A Shanghai package, available until the end of June, from Aero International has a couple of interesting historic hotels on a list of otherwise run-of-the-mill accommodation choices. The best is the Park Hotel (below; the brown building), which was opened on Nanjing Road (then called Bubbling Well Road) in 1934 and overlooks the race course (now Renmin Park). It was built by Czech architect Ladislaus Hudec, who fled to Shanghai after escaping from a Siberia-bound prison train and who designed dozens of the city's finest pre-war buildings. The 22-storey hotel was the tallest building in Shanghai for several decades. The property, which I.M. Pei said inspired him to become an architect, was popular for its rooftop nightclub, where a retractable ceiling allowed dancing beneath the stars. Still in good condition, with its art deco lobby more or less intact, the Park is available for HK$2,570 (per person, twin share) for two nights with round-trip flights on China Eastern. The second choice is the nearby Pacific Hotel, which opened in the 1920s as the China United Apartments building. This is on offer for a package price of HK$2,410. For further details and reservations, call Aero International on 2545 6669 or visit www.aerohkg.com. Alternatively, both these properties (visit park.jinjianghotels.com and pacific.jinjianghotels.com) usually offer significant discounts if you inquire at reception.