Grosvenor House

Gambling. Glamour. Grosvenor House. This Art Deco masterpiece whispers tales of Old Shanghai’s opulence. Right here, where sleek modern towers now rise, stood the Canidrome greyhound racetrack. Sir Victor Sassoon, a tycoon known for his flamboyant parties and risky ventures, gambled on building the 18-story Cathay Mansions in 1929. It was a gamble because Shanghai’s swampy ground had never supported such a tall structure. But much like his bets at the racetrack, this one paid off. Cathay Mansions became the tallest building in Shanghai and a sought-after address. Grosvenor House, an even more luxurious building with a sprawling garden, followed in 1935. Sassoon spared no expense. High ceilings, Art Deco lamps, claw-foot bathtubs, and polished parquet floors graced the apartments. The location, near the French Club and the Lyceum Theater, added to its allure. Grosvenor House attracted playboys, socialites, and even the elegant French mistress of a prominent Shanghai resident. The Sassoons, originally from Baghdad, had amassed their fortune through the opium trade. Sir Victor, inheriting the business, arrived in Shanghai in 1923 and transformed the city’s skyline. He built not only Grosvenor House and Cathay Mansions, but also the Cathay Hotel (now the Fairmont Peace Hotel), the Cathay Cinema, and numerous other properties. While Sassoon’s lavish parties faded into memory, Grosvenor House endured. It later became part of the Jinjiang Hotel, playing host to world leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Fidel Castro, and most notably, Richard Nixon. In 1972, the historic Shanghai Communique, marking a turning point in Sino-US relations, was signed within these very walls. Today, Grosvenor House retains its prestigious status. Despite renovations, the building continues to attract Shanghai’s elite. It stands as a testament to a bygone era, a whisper of Old Shanghai’s grandeur amidst the modern metropolis.