The Fairmont Gold room is very spacious, featuring a separate entry area, a walk-in closet, and a well-appointed bathroom with a wet and dry separation, a vintage bathtub, and double sinks. The bedroom includes a large sofa and a desk, and the overall layout follows an inverted 'S' shape. Both the layout and decorative details show thoughtful design, exuding an old-world artistic charm.
This time, I stayed in a room facing Nanjing Road. Through the three bay windows, I could see the bustling crowds on the pedestrian street below, the silhouette of the Peace Hotel's South Tower opposite, and the large clock on the Custom House clock tower in the distance.
Almost every corner of the hotel tells a story: the grand corridor and octagonal lobby on the ground floor, the peace dove sculpture made of thousands of glazed tiles, the historic 'Chaplin Staircase' by the east entrance, the European old-money-style Victor Café, the Peace Museum tucked away on the mezzanine floor, and the legendary Jazz Bar hidden within the Jasmine Lounge. Taking the gleaming mosaic-tiled old elevator up to the 9th floor's Cathay Room, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Bund. The Dragon & Phoenix Restaurant is adorned with auspicious dragons and phoenixes and eight blessings, while the Peace Hall, with its long space, high vaulted ceiling, and the legendary spring-loaded teak floor, still whispers tales of its past splendor.
Staying in a Gold room includes lounge access. We experienced both the afternoon tea and happy hour, and the food quality was good with a rich selection. The happy hour now also offers hot dinner items; while not as extensive as the Cathay Room buffet, the variety is still considerable. The biggest advantage is the tranquility—during my visit, there were rarely more than two or three tables of guests, allowing for a quiet and relaxing meal. The Gold Lounge's ambiance is excellent, continuing the hotel's Art Deco style with a Shanghai twist. The service staff are professional, proactive, and know how to maintain an appropriate distance.
The Jazz Bar was another highlight of this trip. The elderly jazz band, famous for holding a Guinness World Record, is quite well-known. After dinner, we went for a drink and listened to some music. While the performance and the female singer's vocals weren't stunning, the atmosphere was truly unique. Upon entering, the dapper maître d', with slicked-back hair, warmly escorted us to our seats; the bar staff were skillful in recommending drinks; and the handsome bartender’s movements were swift and precise. Watching the white-haired musicians on stage deliver piece after piece, I felt a genuine sense of disorientation, as if time had rewound several decades.
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