The Peninsula Shanghai will open on October 18, not merely to provide accommodation, says general manager Paul Tchen, but also to introduce the concept of “classical elegance” to a city known to thrive on the finer things in life.
Shanghai is the ninth outpost for the luxury chain that has a presence in Hongkong (home of the flagship Peninsula Hongkong), Beijing, Manila, New York and Tokyo among others. It has a particular, emotional connection to its parent company Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels established by the Kadoorie Family. In the first half of the previous century, the group owned The Kalee, Majestic, Palace and Astor House, venues that figured prominently in the city’s social life back then.
“All hotels provide accommodation, a bed to sleep in,” says Tchen, “But our Peninsula philosophy goes beyond that. After you have stayed with us, you will notice the subtle touches that you don’t find elsewhere, especially the way technology is customised towards guest needs.” He cited features such as their trademark all-in-one portable control panel and night lighting that’s both efficient and yet calming.
In fact, the chain employs a dedicated IT staff, based in Hongkong, who are constantly fine tuning the technology needed to run the hotel and its facilities.
Located along the Bund, next to the former British Consulate gardens, The Peninsula Shanghai will consist of 235 rooms and suites in the Art Deco style. The Lobby lounge, a hallmark of any Peninsula hotel, will serve the distinctive Afternoon Tea service that attracts record crowds, there are five other dining venues on the premises, including a rooftop restaurant with a vantage view of the Huang Pu River and emerging Pudong central business district.
To stimulate interest, a preview rate starting from CNY2,009 (US$294.53) is being offered between October 19, 2009 to February 28, 2010. Perks include daily American breakfast in The Lobby for two and free round-trip airport transfers to and from either Hongqiao or Pudong International Airports.
For more details, visit www.peninsula.com
Margie T Logarta
