Fairmont Properties in Shanghai

The historic Fairmont Peace Hotel, built in 1929 by the British-Jewish businessman Victor Sassoon, holds a special place in history. It's where Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling got engaged, and where Lu Xun hosted Charlie Chaplin. Countless celebrities have graced its rooms. Previously, the Peace Hotel comprised both North and South buildings and was once known as the 'First Building in the Far East,' an iconic landmark on the Bund. I was incredibly fortunate to stay here this time, a truly immersive and delightful experience. Step out, and you're greeted by the architectural wonders of the Bund and the observation deck offering stunning views of Pudong. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is right at the doorstep. The location is absolutely superb. The hotel also houses a small museum, which feels more like an exhibition hall, with regular guided tours. A magnificent glass peace dove with outstretched wings dominates the center of the lobby. Despite its century-old history, the hotel boasts comprehensive and modern facilities. Every corner of the hotel is picturesque, perfect for photos. All the staff were warm and polite, providing very thoughtful service. However, there was a minor lapse when the concierge staff placed my checked luggage on the floor. The hotel's ambiance is fantastic. I requested a high-floor room overlooking Nanjing Road during check-in and was assigned a room on the 7th floor, also facing Nanjing Road, which offered excellent views. Lying in bed at night, I could admire the Nanjing Road nightscape. Perfect! The package also included drinks and snacks at the Cathay Room on the top floor. After discussing with the hotel, we opted to exchange it for a performance at the Jazz Bar. An 80+-year-old jazz band performs there nightly, accompanied by a resident singer. We were given two complimentary drinks – one cocktail and one juice – along with chicken wings and peanuts. Listening to jazz, enjoying a drink, and munching on snacks was pure bliss. The room perfectly blends classic and modern styles, with comprehensive amenities. The bathroom was huge, and there was a walk-in closet and a very large bathtub. The bed was super-sized, with soft and comfortable bedding. The room was spotlessly clean, and the toiletries were all high-quality. Before we returned to the room in the evening, the staff had already prepared it for bedtime. Welcome fruits and exquisite chocolates were also thoughtfully provided in the room. They were so beautiful, I almost didn't want to eat them! The in-room coffee bar offers complimentary coffee, while the mini-bar items are chargeable. After enjoying the jazz, returning to the room for a relaxing shower and a good night's sleep was simply wonderful. So happy! Breakfast was served at the Jasmine Restaurant on the first floor. The East-meets-West buffet offered an incredibly rich selection, with what felt like nearly a hundred different dishes. There was so much food, I almost couldn't try everything. Upon being seated, the server brought a cup of coffee and a pot of tea. In the end, I piled my table high with food and savored each bite. I ate so much I could barely walk out – utterly satisfying! Leaving the hotel, I felt quite reluctant to go.