i've never been to the specific property, but i am leaving for shanghai tomorrow and did some hotel research while planning my trip.

the hua ting reverted back to local management a few years ago... so no more relationship with starwood. my understanding is that while the hotel is still classified as "five stars," it can't compete with new properties like the hyatt, the st. regis, and the new four seasons. perhaps think great wall sheraton in beijing (1in the 1980s also the first international class hotel in that city) vs. the st. regis.

while the hotel is at the periphery of the city, shanghai only continues to expand. there is definitely a lot near the hotel (like shanghai stadium), but maybe not much for tourism... in any case, the subway stops right by the hotel.

[This message has been edited by dw (edited 03-19-2002).]