I'm amost positive he will not need a visa in advance. The UK MU website (MU is expanding in the Europe-Australia market) is usually a good place to check out for up to date requirements.

As for hotels, IMO it would be a shame to spend a night in a place like Shanghai without actually seeing it.

Pudong (e.g. Lujiazui) is really no more convenient to PVG than many parts of Puxi, particularly those that have good highway access, such as the Hilton.

The one exception I can think of is the Jinjiang Sofitel, which is close the Maglev Station and can be had for $80 per night on Priceline (even the Ramada costs more than this!). Taxis from there to more interesting places are only around $5 and the ride isn't so bad during non-peak times.

Alternatively, that same $80 could also fetch a decent Chinese 4-star in a better area (e.g. near the Hilton). If you want a true 5-star in Puxi, be prepared to spend $180-350.