We should create a sticky on this subject!!

Actually I am writing this from the Plat lounge at the St Regis Beijing having arrived from the Westin Shanghai, having previously cancelled my stay at the St Regis Shanghai due to the advice on this board and stayed at the Westin instead. I am on vacation here and am focussed more on chilling out than business convenience.

FWIW the Westin was a very smart hotel. Gym and pool were great, room rather fancy, service typically Starwood excellent where they spoke English to a reasonable level, restaurants good, breakfast great, lounge pretty good also.

However the St Regis in Beijing is so much smarter that I have changed my forthcoming trip to Shanghai back from the Westin to the St Regis due to the following reasons :-

1. Staff speak better English (a significant problem at the Westin!)
2. Room upgrade for Plats MUCH MUCH MUCH better at St Regis!! Westin Shanghai insulted me by offering additional 2 levels of upgrade for more money - as Plat we should have best available room!! ( I was jetlagged so didn't fight this one!)
3. Butler service available at St Regis not at Westin - its really rather cool!.

Anyway, in 2 weeks I return to Shanghai and I'll see if St Regis Shanghai matches up to St Regis Beijing!!