Pentahotel Shanghai, Shanghai

great building, rooms are modern, great pool overlooking park. affordable if you don't mind staying far away from downtown. but the staff/service is pretty clueless. the dinner buffet was great, but the waitstaff couldn't quite figure out what to do when serving wine. an order of two different bottles caused a frenzy of glass delivery and retraction that took 15 minutes to take care of. the situation was only complicated because of the server's inability to understand english. the pool/gym staff was always around which is great, but they stared (more than minor cultural difference) almost to the point of harrassment. at all times, the staff (not just the pool/gym staff) congregrated in small groups and didn't appear to be doing anything. but, aside from those complaints, the front desk/concierge was great, very friendly and helpful. bartenders also very friendly. i was there in early July 2004 and the hotel was still fairly new, maybe they will smooth out the kinks over time.