to re-establish our historic links to this wonderful city. We've tried to create an approach that’s different, and we feel very comfortable and proud to be back," said Mr Paul Tchen, The Peninsula Shanghai's General Manager. "Shanghai's a natural part of our storyline, a romantic and historic continuation of the golden age of travel and our company's rich heritage."

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