When The Peninsula Shanghai opens in the city in late 2009, it will have signaled the return of its parent company Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels – founded by the Kadoorie family –to its roots.
In the first half of the previous century, it owned The Kalee, Majestic, Palace and Astor House hotels in Shanghai.
Despite entering a market, already brimming with most if not all, of the major hotel brands, The Peninsula Group is confident its product will prove attractive. Said the new hotel’s general manager Paul Tchen: “The Chinese are travelling more and becoming more sophisticated and appreciative of the luxury lifestyle. We want to reach out to this sector.”
He said these affluent individuals may have even stayed in Peninsula properties overseas, which makes them familiar with the chain’s particular culture of impeccable service.
“The potential (to win them over) is great,” said Tschen, voted 1996 Young Hotelier of the World by the International Hotel Association and Hotels Magazine.
Located along the Bund, next to the former British Consulate gardens, The Peninsula Shanghai will feature 235 rooms and suites that will take their inspiration from the Art Deco period but will contain the latest technology so essential to today’s environment. Those guests familiar with The Peninsula Tokyo, with its huge bathrooms and walk-in dressing area, will also find these perks in the Shanghai sister. (And for lady travellers, the nail dryer facility will be available.)
The lobby, a hallmark of any Peninsula hotel, will serve the distinctive Peninsula Afternoon Tea that attracts record crowds – as proven in The Peninsula Hongkong – and five other dining venues, including a rooftop restaurant with a spectacular view of the Huang Pu River will make up the range of dining options.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA will be likewise part of the expected offerings.
For more details, visit www.peninsula.com.
Margie T Logarta
