The Sassoon Suite
The Sassoon Suite is the Fairmont Peace Hotel’s most lavish guest accommodation.

 

In Shanghai, Imperial China shakes hands with the latest technology and Western amenities. On a recent visit, Luxury Travel Advisor stayed at the über-luxe Fairmont Peace Hotel, the perfect embodiment of the Shanghai spirit.

A Shanghai icon for over 80 years, the Peace Hotel sits on the city’s world-famous Bund, a prestigious promenade overlooking the Huangpu River, flanked with the world’s top retailers (think Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna and Armani). It was built in 1926 as a private residence for Sir Victor Sassoon, a British businessman and tycoon living in Shanghai. The top floors of the building were used as a hotel, called the Cathay Hotel, which opened in 1929. Throughout the decades, the property became a social center for Shanghai’s high society, in addition to holding other roles in the shaping of the city’s history. In 2007, the hotel closed its doors for an extensive $64 million restoration, and having regained its former glory, recently reopened waving the Fairmont flag.

The hotel oozes 1920s Art Deco flair, and your most elite clients will feel instantly transported back to the days of jazz, flappers and sexy cocktails in smoky bars.

The Green Roof
The Green Roof of the hotel is an iconic piece of the Shanghai skyline.

One of the biggest draws of the hotel is its riverside location, overlooking Shanghai’s futuristic Pudong area. Your VIP clients will not want to miss this view, so we suggest booking them in a Signature Riverview Suite or one of the Nine Nations Suites (American, English, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Indian and German).

Of course, for your truly imperial clients, we recommend the Sassoon Presidential Suite, which was once the private quarters for Victor Sassoon himself. Sitting atop the hotel on the 10th floor, the Presidential Suite comes with a spacious bedroom and living room, both of which have sweeping views of the river and Pudong skyline. There is also a study, bathroom with Jacuzzi, 52-inch flat-screen TV, Bose Audio iPod docking station, and an in-suite dining area that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Nice Touch: The Sassoon Suite sits directly underneath the hotel’s green copper pyramid tower, which is an iconic figure in the Shanghai skyline. Luxury travel advisors can reach out to Sales Manager Andy Liu ([email protected]; 011-86-21-6138-6903) with questions.

Willow Stream Couples Room
The Willow Stream Couples Room; the spa opened this year as part of an extensive renovation.

As part of the restoration, the Fairmont Peace Hotel debuted a brand-new Willow Stream Spa, and Luxury Travel Advisor was on hand to test out the new digs. After sipping a steaming cup of ginger tea, we were guided to one of the 11 treatment rooms for a signature 90-minute Mystic Peace massage. (Tip: Request massage therapist Linda.) The treatment involves a massage that traces a continuous knot on the body, using essential oils tailored to relieve what is ailing you most. We enjoyed our treatment so much that we went back the following day for more! The spa facilities also include a fitness center, pool, sauna and steam room. For spa queries or reservations, luxury travel advisors can contact Spa Director Lyndell Nelis ([email protected]; 011-86-21-6138-6818). Note: It is best to book treatments a day in advance.

Shanghai is a gourmand’s paradise, and the Fairmont Peace Hotel does not disappoint, too. There are seven dining options to choose from—light sandwiches at Victor’s and afternoon tea in the lounge to gourmet European and Chinese fare at two signature restaurants. Our favorite was Dragon Phoenix, the property’s Chinese restaurant. Tip: Try the crystal sautéed river shrimp or steamed duck wrapped in a lotus leaf. For European cuisine, visit The Cathay Room. We suggest sampling the beef carpaccio or Tasmanian salmon steak.

Après dining, a trip to the Jazz Bar is a must, especially for those who want a taste of 1920s high society. Here, guests can swill chilled Manhattans and listen to the plunk of a bass and snap of a snare.

Signature Riverview Suites
Signature Riverview Suites overlook the Bund.

The hotel’s reputation has made it a popular venue for weddings, and your betrothed clients are in for the true VIP treatment. We hear Catering Sales Executive Flora Jiang ([email protected]; 011-86-21-6138-6971) can arrange everything from custom-made wedding menus and wedding butler service to a string quartet performance. Cool Touch: The Fairmont Peace Hotel also offers a rooftop photo shoot for couples.

For special requests, reach out to Assistant Chief Concierge Steven Zhang ([email protected]; 011-86-21-6321-6888), who can arrange anything from private city tours to last-minute air tickets.