The Jumerirah Himalayas is in Pudong, the new part of the city. I prefer the other side of the river, the Bund side. Look at Ritz-Carlton Portman for a high quality hotel in a good location.

Yes, the J.H. is in the new financial district, preferred by business travelers. The Grand Central is in a great location, right in the midst of all the action, you can walk to lots of sights and surrounded by restaurants. The Ritz is excellent but the G.C. is newer.

We were staying in Marriott City Wall Hotel. It's great Beijing accommodations with downtown location and five-minute drive to Forbidden City, Pearl Market and Silk Market. Realy luxurious place. http://www.private-guides.com/guide-in-china/tours-in-city-Beijing-226/index.php - read more responses about holidays in Beijing

Thanks very much everybody! I have complimentary nights at Jumeirah so can't change that, but will spend my extra night at Grand Central - I can get it for cheaper than the Ritz.

Any restaurant or shopping recommendations close to these hotels?

Click on my name and look for my NOTES for almost 2 months in Shanghai, spring 2012. From J.H. take a taxi and cross the river to Puxi, the restaurants I listed are all close to the G.C.

There is shopping recs there too, also more in my 2007 NOTES.

Not sure of your dates, there is a GTG on 10/29, I'm sorry I won't be in Shanghai at that date.

The 'golf carts' are solar powered cars used to take visitors to and from the bus stop to the old town entrance. Not sure if you can rent them hourly - I didn't notice any signs saying so, but in my experience, in China is that with a little cash you can usually get what you want.

Thank you both. I don't know what GTG means? I will definitely try out some of those recommended restaurants.

Unfortunately no golf carts for us, neither my friend nor I have any driving experience at all. When we travel its either rail or bus.

Gtg means get together. There will be a small group of fodorites in shanghai on October 29th and we will get together for dinner. It should be great fun. Will you be in shanghai then and would you like to join us?