The opulent Peninsula Hotel sets a new standard for luxury hotels in Shanghai. Located at the top of the city's most famous street next to the former British Consulate, the 14-story Peninsula is the only property allowed to be built on the Bund in the last 60 years. Tops at the hotel are the guest rooms—large, elegant, and fully appointed with walk-in closets, a nail dryer, a Nespresso coffee machine, a 46-inch plasma TV, a multimedia reader, free Wi-Fi, and a VoIP system that allows guests to call home anywhere in the world for free. What's especially impressive is that the hotel gets the smallest details right to ensure maximum guest comfort: Afraid you might wake up in the dark confused as to where you are? Wave your hand, and the bedside lighting panel will slowly illuminate. Deluxe rooms with Bund and river views are well worth splurging on. Fully expect the refined and attentive service for which the Peninsula is well known. Those not staying here can still drop in for the famous high tea (daily 2–6pm), with a traditional 1930s tea dance held the first Saturday of every month. —Graham Bond