I'll add my thoughts as well. Like parrotfish, I've never been inside the apartments there, but I lived at the Marriott Palm Springs (BJ) for a while shortly after that property first openned and... the furnishings were and are really nice. Not only do you get all of the Marriott signature bedding and what not, the coaches, tables, kitchen appliances, etc are first rate as well.... as good as most 5-star hotels, in fact, and world's above the other serviced apartments I'm familar with in China, including the Portman (SH), Oriental Plaza (BJ), Kerry Centre (BJ), and every Ascott I've ever set foot in.

However, if I were in your shoes (i.e. with kids), I would at least entertain the Portman (i.e. Shanghai Centre) because the area has a slightly more relaxed feel and it's easier to get taxis there if you have a residence card.