Originally Posted by moondog
i've recommended the rui jin in the past (earlier in this thread, i think) and stand by my sentiments. the location is great, the gardens' serene, and the mystique "old shanghai". that having been said, getting one of the big rooms is an imperative (they cost more).
be advised that if money is no object up to your threshold, you can stay almost anywhere in the city, provided you are a decent negotiator and/or can reference any corporate agreements. if i were in that boat, i'd probably go for the portman because i like the gym or the jw marriott because it is new. i would pass on other places within striking distance (shangri-la, hyatt, westin, st. regis) because i think they're overrated. the 4 seasons would be a decent pick as well, though not necessarily better than the portman (except for the rooms) and probably not less than 150.
Rui Jin was sold out for my first night, and quoted my Beijing-born co-worker $120/night (with discount) for the other nights for the deluxe room. I called back at night (in english) to get another mgr, but she quoted me the $150/nt from the Web site (and a price above the Web site for the smaller room!). I decided to book the Crowne Plaza using points for my first three nights (out of the way, but cabs are cheap). My co-worker had his China-based brother call the Rui Jin for me, and he got me the deluxe room for $95/nt for my last three nights. My co-worker called the Portman and was quoted over $200 + tax. Thanks for your help moondog.