Why on EARTH do people keep recommending the St. Regis and the Hyatt? That isn't the question the OP asked. We have a leisure traveler who, most likely, wants to stick to a budget and is interested in exploring in Shanghai. Fair enough.

Then we get the responses. Seems like there are a bunch of "hotel snobs" out there who are more interested in the "hotel experience" than in the "city experience" -- and the expense be hanged, no doubt.

Folks, you need to realize that your apparent criteria for selecting a hotel -- the desire to revel in luxury regardless of the price -- are NOT necessarily the same as everyone's. I suggest that, unless the response is really helpful and relevant to the OP's question, you withhold it.

Or, at the very least, explain how the more luxurious experience can be made within budgetary reach (like my suggestion of using a Cash and Points award at the Westin) so that it is comparable in price to the Sheraton or HIlton.

And remember that for someone who wants to explore Shanghai, factors like LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION are important!