Dating back to 1929 when it opened as the Cathay Hotel by Sir Victor Sassoon, this property is a legend in Shanghai. It operated as the Peace Hotel from 1956 to 2007 and then was beautifully restored and opened as the Fairmont Peace Hotel in 2010. It still retains much of the original Art Deco detailing, but it has been brought into the 21st century with abundant modern features. Guests experience the hotel's grandeur as soon as they step into the expansive two-story lobby, with impressive stained glass windows and chandeliers overhead. Huge floral arrangements add to the glamour, as do black-and-white portraits of famous guests and period light fixtures hanging on the walls. It's stunning, but so is its setting right on the Bund with views of the river. Old Shanghai is evident here (there's even an on-site museum), which is why the hotel attracts many tourists who crowd the space at times. This gem pulls in all sorts of high-rollers, including businesspeople, families, couples, and individuals, who are drawn by its rich history, excellent setting, and modern amenities. 

This hotel has a prime spot on the bustling Bund promenade overlooking the Huangpu River and next to shopping on Nanjing Road. There are plenty of cafes and fast food outlets nearby. It's a busy area with lots of traffic, and the Nanjing East Road Metro station can be reached in about five minutes on foot. People's Square is about 10 minutes away by car, 25 minutes walking, or 35 minutes by public transportation. It's a 25- to 30-minute metro journey across the river to the city's financial heart, including landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower. The same trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic (which can be insane in central Shanghai). The closest airports are Shanghai Hongqiao International, a 35-minute drive, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a 45-minute drive. 

Rooms and suites are lovely and decorated in an elegant Art Deco style complete with high-end furniture, rich hues, and handsome textiles. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, minibars, espresso machines, desks, and laptop-sized safes. Internet access is free for Fairmont loyalty-program members. The Deluxe Rooms, on floors two through six, offer street views of the city. Fairmont Rooms on the same floors look out to the inner courtyard. Marble bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, and upscale toiletries. Robes and slippers are provided. Guests staying in Fairmont Gold Rooms get special perks including free Wi-Fi and access to the executive lounge on the ninth floor with free continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres. The gorgeous bathrooms in these units feature deep soaking tubs and large separate showers with rainfall showerheads.

The hotel's 39 luxurious and spacious suites include nine special ones that represent nine different countries: England, China, the United States, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, India, and Germany. Each of the Nine Nations Suites is decorated with features representing the individual country, and they are all extravagantly grand in their own way. The Japanese suite, for example, is clean-lined and minimalist, while the French suite features over-the-top opulence. Some rooms have stunning views of the river and promenade, which are especially spectacular at night. These higher-category rooms come with additional perks like butlers. 

This exceptional hotel offers one of the finest packages of amenities in Shanghai. For fine dining, Dragon Phoenix serves Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine for lunch and dinner. It's located on the eighth floor and the setting is opulent, with dramatic chinoiserie and golden flourishes everywhere. In the Cathay Room, also serving lunch and dinner plus Sunday brunch, the focus is on European fare and the setting is much less dramatic except for the breath-taking views of the river and city skyline from the terrace. Higher-category bookings come with extras like free snacks and breakfast.

The lovely Jasmine Lounge is the place for a delicious afternoon high tea, as well as a breakfast buffet with Asian and Western selections. Victor's Cafe is open all day, serving sandwiches, soups, and such in a more casual setting. The moody Jazz Bar has been famous for decades as a place for music and iconic cocktails, hosting such notables as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. 

The Willow Stream Spa offers a variety of treatments inspired by the 1920s and '30s. The setting is glamorous and relaxing, with dim lighting and rich drapery, carpets, and carvings. The indoor pool is topped by skylights, which flood the space with natural light. It's rectangular and suitable for swimming laps. Towels and chilled bottled water are provided. The handsome fitness center offers cardio and weight training equipment, as well as personal trainers, free weights, and a yoga studio. There's also a sauna and steam room.  

The charming Peace Museum is an impressive space showcasing items and memorabilia that tell the story of the hotel throughout its long history. For weddings and social events, Peace Hall is a gorgeous and glamorous setting, with huge crystal chandeliers, ornate arches, and gold trim everywhere. Smaller rooms, plus the rooftop terrace, are also available. The hotel is well-equipped for business meetings of various sizes, and planners assist with all the details. Parking is available on-site, with valet service for a fee. High-speed internet access and Wi-Fi are free for Fairmont loyalty members.