Its in my outlook http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

And I too have reservations at the Ritz http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Looking good so far...

FYI...Rates are loaded for all three of the SPG properties, as are Marriott

[This message has been edited by cawhite60156 (edited Mar 15, 2004).]

GK:
Have you thought about a HQ location or locations, or even an area (Bund vs. Pudong)?

Most of the tourist activities are on the Bund side or near there in Old Town or French Concession. Pudong is mostly a business district, so I think we should aim for the former area as places to stay.

I would definitely not stay in the Pudong district. The Ritz is probably about as far from the Bund as you'd want to stay... most of the action is towards the Bund from there. IIRC, Le Meridien is building a new hotel on central Nanjing Road, although I am not sure if its open etc...

I'm at the Westin

Me, too
 

I have a reservation here as well, and will keep it so long as they switch it over to a Points reservation before I arrive, like SPG said would occur.

Shanghai here YOU come...
 

Glad to hear you all are coming to my adopted home of the past 4.5 years. Shanghai has a lot to offer, but keep in mind you are coming to the commercial center of China, not the cultural. How would you feel visiting NYC if you didn't speak any English?

As for hotel recommendations...
Bund : Westin
Pudong: Grand Hyatt
Nanjing Rd: Four Seasons, Portman Ritz Carlton, or (b/c of points stays only) JW Marriott
There are other hotels which are nice, but these are really the upper end of the chain hotels.

As for "where the action is" it really depends upon what you are looking to do. French Concession? Cafes? Bars? Shopping? (notice again I didn't list "sightseeing" as one of the major attractions) The Nanjing Rd area is probably the most central and easiest to get around from (in particular the Portman as every cabbie in Shanghai knows it...trust me, that alone is valuable) but you aren't really going to go wrong at any of the chain hotels in Shanghai.

If you have the option, when in doubt fly into SHA as it is closer and easier to get into the city (25 minutes versus ~75 minutes) then PVG.

If you've got questions while you are planning or need any information or 'feet on the ground' please let me know, I would be happy to help.

Excellent !
 

I knew we'd flush out a resident FT'r sooner or later. Welcome to the party.

Ideas on where to go are always welcome, but it is a long way off at the moment, so don't expect much activity on the planning front until Jan 2005 !

In the meantime, if KA doesnt fly to PVG, does this mean I have to take MU just for the Maglev ride ? Oh damn.

I'm sorry, but this is complete and utter bollocks. All flights (KA or MU) from HKG have been to PVG for at least the last 12 months!

Hiding in the woodworks...
 

Actually GK I know of a couple of others lurking around here and I've sent them an e-mail telling them about all of you coming to visit. I'm sure they will help in the planning when we get closer.

As for the airport situation. I usually fly into SZ when I come south and I was wrong about KA into PVG, they do fly into PVG. One thing about the mag train...it basically runs as far as the Grand Hyatt and not into the city proper. If you are staying there it is just a short hike with bags, otherwise anticipate either a cab or subway ride into the main city. My recommendation after riding the train would be to take a cab, longer but just so much easier.

Bollocks...
 

While "utter bollocks" may be fairly harsh (and expose you as a Brit), you are indeed correct. I have amended my post and thank you for pointing out my obvious misinformation on this item. Obviously it was not my intention to mislead.

As for the rest of my post in which I passed along actually useful information to those curious about what Shanghai has to offer, I thank you for your well thought out response and possitive affirmation of my contribution to the community.

It looks like I'll be up in Shanghai sometime over this coming summer, so welcome to chance to catch up with you.

Sightseeing ? The whole experience is enough for me. Shopping, eating and drinking, yes, I can guarantee that Ft'rs like doing some of those things. The chance to meet up again with this bunch is enough for me, and in a new city makes it more appealing.

I'll second that ....
 

bknseat, thanks for the info. Sightseeing is definitely good, but I'm coming back for the people this trip. Hope you're looking forward to a fun weekend in February :cool:

Hmmmmmmmmmm