[QUOTE=NewbieRunner;17257328]I've at last posted my visa application and am checking its progress online.
So far...

I couldn't figure out how to get to a Chinese embassy (well,Tijuana maybe - not!) so used the Oasis visa service which appears to be very closely connected to the Chinese Embassy in Wash DC. Handled in 4 days, no expedite fee, got a one-year multilple entry visa for same cost as single entry (I believe $140 for US citizens.) Done and done, easy peasy. Cost $50 for service, but the alternatives were not only more expensive, but extremely time-consuming and annoying.

I'm set for the Le Meridien on arrival. I believe Thursday, may stay longer, will move to Hilton Sunday, may try out the new Indigo in between.

Should I sign up for the Air China tour "just in case"? I'm interested, but my time in Shanghai is short and I'm more interested in the city than air facilties.