Capping off the northern end of the Bund is the newly opened Peninsula Hotel Shanghai. If you are walking in that area, or know Shanghai well, you, like us, probably wondered at the seemingly not-so-great location of this grand, landmark hotel. After all, the Peninsula Hong Kong dominates Kowloon like a grand matriarch. Shanghai's Peninsula sits demurely, a newcomer to the historic Bund edifices, at the northernmost end west side of the Bund, behind the highway that empties onto Zhongshan Yi Road. The outside architecture is nothing really very special; it's meant to fit in with the art deco facades down the road and to look grand.
Walk inside and you'll forget that what you thought outside. On a bike ride today, a glorious fall afternoon in Shanghai, we decided to peek inside and see how the new hotel looks. Kindly, we were given a grand tour of the property, despite having a rambunctious 4-year-old along, and we were impressed with what we saw (of course). The rooms and restaurants make good use of the view (no highway in sight) and what you'll get from the bar on the top floor is an uninterrupted view of Hongkou, Pudong and the Bund itself. Stunning.
They have an introductory rate at the moment for 2009rmb that runs until the end of February 2010. But I'd ask a few questions before booking. First, the entire area is a construction site around the hotel. If you're facing Beijing Road or north to what will be the Bund Park, you might be woken up early or kept up late with banging and pounding. And while the indoor swimming pool and terrace are the crowning points (in our opinion), the water hasn't been heated yet. I'd be a tad disappointed if I couldn't use the facilities. Not all the restaurants are open and the spa opening date is set for November.
The Peninsula Shanghai
No. 32 The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai 200002
Photo: the entrance to the Peninsula Hotel Shanghai. © 2009 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com, Inc.
I agree with you about the state of completion- it feels a little rushed in places. The upper suites are not as well finished, there is a lot not installed, and the whole property kind of smells like paint and formaldehyde….
That said, it is gorgeously laid out, with none of the experimental hospitality architecture that is embodied by the Meridien and its ilk. Hardwoods, marble, classic design. The Peninsula (when it is ready to open for real) will be a decadent addition to the hotel scene here.
The swimming pool is pure, distilled elegance- pity it’s not heated!
Thanks for your comments, Dave.
We agree with your assessment of the pool. In fact, we asked if the pool terrace would be open to non-guests. The answer was “no” with a smile.
Thanks for the review which I believe is the first blog on this hotel.
Isn’t there also road construction to the east of the hotel as part of the underground expressway? When do you think all the constructions will end?
If you believe the authorities and the hype around “Better City, Better Life”, all construction will be finished before May 1, 2010 in time for the World Expo. Let’s hope so!
Best,
Sara