Sammie

Hi - Searched the posts and found only a mention on very old posting about it. Has anyone stayed there or have any thoughts? I tried to get a sense if the location was any good but hard to tell. It's located near the Ritz which in many cities is a little out of the way from the main hub-bub.

http://www.shanghaicentre.com/

Any help would be most appreciated - leaving in a week, so much good info on this site - thank you, thank you!
Sammie

PeterN_H

It's perhaps a decade since I've been in those apartments (I don't know about rates and value for money--you could certainly stay in Shanghai more cheaply), but they were certainly very comfortable then, and part of the same complex as the Ritz-Carlton. It's possible they may be a bit worn by now, depending on whether they are foreign-managed or not and whether the building's owner has been persuaded to invest in maintenance. (It's not clear whether the Ritz-Carlton manages them--if so they'll be fine. The Shanghai Ritz-Carlton is an excellent hotel.)

Any on-line map, e.g. maps.google.com will show you their location, west of the Bund but a short drive from it and from a tunnel to Pudong on the elevated highway, not far from People's Square and the Shanghai Museum. There are some sections of older shop-houses and mansions within walking distance (unless now pulled down--things move fast) and lively shopping not far to the west.

Peter N-H

Sammie

Thanks Peter - I am overwhelmed with all the hotel choices. There are 4 of us so I was trying to do the math on the cost per night, etc. While I am happy with Holiday Inn type, hubby would like something a little nicer - figures he's only going there once. (Of course we know that may not be true). Finding the hotels has been the drag on this project but gotta get on it - leaving next week!

PeterN_H

Basic rules:

If you want true four- or five-star comfort with service levels near or at least trying to be what you'd find elsewhere, you need to choose a foreign-managed property, and the best rates will be found on each property's own website. Most guarantee that in writing.

If you choose a Chinese-run property the rules are different, and you should not book directly, but (if you must book--the cheapest rates are available over the counter) use a China-based third party such as Ctrip or eLong (although there can be difficulties with these). The apparently amazingly discounted rates they show are the real rates that everybody actually pays or usually beats if they just show up, which is what most people do. But if you must book in advance, this is the best way to go. Don't, however, believe all you're told on the hotel's web site about itself, or what you're told on the third-party site. Much of it shows a far fresher property than you'll actually discover, and some descriptions are wildly inaccurate. Don't assume there's anything special about the hotels the agencies push at you and those found on the first page--these are just the ones from which they hope to make the most profit, and not necessarily the best choices for you.

Peter N-H

ShanghaiManta

Hi Sammie,

I've been in the real estate business here in Shanghai for the last 13 years and have no direct connection to SC.

Shanghai Centre has an excellent reputation even though (in Shanghai terms) it is very old. It has had several make-overs, the last one quite recently, but although not cheap in comparison with some other developments (but not expensive when compared to the top apartments in Shanghai) it does offer high quality (American) management and facilities as well as a fantastic location right in the centre of the city. Note it is a collaborative venture between a US base company and the Shanghai government.

You can get far more space for your money but SC is still an excellent development (with one of the best imported goods, expat-oriented, supermarkets in the basement).

Good luck.
Kevin

Sammie

All good info - thanks. Kevin, if there are other places to stay for a family of 4 for 5 day better than SC and better value and better price and good location .... would you be so kind as to suggest some names? I am sure I'm not the only on the forum that would appreciate it.

Thanks again.

Sammie

Thanks Kevin, a vey kind offer but at this very moment I am sitting in the living room of my apartment in the Shanghai Center. The Ritz Carlton, no, but very nice and perfect for a family. It's right next door to the Ritz and we have pool and workout room privileges, breakfast included at restaurant across the driveway and washer dryer in apt. A little space for everyone to relax and very good communication and response when making arrangements online. True enough it is a little older but they are in the process of updating pats. Ours is clean, nicely decorated with modern designs and so far not a complaint.

ShanghaiManta

I'm pleased you are happy there Sammie - as I said great location and pretty much everything you need on hand. Enjoy your stay here !

Kevin