We weren't too sure what to expect of the hotel based on the extremely cheap rate posted and some mixed reviews we read. However, we went in open minded and were extremely pleased with our experience. We arrived at the hotel after a long train ride from Beijing. After lugging our bags through the Shanghai train station and a couple minor detours, we found ourselves at the exit of the West Nanjing Road subway stop. There was some construction going on so it was a little difficult trying to figure out where the hotel was. Once we found a street sign we were on our way and about one short block later we were at the hotel. The staff was extremely friendly and spoke much more English than others we had encountered on our trip. We arrived at 8am (long before check-out) and the staff was more than willing to help us out. They checked us in in advance, let us eat breakfast in the hotel (it was included with the room) and stored our luggage while we explored the city. When we returned to the hotel that afternoon, we were told we could go to our room and it was MUCH nicer than anticipated. The king sized bed was probably one of the cleaner, more inviting beds I've ever seen in a hotel (at least in hotels within this price range) and the size of the room was pretty overwhelming. We had a huge TV, plenty of room to run around (not that we were running around) and a sitting area with a desk, chair, armchair AND ottoman! Another perk -- we opened the shades and realized we were in a corner room with a huge wall of windows! Granted, it wasn't the best view (who really enjoys a view of a city alley anyway), but it was something. The bathroom was immaculate and we had complimentary bottles of water and some nifty disposable slippers. Everything was clean and the staff was very prompt in their services. We called the front desk one day about laundry service and almost immediately after hanging up the phone, someone was at our door waiting to take the bag. One thing I found a bit odd...we left the room one night for about an hour around 6 or so to get food. We came back and the bed was made and our breakfast vouchers were on the nightstand. A bit creepy, but we weren't missing anything. The jury's still out on whether or not this was a good or bad thing. One thing I must add: each room has a little LED display outside that says whether or not you are in the room (you have to keep your key in a slot in order to power anything in the room). So maybe the staff was just being nice?

I booked the Ruitai Jingan hotel because of its location: close to the city center (a 15 minute walk takes you to the People's Square and Shanghai Museum), and extremely close to a subway station (with very good connections to all destinations in Shanghai: I really recommend using the subway). I had the impression that I received good value for my money: a nice and large room, a clean hotel, and a staff that answered the (few) questions I had. Breakfast, which was included in the room price, was very good: a wide choice of (hot) items, a salad bar, and bread with marmelade was available. The only disadvantage I had was the location of my room (not a city view), but I didn't really mind that since I was only on my room to sleep.

Stayed for 3 nights in May 2007 at Ruitai Hotel in Shanghai. The location was excellent, just across the subway station and very close to the west part of Nanjing street. We payed 80 USD/ room/night including tax and breakfast. The room we got was very big and had a wonderful king sized bed. Large windows, nice furniture and complimentary mineral water daily. Just two minuses: the first one - opposite the hotel there was a huge building in construction and it was pretty noisy from 6 AM to 7 PM and the second one - toilet was broken, having water running on the bathroom floor. As long as we stayed there it was not repaired, the cleaning lady just putting a towel to absorb the water. Breakfast was ok, having both Chinese and western food. Reception staff speaks English. As the second minus was just our bad luck, I recommend the hotel to anyone who is looking for a nice location in the centre. You can get easily to/from Pudong airport there using the Maglev train and then the subway no. 2 (West Nanjing / Shimen Rd station).

This hotel was part of a package sorted out by our toour operator as a part of an organised "China Excursion" package. This was by far the worst hotel I have stayed in for a very long time. The hotel is nice looking from the outside and when all said and done the rooms were large tidy & comfortable (except for the mosquito's). The view over a stagnent river wasn't so hot. We had booked a "superior" room and were given a basic room because they were decorating the superior rooms. That I could have accepted but the staff didn't tell us we weren't getting what we booked. One of the reception staff demanded a deposit before we were even welcomed to the hotel and manners seem few and far between. Our representative who picked us up for a tour the following morning even said that this hotel was so far out they didn't normally pick people up there ..... in fact when we finally obtained a map from reception the hotel wasn't even on it. The buffet breakfast was ok but served in a "ballroom" that had seen better days. Down a sweeping staircase only to find that the carpet and table cloths were frayed. The service was so so when the staff could be bothered to stop chatting to each other and assist guests. The piped music in the halls that seemed to start at stupid o'clock was only ever the BeeGee's or Abba and I would liken this hotel to a 1970's throwback. The hotel information stated that there was a safety deposit box in every room .... this is NOT the case and you would have to use reception. The outside areas were tidy and clean but positionally it was too far away from "anything" to be a consideration for our next visit. The staff badly need some customer training and how to smile would be top of my wish list.

Great hotel in a very handy location in the city centre - right next to Metro station and so very easy to get about to all the sights. Room was amazing - huge with big bed - and very good value, we paid about £38 per night for the room. Breakfast was included in the tarif and there was a good selection of both Chinese and Western food. Staff were friendly and helpful.