There are limits on how long a thread title can be, so I tried to explain the specifics in my first few paragraphs, though I include HVAC and hot/cold water in the services category since even if wrong, a hotel can (eventually) fix them -- the PH Paris did. Also, the room and the view, you can get a good feeling for from photos taken by others, and where relevant, most upscale hotels do match: service is a different matter.

Newyorksangel, I will probably give PH Shanghai another try in a few months, although my view is the real problem when I stayed there was the GM, so unless he has changed, I'd be skeptical.