From its glamorous 1929 beginnings as the Cathay Hotel to its spectacular Art Deco interiors and unrivalled Bund location, the Fairmont Peace Hotel remains one of Shanghai’s most storied luxury stays.
There are luxury hotels, and then there are hotels that define a city. The Fairmont Peace Hotel is firmly in the latter category. This is not simply a review of another luxury hotel in Shanghai. It is a look inside one of the hotels that helped define the city — at the precise moment it prepares to reinvent itself for a new generation.
Standing proudly on the Bund beneath its unmistakable green copper pyramid, the hotel has been woven into the story of Shanghai for almost a century. It first opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, created by British-Iraqi businessman Sir Victor Sassoon at a time when Shanghai was emerging as one of Asia’s most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities. The property quickly became a social centre for international travellers, politicians, business leaders and celebrities, and its grand Art Deco interiors still carry a strong sense of that era today.
Its location remains one of its greatest assets. Positioned at the junction of the Bund and Nanjing Road East, the hotel looks across the Huangpu River towards the futuristic Pudong skyline, creating one of Shanghai’s most compelling contrasts: old-world glamour on one side and the city’s extraordinary modernity on the other.
Inside, the hotel retains much of the drama that has made it famous. Ornate Art Deco detailing, soaring public rooms, historic suites and the legendary Jazz Bar give the property a personality that feels distinctly Shanghai rather than interchangeable with another international luxury hotel. There is a richness to the building that cannot simply be recreated through contemporary design because so much of its appeal comes from the decades of history embedded within it.
That heritage is also what makes the hotel’s next chapter particularly significant. Standing proudly on Shanghai’s famous Bund beneath its unmistakable green copper pyramid, this Art Deco masterpiece has welcomed royalty, celebrities, business leaders and travellers for almost a century. Originally opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel by British tycoon Sir Victor Sassoon, the hotel became the social heart of old Shanghai and remains one of the world’s most recognisable luxury hotels today.
It is also entering an exciting new chapter. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel will be rebranded as the Raffles Peace Hotel Shanghai in 2027, while preserving its remarkable heritage and iconic architecture.
Location – 10/10
There is simply no better address in Shanghai. Positioned at the northern end of the Bund, the hotel overlooks the Huangpu River with uninterrupted views across to Pudong’s spectacular futuristic skyline.
Step outside and you are moments from the city’s finest shopping, restaurants, river walks and historic architecture. Whether it’s your first visit to Shanghai or your tenth, the Peace Hotel places you at the centre of everything that makes this extraordinary city so captivating and it is about 45 minutes drive from the airport.
Rooms – 9.5/10
The guestrooms effortlessly blend Art Deco glamour with contemporary luxury, but it is the legendary themed suites that truly capture the imagination.
Nine individually designed national suites celebrate countries including China, France and the United Kingdom, each reflecting the architecture, furnishings and culture of its namesake. These suites pay homage to the international travellers who helped shape Shanghai during its golden era, making every stay feel like a journey through history.
Large marble bathrooms, elegant detailing and many rooms overlooking the Bund ensure guests enjoy both old-world elegance and modern comfort.
Interiors – 10/10
Style & Design: A Living Piece of Shanghai History
Walking into the Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai feels like stepping onto the set of a film from Shanghai’s golden age. The soaring marble lobby, polished brass, stained glass, intricate Art Deco detailing and sweeping staircases immediately explain why this landmark on The Bund remains one of the most atmospheric luxury hotels in Shanghai. Originally opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, the building still feels deeply connected to the city’s glamorous past, with every corridor and public room revealing another layer of history.
One of the most striking features is the dramatic stained-glass dome and Peace Dove, while the vast ceilings and beautifully restored architectural details give the hotel a grandeur that newer properties struggle to replicate. The Peace Hall ballroom, with its extraordinary proportions and historic detailing, remains one of Shanghai’s most impressive venues for luxury weddings and major celebrations.
The hotel’s library and museum-style displays are filled with historic photographs, artefacts and memorabilia documenting decades of famous guests and significant moments. It reinforces the sense that Fairmont Peace Hotel is not simply accommodation, but a living piece of Shanghai history.
Then there is the rooftop terrace, one of the hotel’s most memorable vantage points, with sweeping views across The Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. At sunset, when the city begins to illuminate, the contrast between historic Shanghai and its futuristic skyline is spectacular. For travellers searching for one of the best historic luxury hotels in Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel remains almost impossible to replicate.
