Sorry to start another Shanghai thread but having read everything there is on this forum and others I am still confused and would value some advice. SO and I will be in Shanghai for a week in September. We will be first time visitors wanting to do Expo and touristy things.

My hotel choice would be heavily influenced by:

• Location: This is a very big consideration for me especially access to the subway. I realise taxis are very inexpensive but when I have time in a city I find it fun to use public transport. I also like the option to pop back to my hotel during the day if I feel like it, so reasonable proximity to the places I will most likely be visiting would be a big plus.
• Neighbourhood: I like to be able to walk out of a hotel and find something of a “neighbourhood” around the property i.e. places to walk, eat, watch people, etc. Especially at night if I’m pooped I want to make a short foray and experience more than just the hotel restaurants.
• Good deal: There are some attractive deals available like the RC Pudong’s stay 7 pay 4 in an executive suite and the 4th night free at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. Obviously no one wants to spend more than they have to but I am probably, er..., thriftier than most around here.

My understanding is that most people prefer Puxi to Pudong but I thought about doing 3/4 nights in Pudong for the Expo part of the trip and then moving to Puxi for more sightseeing. Although I would prefer luxury, I am not averse to other upscale properties if they are more convenient. (I believe JW Marriott is well located, for example. One upside is that I would be able to afford a bigger room/suite in such a place.)

So what do you advise? Stay put in one place or move about? And where exactly? Or am I totally over thinking this (as usual!) and it doesn’t matter too much at all?