When it opened in 1934, the Shanghai Yangtze Hotel claimed to be the third largest hotel in the Far East. In its latest incarnation as the Langham Yangtze Shanghai Hotel (740 Hankou Lu; 86-21/ 6080-0800; yangtzeboutique.langhamhotels.com; doubles from US$500), the seven-story property seems positively petite. The Langham group’s first foray into the Chinese mainland sees the Art Deco building returned to its former glory. Although outfitted with requisite luxuries—think Molton Brown amenities, iPod docks, and Nespresso machines—the 96 rooms are fashioned with bold patterns and replica ’30s furnishings, recalling the glamour and grandeur of an era when Shanghai was famed as the Paris of the East. Step out onto your private balcony, however, and you’ll quickly be brought up to speed with views of shopping mecca Nanjing Road and the shimmering lights of Shanghai’s ultra-modern central business district. –Natasha Dragun

Originally appeared in the May 2009 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Gypsy Tales: Echo of Deco”)