Dining – 9.5/10
Food & Dining
Food is one of the great strengths of Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai, with dining experiences that feel as memorable as the hotel itself. On the ground floor, breakfast is an event in its own right, served in a grand, beautifully proportioned restaurant where soaring ceilings, polished service and an extensive international selection create a distinctly five-star start to the day.
The buffet is generous, with several “stands” wth noodles, dumplings and western offerings available for guests, but it is the sense of occasion that stands out: breakfast here feels elegant, calm and completely in keeping with one of the most historic luxury hotels on The Bund. There is a Sunday bottomless brunch that is absolutely extraordinary. Staff ring a bell when new dishes are delivered, and everything the heart desires is there form lobster to lamb, duck, chocolate desserts and more.
The hotel is also home to Dragon Phoenix, regarded by many as one of Shanghai’s most traditional and respected Chinese restaurants. Serving refined Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine in an appropriately grand setting, it is one of the strongest reasons to dine in-house and a particularly good choice for travellers wanting a more classic expression of Chinese dining in Shanghai.
An outdoor bar overlooking the view with gorgeous cocktails is a stunning location to unwind after a day out. My daughter and I particuarly loved it.
But the most extraordinary experience is the legendary Jazz Bar, home to the Peace Hotel Old Jazz Band. The musicians are veterans, many now in their seventies and eighties, and they perform the jazz standards and melodies associated with old Shanghai in a room that is almost always packed. Reservations are essential, and the atmosphere is unlike anything in a modern luxury hotel.
There is something wonderfully distinctive about sitting in an Art Deco bar on The Bund, cocktail in hand, while musicians from an older generation recreate the soundtrack of another Shanghai era.
The crowd is a mix of locals and international travellers, and the experience feels far more significant than a conventional hotel performance. The Jazz Bar is a living piece of Shanghai culture and one of the most unique reasons to stay at Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai.
Wellness – 9/10
The Peace Hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the energy of bustling Shanghai at any time of the day or night. The Willow Stream Spa features an impressive menu of treatments, with the hot bamboo massage I had standing out as one of the signature experiences. Somehow bamboo is heated from the inside, and therapists hit your back with them releasing tension in a uniquely Chinese way.
The indoor heated swimming pool is beautifully designed, while the fitness facilities provide everything needed for travellers wishing to maintain their routine. After exploring one of the world’s busiest cities, the spa offers the perfect place to reset.
Service – 10/10
Beautiful buildings can be replicated. Outstanding service cannot. While the Peace Hotel’s history attracts visitors from around the world, it is the warmth, professionalism and pride of its staff that transforms a memorable stay into an unforgettable one.
Every interaction feels personal rather than scripted. Staff possess genuine knowledge of the hotel’s remarkable history, anticipate guests’ needs naturally and consistently deliver service with confidence and grace.
Luxury hotels often compete through design and amenities. The Fairmont Peace Hotel distinguishes itself through its people.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel is far more than one of Shanghai’s finest hotels. It is one of the great grand hotels of the world. Its remarkable history, unrivalled location, exceptional dining, timeless Art Deco architecture and outstanding hospitality combine to create an experience that is increasingly rare in modern luxury travel. With its transition to Raffles in 2027, this Shanghai icon appears poised to begin another extraordinary chapter while preserving the legacy that has made it famous for nearly 100 years.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai. Renae says:
Location: Stunning views of The Bund and shops a few steps away. Right in the heart of the shopping area. About 45 minutes from the airport.
Who should Stay here: From a first to a 10th stay, this hotel is and will always be special for couples, families, corporates and anyone wanting absolute luxury, location, service and great energy.
Who shouldn’t Stay Here: Anyone who does not love luxury. and history.
Best culinary delight: Dumplings at Dragon Phoenix – amazingly fresh, plump and delicious.
The Highlight: The staff – from pressing the elevator before we arrived at it to handing us umbrellas to protect from the blazing sun, we were truly cared for.
The lowlight: It has to close for some months to re brand as a Raffles property in 2027, but I cannot wait to experience that transformation.
Insider Knowledge: There is a quiet but very beautiful gift shop next to the spa with some beautiful jewellery and trinkets.
