By Noura Khan
Exclusive to The Times Kuwait
They say every city has its own rhythm — a sound, a scent, a glow that sets it apart. But Shanghai? Shanghai sings. And the best seat I had to witness this performance wasn’t in a grand theater or a bustling market, but from the peaceful luxury of my suite at The Peninsula Shanghai.
Framed by tall glass windows, the city unfolded before me — from misty mornings to glittering nights — and somewhere in between, I fell in love. Not just with the view, but with the entire experience this iconic hotel so gracefully orchestrates behind the scenes.
One of The Peninsula Shanghai’s greatest luxuries is its unbeatable location. Set on the city’s most legendary waterfront promenade, The Bund, the hotel is just a short stroll away from some of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks: Nanjing Road shopping street, the Bund Finance Center, the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, and more. It’s a gateway to both the elegance of Old Shanghai and the modern pulse of the city — all easily explored on foot.
I had the privilege of staying in one of the hotel’s most beautiful suites — a serene retreat with sweeping views over the Huangpu River and the historic curve of The Bund. Every morning began with soft daylight spilling over the skyline, and every night ended with the city glittering beneath me like a jewel box.
The interiors were a harmonious blend of jade hues, lacquered wood, and buttery marble. Smart room controls were discreetly integrated into the design, and the spacious dressing area and spa-like bathroom offered a level of comfort that turned the suite into a home — one with a front-row view of Shanghai’s soul.
On the hotel’s rooftop, Sir Elly’s Terrace offers one of the most magical views in all of Shanghai. From up there, the contrast between old and new becomes a living painting — colonial facades lining the river on one side, futuristic skyscrapers piercing the sky on the other. With the cool evening breeze and the city lights twinkling below, I found myself lingering longer than I expected — simply watching the skyline breathe.
The Peninsula’s dining experiences are more than meals — they’re journeys. At Sir Elly’s, I enjoyed refined Reimagined Northern Italian of Sir Elly’s while the view competed with every beautifully plated course. Each dish felt seasonal, thoughtful, and crafted with artistry.
At Yi Long Court, I was immersed in authentic Cantonese flavors, prepared using traditional techniques and premium ingredients. The setting was elegant, and the attention to detail echoed the restaurant’s Michelin acclaim.
And of course, afternoon tea at The Lobby is a beloved Peninsula tradition — silver teapots, delicate pastries, and live classical music in a soaring atrium. It was the perfect pause in my day, wrapped in timeless elegance.
True to the Peninsula brand, the hotel is also home to a curated selection of high-end boutiques, including Chanel, Piaget, and Harry Winston. Luxury retail was quite literally just steps away from my suite.
But what truly defined my stay was the impeccable service. From Rolls-Royce airport transfers to thoughtful in-room touches, every detail felt personal. The staff carried a quiet confidence, anticipating needs without ever intruding — hospitality at its finest.
What made this stay unforgettable wasn’t just the opulence — it was the feeling that the hotel told a story. A story that blended the elegance of a bygone era with the energy of a future-forward city. A story I got to live, from my window on The Bund.
Shanghai is a city of contrasts — fast yet graceful, ancient yet bold. And The Peninsula Shanghai is a mirror of those contrasts. It was not just where I stayed. It became part of my Shanghai story.
Noura Khan, a travel influencer and content creator, is a Kuwaiti national, holds a degree in law from Kuwait University and has worked as a journalist prior to taking up a position in the government. In 2018 she started blogging on travel and visited more than 57 countries since. She has more than 105k followers on her blog post @nourajtraveller is well appreciated for content and travel information. Noura writes exclusively for The Times Kuwait on her travel visits.
