Travel & Leisure

Your stay begins perfectly with the delicate attention of being welcomed at the airport by a Rolls Royce, from the fleet of Peninsula, enabling you to avoid the long wait for taxis after a long flight. You need to count approximately one hour to arrive safe and sound, but your eyes will discover with surprise the impressive skyscrapers, suspension bridges, the astounding amount of cars, bunches of people, before seeing one of the symbols of Shanghai, the very kitsch television tower, measuring 468 meters, the Pearl Of the East with its iridescent globes!

Arriving at the Peninsula is also majestic. Its lobby, (signed by Pierre-Yves Rochon), is an open space where light and air circulates freely. The modern, elegant facades mirror the Huangpu River and blend in well with the 1930’s buildings of the Bund. Built on the ground of the former British consulate, in the " golden square of Bund "
(including only the buildings numbered 1 to 33) the new jewel of the ‘Peninsula’ hotel chain saw the light of day on 18th October 2009. This is a real return to the source since the company owned 4 hotels in Shanghai during the golden age between the 1920’s and 1948.

Bedrooms and suites revisited in an Art deco style

The bedrooms and rich, sophisticated suites epitomise the spirit of the hotel. The glamour and chic of the intervening wars are evident in the Art deco style. Imagine your suite opening onto immense glass windows where, in the daytime and at night, you can observe a ballet of the barges which slide in a unreal way on the Huangpu River. Wealth and elegance surround you in abundance with the mahogany furniture, the ebony tables, chairs and consoles, the white or lacquered leather bookcases, the crystal lamp stands and Art deco wall lamps, precious materials for the drapes, pillows, sofas and armchairs ... individual rooms also punctuate the space.

High technology

Art and technical innovation remain the leitmotiv of the establishment. WiFi connection, an iPod or iPhone docking station, a printer, a Nespresso coffee machine, a radio...everything is available while remaining discreet. Another not insignificant asset is the VOIP touch allowing you to phone free of charge internationally, and the SPA touch in the bathroom, enabling a dimmed lighting and background music for a sensual bath experience. In the morning, after having slept comfortably and noiselessly in spite of the nearness of the ‘Bund’, ( thanks to the triple window glazing!), breakfast served in the suite is a must in front of this view which is endlessly renewed. Breakfast is better appreciated in the bedrooms or the suites, cosy and intimate, rather than in the lobby of the hotel with its large spaces and opposite the entrance.

Between Xintiandi, Nanshi and French concession

After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready for a stroll in the district of Xintiandi. Situated in the centre of the city, haunted by the cultural heritage and history of Shanghai, Xintiandi was completely renewed. Its traditional houses, ‘shikumen’, were transformed into restaurants cafés and shops offering hours of browsing before restoring yourself in one of the best ‘dumpling’ restaurants in the city: Din Tai Fung. Then at a stone’s throw away, by means of a taxi - very cheap - you can head for Nanshi, the old town, or for what remains of it. The south is the most traditional and oldest Chinese region. In the north you’ll find the Yuyuan gardens. It is around these gardens that you’ll find typical Chinese produce in the many stalls. For a return to the 1930’s Shanghai, the former French concession is an obligatory visit. In this ‘Paris of the East’ you’ll find plane trees lining the streets of former colonial houses, now restaurants.

Swimming pool, fitness or Peninsula Spa by ESPA: a Cornelian choice

The swimming pool stretches out its 25 meters, under a big window that opens in the summer. A relaxing dip is strongly recommended before giving yourself up to the professional hands of the Peninsula Spa Espa. The signature fragrance of the hotel and notably of the Spa floats around you. You are welcomed in an individual lounge before being taken away into a well being heaven by the trained hands of the therapists. Time loses its meaning with the Ayurvedic, Chinese or aromatic massages, or even the signature treatment - the bamboo massage, so much pleasure is a must to try as a twosome.

A magic view and delicious evening

The place to admire the magic view of the city skyline with an evening drink is on the thirteenth floor terrace of the “ Sir Elly’s “ restaurant. You can enjoy European cuisine here. The design is contemporary, red lacquered wood panelling, black furniture and beige walls skilfully work together to create a chic and sobre atmosphere. The Bund moves before you like a living painting. Mouth-watering Cantonese savours await you at “ Yi Long Court “. Here you’ll be enveloped in the luxurious Art deco style, the dark hardwood floors, the impressive crystal chandeliers, the subtle Asian touches with red and black notes and soft rugs.