Peace Hotel

Shanghai's oldest luxury hotel is far from dated

Talk of the town: Peace Hotel founder Victor Sassoon's great grandfather made his fortunes in opium.
Word to the wise: The Peace Hotel is a pristine example of Egyptian Art Deco.

This splendidly restored Art Deco hotel has held space right on the Bund since Shanghai's golden 20s. The granite exterior and copper-sheathed roof give way to milky yellow walls, floors made of white Italian marble, and glistening copper chandeliers.
The building is steeped in a rich history and, although the hotel underwent a major overhaul in 2010, it retains its vintage charm while offering five-star service modern amenities.

Not to be missed is the hotel's jazz bar, where an octogenarian band, decked out in spiffy bow ties, plays mellow tunes.