Ended up cancelling our reservations at #9, and will be staying at LM instead. Due to a bit of business travel lately, will have SPG Gold Status by then, so hoping for an upgrade to a Bund View room. We basically have 3 full days in SH, at least one of which we'll probably do the day-trip on the new fast train to Hangzhou. We may do Suzhou as well, depending on weather and how tired we are by the end of our trip.

I know moondog doesn't like the location, but we'll probably stay at the Westin in Beijing. Thought about the Pen, but staying at a Starwood property will get me that much closer to Plat status. Right now, the St. Regis is still pricing out to be a lot more than the Westin for our dates.

The usual lecture H2O
 

You hear it all the time, but it is a "must" to carry water with you everywhere all day. Small sips will decrease the effects of the air pollution. You might need larger gulps for the dehydration. Do not leave your room without a bottle of water.

I like the Financial District location of the Westin as being clean and safe. You will probably take the taxi anyway. It is only a 10-minute or less ride to the Forbidden City/Tian'an Men area.