Peace Hotel on the Bund©claudio zaccherini

The romantic history and social significance, which made the Peace Hotel, a Shanghai legend might return with its timeless grandeur – with a contemporary spirit. After three years of restoration by Fairmont, the palace of the east will open its doors again.
The building's history spans over a century; the Cathay Hotel started welcoming distinguished guests from all over the world in 1929, including politicians, financiers, entrepreneurs, important Chinese officials and celebrities, such as General Marshall, Charlie Chaplin and Bernard Shaw. Truly the social heart of Shanghai, the hotel has been the coveted site of the city’s most exciting and opulent events: quite simply, the most desirable place to see and be seen.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, some of the offices were used by the Municipal Finance Committee. In 1952 the building was taken over by the Municipal Government. In 1956 it resumed trading as a hotel under the name "Peace Hotel".

Peace Hotel, courtesy of Fairmont

The renovation is preserving many elements of its historical 1920's and 1930's past. Fairmont also plans to open a Peace Hotel Museum and will create an archive showcasing wonderful stories and personal treasures where visitors can learn more about the unique and colorful history of Shanghai's most famous building, and has launched a nationwide hunt to source memories and memorabilia of Shanghai's beloved art deco landmark. Whether it is silverware, chinaware, monogrammed goods, historic photographs, postcards, art, past menus, trinkets or great stories or anecdotes, Fairmont would like past guests to share with them their memories, memorabilia and 'borrowed' items so they can record and preserve history for future generations.
The new hotel will resurrect the much-loved Jazz Bar, a Shanghai institution since the 1930s. The 9th floor will also host the famed Peace Hall, where the property’s iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties.
Situated on the Bund, the 12-story, 269-room property enjoys a premier downtown location, facing the Pudong area over the Hangpu River.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel will open on September 1, 2010 and house eight restaurants including a wine and cigar lounge, a tearoom, and a mezzanine sushi establishment.

Published 07.06.2010