Our Proud Return -- The Past Meets the Future -- The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited Returns to Shanghai with the Opening Today of The Peninsula Shanghai

Encompassing the Best of Our Traditions and the Height of Sophistication in One Extraordinary Hotel

SHANGHAI, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- A spectacular and iconic new building now graces Shanghai's celebrated Bund -- The Peninsula Shanghai opens today.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2009/10/17/20091017766702.html )

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2009/10/17/2009101735020.html )

Built in the style of a noble residence of the 1920s and 30s, The Peninsula Shanghai harks back to Shanghai's heyday, when the city was "the Paris of the East". A blend of Art Deco features with subtle Chinese influences has been faithfully recreated in the 235 superbly appointed guestrooms and suites -- among the largest in the city -- in this perfect marriage of history and contemporary comfort.

Grand and glamorous, yet with a welcoming residential feel, this unique property marks the return of classic luxury to Shanghai. The first new building on the Bund in over 60 years and occupying a prime site on the Huangpu River beside the former British Consulate Gardens and the Suzhou Creek, The Peninsula Shanghai offers spectacular views of the Pudong skyline, river and historic Bund.

This glorious new landmark property is the Group's ninth prestigious hotel, and also marks the return of parent company, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, to its Shanghai roots after an absence of 60 years, where it operated four of the city's premier hotels -- The Kalee, Majestic, Palace and Astor House -- in the first half of the last century.

Never before has Shanghai seen elegance, service and style on this scale, in a hotel that offers historical authenticity blended with The Peninsula Hotels' proprietary state-of-the-art in-room technology.

Four themed suites -- The Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula Suites are the epitome of gracious living, with outdoor rooftop terraces and breathtaking views of the Bund and Pudong's futuristic skyline. Together with the spectacular Rose Ballroom, which accommodates 450 guests for a banquet or 1,000 for a cocktail reception, these will be Shanghai's most exclusive venues for weddings, prestigious events, celebrations and product launches.

Special Peninsula features include an elevator large enough to deliver a limousine to the ballroom, a custom-made 1930s Schindler cage lift and a full- scale replica of a 1930s seaplane in the Rosemonde Aviation Lounge, The Peninsula Arcade with a selection of the world's top luxury brands, customised Rolls-Royce Phantoms, not to mention unique wedding photo opportunities, from the splendid marble staircase, to the 900 sq m Palace Suite wraparound rooftop terrace with its breathtaking views of the entire city, tipped to quickly become Shanghai's number one venue for prestigious corporate events and social occasions.

When it comes to dining at The Peninsula Shanghai, China's first Michelin Star winner, Chef Chi Keung Tang already has a loyal following for his famous signature Cantonese dishes. Enjoy his MSG-free classic cuisine and dim sum favourites at The Yi Long Court restaurant, which together with the speciality tea counter, Chef's Table and seven private dining salons, revives the lofty elegance of a rich 1930s merchant's residence.

Traditional Afternoon Tea will be served in the triple-height Lobby lounge overlooking the former British Consulate Gardens, with tea dances held once a month. As the rollout continues, guests can look forward to the unveiling of the rooftop Sir Elly's Restaurant Bar and Terrace, the hotel's international dining venue offering modern European cuisine with French influences. Spectacular skyline views can be enjoyed both from Sir Elly's dining room and the top floor private dining rooms. The basement will see the decadent days of Shanghai's heyday come to life in the Salon de Ning late night lounge, while The Compass Bar, with its dramatic deep purple and French navy decor, maritime memorabilia and outdoor terrace is the hotel's cosy and inviting bar, the perfect meeting place just off the Bund.

No Peninsula would be complete without a Peninsula Spa by ESPA, and the partnership with the renowned operator continues, with exciting new decor and special spa treatments unique to The Peninsula Shanghai. Nine treatment rooms, with a cool navy and white nautical theme, complement the sauna, steam and relaxation rooms, just steps from the 25-metre indoor swimming pool and expansive Fitness Centre.

"Opening The Peninsula Shanghai is a unique opportunity to re-establish our historic links to this wonderful city. We've tried to create an approach that s different, and we feel very comfortable and proud to be back", says Mr Paul Tchen, The Peninsula Shanghai's General Manager. "Shanghai's a natural part of our storyline, a romantic and historic continuation of the golden age of travel and our company's rich heritage".

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), HSH is a holding company whose subsidiaries and its jointly controlled entity are engaged in the ownership and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key destinations in Asia and the USA. The hotel portfolio of the Group comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok, The Peninsula Manila and The Peninsula Paris (opening in 2012). The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and The Peak Tramways, St. John's Building, The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand.

    For further information, please contact:

     Ms Cecilia Lui
     Regional Director of Communications   China
     The Peninsula Shanghai
     No. 32 The Bund. 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
     Shanghai 200002, China
     Tel:     +86-21-2327-2888-6605
     Fax:     +86-21-2327-2000
     Email:   cecilialui@peninsula.com
     Website: http://www.peninsula.com
     Digital Photo Library: http://www.leonardo.com/peninsula
     Broadcast Video Library: http://www.thenewsmarket.com/thepeninsulahotels

     Ms Sian Griffiths
     Director of Communications
     The Peninsula Hotels
     8/F, St George's Building, 2 Ice House Street
     Central, Hong Kong
     Tel:     +852-2840-7239
     Fax:     +852-2840-7499
     Email:   siangriffiths@peninsula.com
     Website: http://www.peninsula.com
     Digital Photo Library: http://www.leonardo.com/peninsula
     Broadcast Video Library: http://www.thenewsmarket.com/thepeninsulahotels

     PR Representative in Shanghai:
     Ms Doris Yin
     Client Servicing Executive
     Eastwei Relations Shanghai
     Rm. 203, Building G, Red Town
     No. 570 W. Huaihai Rd.
     Shanghai 200052
     Tel:     +86-21-5169-9311 ext.6132
     Fax:     +86-21-5230-0401
     Email:   doris.yin@eastwei.com
     Website: http://www.eastwei.com

SOURCE The Peninsula Shanghai