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SHANGHAI: One of Shanghai's most iconic buildings, the Peace Hotel, has reopened.
After three years and US$64 million, the city's famous Peace Hotel -- now known as the Fairmont Peace Hotel -- is now ready to welcome guests.
The massive refurbishment effort has restored much of the hotel's grandeur from its glory days.
The crucifix floor-plan was retained, and the octagonal glass skylight which was boarded up for decades with stain glass is visible once more.
Fairmont Peace Hotel general manager Kamal Naamani said the intention behind the hotel's restoration was not so much of a physical change. Rather, it was to meet the expectations of today's travellers.
"If you walk into our room, if you walk into our new meeting facilities, you will see (many) changes. Changes that today's travellers expect to see and expect to experience," Mr Naamani said.
"At the end of your stay, you experience both the kind of historical (elements) of the hotel, as well as today's amenities and facilities. (It is this combination) that makes the luxury hotel something to look forward to."
The newly refurbished hotel will also house the Peace Hotel Museum where visitors can learn more about the hotel's unique and colourful history through the treasures on display.
And returning to bring back a taste of swinging Shanghai is the original Peace Hotel Jazz band plus a new contemporary jazz ensemble.
The art-deco hotel residence known in the 1929 as Cathay Hotel was among the most famous landmarks in the world. Hosting politicians and celebrities, it was the place to be seen.
And today, the Peace Hotel is once again ready to offer the glitz and glamour of a bygone era.
-CNA/wk
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