I'll be going in mid-November. I have Club Carlson or Starwood points to use, but would prefer the CC program if possible. Any recommendations for me?

I would try to use the cc points if possible because Marriott points are generally more valuable.

That having been said, lets keep your options open for now.

In order to facilitate this objective, please provide details about the rates during your stay at relevant properties inside the middle ring (that aren't in pudong).

There is a Radisson in the French concession that looks really nice every time I run by it. It's called the Xingguo hotel and I couldn't think of a better location to stay in shanghai than where it is located.

Looking at the maps (my husband's obsession) we notice the Hyatt is a little away from the more touristy areas. We like this, not to worry. BUT - none of the reviews I've read so far say anything like 'there's a little convenience mart just down the road for sodas in the room..." Are there such stores nearby? Thanks!

Which Hyatt? HOTB is the only one I can tacitly endorse. Lujiazu simply sucks!

Might I respectfully disagree? Although, my view is from someone who has several hundred hotel nights in Lujiazui "under my belt" ;)

For a first or similar time visitor, if cocooning up in the Grand or Park H. is not envisaged, your statement could be rather close to reality...

And there is a Lawson mart downstairs at the SWFC plus the two City Shops not that far away.

Sorry, yes, as was discussed/recommended on page 3 of this thread - Hyatt on the Bund. We're looking for a river view room less than $300/night in mid-September.

Having lived there for an entire year (biggest mistake during my life to date), i probably have you beat. :)

But, this doesn't seem relevant to the OP. HOTB is as close to "touristy" as it can possibly muster. It actually isn't "on" the Bund. "North of the Bund," is more apt.

It is a nice hotel.

Don't worry, you'll be within spitting distance of about 15 convenience stores. They are everywhere in Shanghai. The Hyatt is about a 10 minute walk to the bund proper, once you get to the bund and see the massive amount of people there you'll be thankful for the distance :)

For what you want there is no better hotel in Shanghai, enjoy your trip.

Yes, I saw that on the Radisson list too. Thanks for the suggestion. Anybody been there?

We will book the Hyatt on the Bund as soon as I confirm my meeting dates (well, I know the dates, I just need the agenda to see what days I actually need to attend ;-)

We are now trying to figure out which room type to book - any input on Club Room and/or B&B options? The river view king is 1522 cny, the club room king is 1772 (doesn't say if this can be a river view or not) The king river w/breakfast is 1990 and king Club with breakfast is 2240. I thought I had seen a review that the breakfast was around 250 but that doesn't seem correct, given the B&B room rate.....

Not there, but have stayed at Radisson Blu at People's Square.. That is not in your shortlist ? I personally prefer staying closer to People's Square. You can take a taxi or a long walk to the Bund.

Nanjing lu is a treat in the nights if you ignore the ladies constantly troubling foreigners with massage offers.

Anyone stay at any of the HI/HIX hotels in Shanghai recently that is an IHG Plat member? Curious if anyone has a good knowledge of the HI/HIX Plat benefits.

Hmmm, personally I'd prefer to stay away from both aforementioned areas.

Local tycoons prefer other places for meetings and the restaurant scene is also far more enjoyable at, say, Xujiahui or Lujiazui fringes.

And to continue the stubborn theme, also the Four Points by Sheraton at Zhabei still features on my list above all establishments at the Bund or People's Square.

Maybe slightly off topic but does anyone know of a hotel in Shanghai with at least a 25 meter lap pool? Need to get my exercise in. ;)