When it opened in October 2009 it heralded the return of parent company, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd, to the city of Shanghai, where it had owned and operated four of China's best hotels from the 1920s to the 1950s. Queen of The bund, the hotel pays homage to this past and to the other historic buildings along the banks of the Huangpu River with an Art Deco inspired interior. Minty greens and powder bluescare of Pierre-Yves Rochon decorate the lobby and the ultra-luxurious rooms. The Peninsula has thought of everything - which means you hardly have to think at all. We swear if we took up permanent residence we'd lose the use of our faculties in a week.  Wilting in the Shanghai summer? No problem, you can adjust not just the air-conditioning but the humidity. Need to dry your nails after a coat of Dragon Red Chanel polish? No problem, there's a nail dryer slot in the dressing room wall to save you having to work up the energy to blow on them.  Want to relax in the bath after a hard day's work? Absolutely no problem, the press of a button dims the lights in the bathroom then plays soothing music and birdsong while you sink into the bubbles.