The Peninsula Shanghai has made its debut on the Bund, marking the return of its parent company, Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, to its roots after a 60-year absence. BBG/Architects, led by design principal David Beer, and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon have blended subtle Chinese influences with a modern interpretation of the Art Deco movement for the 235-room hotel.
The principal Bund façade rises 10 stories, then steps back with a series of terraces that sculpt the massing and proportions of the Peninsula to relate it and pay homage to its historic neighbors. Providing visual continuity, the exterior of the hotel is clad in granite from the same quarry as many of the other buildings along the Bund.
Serving as the heart of the hotel, the lobby sets the tone of drama and elegance for the rest of the hotel, with its double-height space in cream with celadon accents, black marble floor, limestone walls, Art Deco-inspired backlit carved glass ceiling, spectacular chandeliers, a minstrel’s gallery, and two double-story murals.
Enveloped in tones of celadon or cerulean blue and ivory, guestroom interiors incorporate a number of traditional materials used in Shanghai in the 1920s: mahogany and ebony for the loose furniture and millwork, as well as black Noir St Laurent and off-white St Talino stones. Carpets are 100 percent wool and hand-tufted. Polished chrome in the chandeliers and decorative lamp stands contrast with hand-painted panels on the black lacquer TV cabinet.
From a layout standpoint, a typical guestroom is sub-divided into elements of a bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room. A privacy door allows the bedroom to be closed off from the rest of the room, creating the sense of privacy found in a suite. The guestroom’s opaque glass door opens to reveal interior space that combines an open plan living room and work area with unmatched views of Pudong, the Huangpu River, the Bund, or the gardens of the former British Consulate. Meanwhile, the self-contained dressing room and walk-in closet includes a seated dressing table, the signature Peninsula valet box, large electronic safe, luggage rack, weather display panel, and nail dryer.
The large cream marble bathroom is complete with double vanity; controllable mood lighting; TV/radio; and separate bath and rain shower, accented by carved opaque glass panels and an intricate floral carving above the bathtub, handcarved in limestone to a French design. Expansive luxury suites include the Palace, Majestic, and Astor, named after the Peninsula Shanghai’s forebears, with each one offering private terraces or balconies.
Designed by Henry Leung and overseen by Michelin-star chef Tang Chi Keung, Yi Long Court restaurant revives the lofty elegance of a rich 1930s merchant’s residence with details such as a specialty tea counter, chef’s table, and seven private dining salons. Leung also designed late-night lounge Salon de Ning, which, like Yi Long Court, references the regal homes of Shanghai’s past. Sporting deep purple and French navy décor, the Compass Bar is outfitted with maritime memorabilia. In addition, the hotel features Sir Elly’s rooftop restaurant bar and terrace.
Occupying 13,455 square feet, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA offers seven treatment rooms and two VIP suites, with décor inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. An indoor pool and fitness center round out the spa’s offerings.
