About Me

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Queensland, Australia
I'm an Australian author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Action/Adventure, and Historical fiction. I live in Queensland, Australia. www.noelleclark.net

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Opulence and Sophistication - The Astor House Hotel, Shanghai

In 1917, Shanghai was considered the "Paradise of Adventurers". What amazing notions come to mind when you read that?

The Treaty Port of Shanghai had a large population of Europeans – German, Italian, French; people from the USA, Russia, and the UK. The Europeans built large, Western style banks, insurance companies, and hotels on The Bund.

In the early part of the 20th Century the number of expatriates moving to Shanghai for lucrative work opportunities meant that good accommodation was needed in the city.

In 1858, on a parcel of land reclaimed from swamp, The Astor House Hotel was built. The location was prime, right on the juncture of Soochow Creek and the Whangpoo River, at the northern end of The Bund. It was five stories high and by 1917 it was advertised as “the Waldorf Astoria of the Orient”. Sheer luxury, comfort, and with all mod cons, the Astor House Hotel was, for travellers and European locals alike, the centre of social activity. In a city with many luxury hotels and clubs, the Astor House was special.

  • In 1882, it was the first building in China to be lit by electricity.
  • In 1883, it was the first hotel in Shanghai to install running water. Every suite had its own bathroom with hot and cold running water.
  • In 1901, it was the first building in Shanghai to receive a telephone call. Thereafter, every suite had its own telephone.


I could go on, but I’m sure you get my drift. Marble floors, pillars and walls. A glass atrium room that let in natural light the length of the dining room, which by the way, seated five hundred. Electric fans cooled patrons in the dining room. During dinner, a symphony orchestra played on the mezzanine floor above diners.

Peacock Hall was the first Ballroom in Shanghai, and at 847 square metres in area, it was—and still is—very impressive. Yes, it was built on the ground floor of Astor House. Its amazing glass ceiling, 14 metres high, remains today.

So, when my long-awaited historical novel Stone of Heaven and Earth is released in March, you will
understand why Darl, Anne, and Madame Liechtenstein loved having lunch, or sometimes high tea at the Astor House Hotel.

Sorry to finish on a sad note, but on 1st January this year, only weeks ago, The Astor House Hotel (often called Pujiang Hotel by the Chinese) was sold. I had harboured a strong desire to revisit China and to spend a night at the Astor House, but it will no longer happen. The hotel is to be closed and renovated into a block of private office space.

STONE OF HEAVEN AND EARTH   -   New historical fiction from Noelle Clark

Out March 1, 2018

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10 comments:

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  2. I read this blog complete and i can say that this hotel must be beautiful . I always travel different places on the world . As a online logo designer i know the designs very well and i create unique logo . I write down this hotel on the list of traveling places . i Surely visit this place

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  3. The Astor Hotel is one of the best in shanghai around the china is one of the best country for touring last year our Logo Designing agency was also go to china for tour and also take a room in Astor Hotel in shanghai their management is great.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and plans to visit the hotel discussed in the blog! As an experienced online logo designer with a keen eye for design and aesthetics, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the unique and intricate details this hotel offers. Its architecture and interior design are a testament to exceptional creativity and craftsmanship, much like the unique logos you create in your profession.

      Since you're also interested in the world of consulting, it might be intriguing for you to observe how this hotel integrates customer service and experience strategies, possibly drawing parallels with your consulting experiences. Observing their approach to customer satisfaction and service innovation can provide valuable insights that could be applied in your own field.

      Your extensive travel experience, coupled with your professional background, offers a unique perspective that could be quite enriching when visiting this hotel. Enjoy your stay, and perhaps this visit will inspire some new, creative ideas for your logo designs or consulting approaches! Safe travels!

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