Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When checking into a luxury hotel, look for amenities like plush robes, a shoe-shining service, and even an ironing board for a comfortable stay. (4:09)
- Tip 2Modern hotel bathrooms often feature Japanese-style toilets with advanced functions, waterfall showers, and even in-mirror TVs for ultimate relaxation. (5:00)
- Tip 3In luxury accommodations, expect generous bedding with multiple pillows per person, a true indulgence for weary travelers. (6:26)
- Tip 4Afternoon tea is a sophisticated experience, often accompanied by champagne and featuring beautifully crafted sweet and savory treats with stunning views. (8:43)
- Tip 5Historic hotels offer a unique glimpse into the past, often featuring original architectural elements and artifacts from famous guests. (12:45)
- Tip 6A comprehensive breakfast buffet can cater to all tastes, offering a wide array of international and local specialties, including live cooking stations. (13:56)
- Tip 7When dining at a hotel's specialty restaurant, don't hesitate to try local recommendations, even if they involve new culinary experiences like cold chicken. (17:40)
- Tip 8Experiencing regional variations of popular dishes, like Peking duck served differently in Shanghai compared to Beijing, offers fascinating culinary insights. (20:00)
- Tip 9Seeking out live music, especially from long-standing ensembles like the world's oldest jazz band, provides an unforgettable cultural experience. (27:42)
Step into the opulent world of Shanghai with Two Drifters as they experience the legendary Fairmont Peace Hotel. This isn't just a stay; it's a journey through history and luxury, from the stunning Bund views and lavish suites to the culinary delights and the world's oldest jazz band. Discover how the elite live and be surprised by the grandeur.
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In this captivating travelogue, Two Drifters immerse themselves in the luxurious embrace of Shanghai's iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel, offering viewers an exclusive peek into how the affluent live in China. From the moment they arrive, the hotel's grandeur is apparent, with breathtaking views of the Bund serving as a constant, stunning backdrop. The accommodation itself is a revelation for the budget-conscious travelers, featuring sumptuously soft robes, a convenient shoe-shining service, and an ironing board – a surprising amenity in Asian hotels.
The bathroom is a highlight, described as the "best bathroom ever seen," boasting a Japanese-style toilet with all the modern conveniences, a luxurious waterfall shower, and even a television by the bathtub. The bedroom offers ample space, a dedicated work desk, and a king-sized bed so large that duvet-stealing is no longer an issue. The Fairmont's thoughtful touches, like a delivered fruit platter and a personalized welcome letter, further enhance the experience.
Beyond the room, the hotel unfolds as a treasure trove of experiences. Afternoon tea, served with champagne and accompanied by panoramic views of the Bund, is a delightful affair. The high tea spread is a visual and culinary masterpiece, with the sweet treats particularly impressing, even the savory enthusiast. The hotel's rooftop bar provides another spectacular vantage point for enjoying the cityscape.
Delving into the hotel's rich history, viewers learn it opened in 1929 as the Cafe Hotel and was a pioneer in luxury, boasting Shanghai's first air-conditioned rooms and elevator. It has hosted global icons like Charlie Chaplin, whose personal artifacts remain. The hotel's name change to "Peace" symbolizes tranquility, a feeling that permeates its elegant halls.
The culinary journey continues with an exceptional breakfast buffet, lauded as the "best breakfast buffet ever seen," featuring everything from homemade xiao long bao to organic honeycomb. Lunch at the Dragon and Phoenix restaurant offers a western take on traditional Chinese cuisine, with standout dishes like roast duck skin and flavorful pork buns. The evening culminates in a fine dining experience at the Western Restaurant, where exquisite presentation and delicious beef dishes, particularly the steak, earn top marks. The experience is further enhanced by the view from the restaurant.
A truly unique and unmissable experience is the hotel's resident jazz band, the oldest in the world. Hearing them perform, with members averaging 82 years old and one being a centenarian, is described as an "amazing experience" and a must-add to any Shanghai itinerary. The travelers express immense gratitude for their stay, highlighting the staff's exceptional service and the hotel's seamless blend of history, luxury, and culture, making it an unforgettable part of their Shanghai adventure.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising amenity in the hotel room?
- A: The travelers were surprised to find an ironing board in the hotel room, which they noted was not a common amenity in Asian hotels.
- Q: What made the bathroom so special?
- A: The bathroom was described as the 'best ever seen,' featuring a Japanese-style toilet, a waterfall shower, and even a TV by the bathtub.
- Q: What was the highlight of the high tea experience?
- A: While the entire spread was impressive, the sweet treats at the high tea were particularly memorable, even for someone who usually prefers savory food.
- Q: What is unique about the Fairmont Peace Hotel's history?
- A: Opened in 1929, it was one of the first hotels in Shanghai with air conditioning and an elevator, and it hosted famous figures like Charlie Chaplin.
- Q: What made the breakfast buffet stand out?
- A: It was considered the 'best breakfast buffet ever seen,' offering an extensive selection including homemade xiao long bao, savory pancakes, and organic honeycomb.
- Q: How is the Peking duck served in Shanghai compared to Beijing?
- A: In Shanghai, the focus is primarily on the crispy duck skin served with pancakes, whereas in Beijing, both the skin and meat are typically served together.
- Q: What is special about the jazz band at the hotel?
- A: It is the oldest jazz band in the world, with members averaging 82 years old, and experiencing their performance is highly recommended.
