Once upon a time during the 19th century there were two brothers from Baghdad, Ellis and Elly Kadoorie, who began a new start on life in Shanghai, and had the vision to invest in a company that would mark the beginning of China’s first small luxury hotels. They now boast ten hotels including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok, Paris, Beverly Hills, Chicago and of course, New York.
The Peninsula Hotel is known the world over as the charm of the East and one of the most elegant small luxury hotels of the world. We spent time in New York and found that its location is picture perfect with a glistening, gold-wheeled carriage with pearl white horses, awaiting their guests at the edge, a Bordeaux carpet that seamlessly blankets the stairs — in the middle of 5th Ave.
The Peninsula New York has nothing less than the crème de la crème to spoil you on your big day. Starting with “Tribeca,” their delicate interiors in their dining area filled with elegant long dining tables is perfect for rehearsal dinners or even a post-wedding meal with close family and friends.
When thinking of an ideal place of the various signature rooms and hotel locations, “Gramercy” is the picture perfect pinterest location for a wedding or reception. It represents every bride’s dream wedding venue, appointed with exquisite chandeliers and period furniture. Each room can be turned into endless roses on every table, chair and pillar, along with the dream white-covered round tables that lead up to the grand altar, which all can be customized by the couples.
Of course, New York’s weather is the perfect location, boasting all four seasons. The Peninsula New York has adhered to the Manhattan Roof culture, with not one but two rooftop locations. The “Sun Terrace” is a penthouse style rooftop with a more intimate relaxed setting, with couches and bar style round tables, ultimate for evening welcome cocktails to kick-start the array of ceremonies.
The second rooftop location is my personal favorite, “Salon De Ning,” which occupies the major roof of the hotel with the magnificent view of the skyline. This venue consists of a bar and can host up to 200 people. The magic of 1930s Shanghai is encapsulated in the details of the décor of dark wood, crimson satin, and calligraphy.
So stop looking for your ideal palace and allow a touch of Paris to come to you. When the castle of luxury is located in the city at your doorstep, why venture anywhere else?
