The climate here is similar to Washington DC. Fall is the nicest, followed by spring. It starts to get hot and muggy in early May. I really like the St. Regis, but be warned that it's in a very inconvenient location. I suggest you stay somewhere else and try to grab a dinner at the Itallian restaurant (best view I've seen anywhere in SH!). I'd go for the Hyatt over the Shangri-La if you can get a good rate. IMO the rooms and restaurants are nicer and it's just a classier place. Plus, the Shangri-La feels a little isolated because it's trapped between the mall and the river. Of course, the same goes for anywhere in Pudong (where I live) -- the YanAn Tunnel is my greatest enemy in SH.

PS - If you have St. Regis credit to burn, you might want to consider doing so at the Beijing location. Many people feel that the St. Regis is the nicest hotel up there these days.

[This message has been edited by moondog (edited 11-28-2002).]