Hi Joene --
Shanghai is absolutely fascinating. The previous posters have given good advice.
As for hotels, if you have business in Pudong, then staying there makes sense. Otherwise, there's no reason to be in Pudong.
In my past 5 visits (in the past 3 years), I've stayed at the JW Marriott and have become a big fan of the hotel. As another poster has said, the location is terrific (much better, for example, than the Four Seasons or Portman-Ritz Carlton). The views are also great, as is the service. Its coffee-house-like restaurant, with a great breakfast and lunch and dinner buffet, is a great alternative if you want a quick, tasty meal. (Of course it also offers a Chinese restaurtant and a very good grill/steakghouse).
I'll be back in Shanghai later this year and again will be at the JW Marriott. If you can swing getting onto a Club floor, the Club lounge offers good snacks, drinks and a very good concierge -- and free internet.
Hope this helps,
Ollie
NYC