He was a British Sephardic Jew of Iraqi origin, educated at Harrow School and Cambridge University.

Sassoon bought a full city block on a prominent spot on the Bund prior to construction.

[3] When built the Sassoon House topped out at fifty feet taller than the next tallest building on the Bund.

The building is ten stories in height, and the tenth floor is a penthouse, where Victor Sassoon once lived.

The builders followed a consistent art deco scheme, from exterior design to interior decor.

The eastern facade (facing the Huangpu River and the Bund) features a pyramidal roof with steep sides, and a height of about 10 meters (33 feet).

[9] Its Old Jazz Band was recently the basis for a movie, "As Time Goes By" a film by Uli Gaulke.

In 2007, the hotel closed for a three-year renovation of both the exterior and interior, including the guest rooms, the lobby, and the dining and entertainment venues.

The eighth floor hosts the Peace Hall,[14] plus several meeting rooms, and an outdoor terrace.

A low-rise extension has been added to the rear of the hotel, housing guestrooms, a swimming pool, and spa.

[16] In 1911, after the success of the Xinhai Revolution, Sun Yat-sen stayed at the hotel and advocated commitment to the revolutionary cause.