Some comments on the hotel chain properties in Shanghai:

Hilton
- The current Hilton Shanghai is an old property. It used to be one of the earliest 5 star hotels in Shanghai. Good location on the border of French Concession. But time has taken its toll on the property.
- The brand new Waldorf Astoria is great, right on the bund. But it's tough to find a rate that's lower than $300/night. Great place to stay if you have a free Hilton night.

Starwood
- Le Royal Meridien(CAT5) is great, right on Nanjing Raod (the main shopping street in Shanghai) at People Square (the geographic center of Shanghai) with 3 subway stations. The best rate we can find is $110++. Upgrade for platinum: Junior Suite.
- Westin Bund Center(CAT5) is close by. Though not as convenient and more expensive, but still a valid choice. Upgrade for platinum: Suite, sometimes.
- The St Regis(CAT4) is in Pudong and in the middle of nowhere. It's a pitty that such a good brand. Upgrade for platinum: Suite.
- The 12 Hengshan Road (Luxury Collection) and W are probably not ready for 2011 Shanghai DO.

Marriott
- The JW Shanghai(CAT5) is one of the world's most favorite JWs. It's right at the opposite side of People Square as Le Royal Meridien and enjoys the same location benefits. Great property. The best price we can get is about $130++. Upgrade for platinum: Suite.
- The brand new Ritz Carlton Pudong is gorgeous. Great view. In my opinion, it's one of the top three hotels in Shanghai, along with Penninsula Hotel and Park Hyatt. The best price we can find is about $180++. Upgrade for platinum: One category.
- The old Ritz Carlton Shanghai is not bad either. The best price we can get is about $130++. Upgrade for platinum: One category.
- Renaissance Zhongshan Park(CAT3) is a new property and is the world's tallest Renaissance. Located in a shopping mall with direct access to three subway lines. The best rate we can find is about $78++(A friend's company is in the building and their corporate rate is $75 net if that particular room type is available). Upgrade for platinum: Suite or executive floor.
- The new Marriott City Center(CAT4) will open in Jan 2011. Let's see how good it is.

InterContinental
- InterContinental Puxi is a new property. State of the art hardware. Ok location though. The best rate we can get is about $125++. Upgrade for RA: suite or executive floor.
- The brand new Indigo will open on December 16. Right on the south bund. Haven't paid a visit to the hotel yet. But we know the senior management at this property and might be able to get a good rate there.
- IC Pudong and Expo are not that conveniently located.

Hyatt
- Park Hyatt is one of the top 3 hotels in Shanghai and commands the relavant price. The best rate we can get is about $280++. Upgrade for diamond: Breakfast.
- Hyatt on the Bund is great. Sweeping view of both sides of the river. The best rate we can get there is about $160++. Upgrade for diamond: executive floor river view.
- Grand Haytt used to be the tallest hotel in the world. But not my favorite among the Hyatt properties in Shanghai anymore. Upgrade for diamond: executive floor river view.

These are probably the best properties in Shanghai among the 4 major chains. If FTs are interested value properties, I can comment on other properties as well.

My personal favorites(value for money) in Shanghai are:
- Le Royal Meridien
- JW Marriott
- Ritz Carlton Pudong(if you can get lounge access)
- Hyatt on the Bund

My value hotels choices in Shanghai are:
- Renaissance Zhongshan Park
- Renaissance Yu Garden
- Courtyard Xujiahui
- InterContinental Pudong
- Crowne Plaza Shanghai

If anyone has any questions on hotels in Shanghai, please let me know. Enjoy your stay in Shanghai.