Travel around the world and you will find luxury suites catering to a range of themes. But none captures the around the world feeling as well as the Nine Nation Suites in the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai. The Nine Nations Suites of the Peace Hotel are exactly that – luxury suites themed as nine different countries. The suites at the Shanghai Fairmont represent America, England, China, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, India and Germany.
The Beginnings
The hotel started functioning in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel. Nation suites were the idea of Sir Victor Sassoon, the hotel’s founder. In fact, the Chinese, Indian, English and American suites have been retained from the original hotel. Interior design group Hirsch Bedner Associates used the hotel’s 1930s feel to construct the remaining suites. Each suite houses a bedroom, a bath, a living area and a dining space.
Suites For The Nine Nations
The American suite oozes old Hollywood glamour, while the English suite is as Victorian as can be with its paneled walls and brick fireplaces. Gold and red is the palette of the Chinese room, which features a scarlet ceiling with an Imperial dragon design. The Japanese room, however, is a study in contrast. Traditional Japanese designs and décor, things like tatami mats and shoji screens, add personality to this room. Filigree plaster work, pendant lights and Indian carpets adorn the majestic Indian room.
For a taste of European indulgence, head over to the Italian suite, where the marble bathroom is to die for. It features deep claw-foot tub, a whirlpool and (of all things) a bath-side LCD screen. The Spanish suite has similar features in the bathroom. The room itself is furnished with rich wood and vibrant patterns. The German suite is expectantly minimalist, with generous use of natural materials. The French suite is elegant in the Art Nouveau style, and features walnut carved furniture and fine fabrics.
