China Tourism News

The Peninsula Shanghai

By Dan Uglow on 24 September 2010(From Travel Weekly)

Welcome: 8/10

Check-in was straightforward, and within 15 minutes I was looking out at the river views from my executive suite. A welcoming fruit and nut platter in my room and a vase of freshly cut flowers enhanced the welcome.

Accommodation: 10/10

I couldn’t help but compare the sheer size of the 94 square metre suite to my Sydney unit and wonder what a guest would do with all the space. Aside from the sleeping area, the suite had a separate living room, dressing room and walk-in wardrobe. I soon put the deep marble bathtub and high quality amenities to good use. A particularly nice touch was the mood button that automatically dimmed the lights and played soft background music.

Ambience: 9/10

This luxury property oozes affluence and sophistication. Solid marble spiral staircases greet you at the entrance and live piano music creates a pleasant ambience. The doormen wear white cotton gloves and hotel staff are decked out in formal suits. The atmosphere of this place certainly has something to do with its target demographic — wealthy travellers and those here on business.

Facilities: 9/10

The Peninsula has all the facilities you would expect from a high-end hotel. The gym has the latest equipment and there are several in-house restaurants and bars to choose from. The pool warrants a mention as the first ever lap pool with a fireplace, and the hotel also has its own two-storey shopping arcade with big name brands.

Service: 8/10

The hotel staff were courteous and polite, and never failed to open doors or point me in the right direction. However, it was rare to come across a smile and I felt the service could have been a little more personal.

Overall: 88%

The Peninsula’s ornate furnishings, and idyllic location make the new hotel a strong contender among its rivals. An overnight stay at The Peninsula Shanghai is priced from 3500 yuan ($563) for a superior room. For more information, visit www.peninsula.com/shanghai