From the airport (PVG) I took the Maglev train to the metro station closer to the hotel. In China you should always have the hotel name and address with some diving instructions IN CHINESE for the taxi drivers. There were plenty of taxis available at the station. I had a map that showed the approximate location of the hotel. Taxi found the correct address after I had asked for a help from the Peninsula’s bellman.

The Fairmont’s computer system was down but they had everything prepared and ready. I was bit surprised that the person who took me to the suite wasn’t actually award if it was a suite or a regular room. I would have imaged that if you work for a hotel you would know them by heart.

The suite 318 was beautiful. I asked the lady who took me there, whether I would have access to the Fairmont’s Club Lounge, they call them Gold, as well. She wasn’t sure and called someone. The benefits of being a Platinum with Fairmont’s President Club doesn’t include lounge access. Oh well. My upgrade didn’t include the lounge access. I thought that made they would have included

The Suite 318 that I had was beautiful. It was a proper two room suite. I loved the small details like a magnifying glass on the work desk and a pink flamingo next to the flower arrangement on the bedroom. The hotel had been fully renovated recently and the suite was in a pristine condition. The only negative was a bit of a sewerage smell on the toilet. Not sure where it came from.

The fitness center was open from 6AM onwards. I spoke with the front desk around 3:30AM that I would like to use for an hour starting 4:30AM. Hotels, that I have been to, have always been very accommodating for opening the facilities for use after hours. I was first told that they couldn’t do it as they don’t have anything else than the keys to open up the doors. After I was “couching” them for a while and asked the operator to have a word with the duty manager, they came to conclusion that I could use them from 4:30AM. The guy who opened the facilities for me didn’t know how to turn on the treadmill that I was going to use. Luckily, I knew.

I placed my order with the in room dining at 4:15AM for delivery at 5:45AM. They called me after I had placed my order to let me know that they couldn’t do the salmon plate that I had ordered. I switched to Serrano ham plate next but that too was not going to happen. They suggested a beef carpaccio that I happily accepted.

The location of the hotel was perfect, and I liked the fact that it was an older hotel for Shanghai, although only 80 years old. The suite that I had was fabulous and the service was good. The minor problems I had with the internet, fitness center, and room service order delivered 10 minutes too early wouldn’t deter me staying at a property again when I am back in Shanghai later this spring.

We didn't stay in the hotel but had dinner in the Chinese dining room overlooking the river and across to Pudong, a 30 year favorite of ours. The property has been re-done beautifully, perhaps too beautifully for my taste. The dining room is a bit too shiny, even garish. The service was professional and polished but seemed a bit pro-forma. The food was excellent, perhaps a bit too refined. I guess I just can't feel the old Shanghai -- exotic, a bit dowdy but overwhelmingly charming -- anymore. Where am I? -- Could be New York or Hong Kong or Vancouver. Maybe Fairmont is a bit too generic?

I've stayed in the old Peace Hotel years ago and loved it - there it was, capturing the atmosphere of a China gone by - the intelligentsia of China hated it - it represented everything that was western imperialism in China at that time and in its history and not something to be remembered fondly. But China has moved on and so has the Peace Hotel, now under the Fairmont chain. The refurbishment is magnificent as they have not changed it hardly at all - just enhanced it beautifully. Love the Cafe on street level and the lobby is awe inspiring. Funny to see those coffee machines in the room that are advertised by a certain celebrity - asked the housekeeping how to use them and no one knew - but no one could admit it (face) so never got a cup of coffee in the room - Management needs to do some training there. But the service is very good and the iconic Peace Hotel lives to tell another tale in a China that now powers along with no hint of any western imperialism - only western influence in brands and status available for all. (if you can afford it - this is an expensive choice of hotel). the iconic Jazz Bar is still there thankfully, with two bands, the old in house band of ancient performers and a new modern band of young talented artists - but the place is too small and too cramped and not an enjoyable venue at all - this bar needs a massive upgrade and it deserves it. Didn't like the service in there either - I can't understand why they made this bar smaller and with the fame that attaches it - Fairmont have made an error in this for guests of the hotel and others who pass by - I'm not even sure if the Fairmont really wants it - maybe it belongs to an era gone by, but just for the record - it is a fantastic place and needs some attention.

Mom and I are taking an indulgent trip to Shanghai and Guilin. We're sitting in the club lounge on the morning of our checkout relaxing over a very nice included breakfast. The upgrade to the club level was about $100, but worth it if you're planning to use the wifi and have the breakfast buffet. By making the upgrade, we also received high tea and always available cocktails. Plus great service!

The hotel is recently renovated, and is exquisite. I just love that 30's shanghai style. The lobby has these magnificent silver relief murals and the hotel is dotted with unexpected deco touches.

One of my favorite features was the claw foot soaking tub. After a full day of trumping through the Bund, I was ready for a soak. I'm pretty tall, so I often don't get a good result from hotel tubs, but this one was great.