YMCA Hotel Shanghai

The front desk staff is very capable and kind. I stayed at this hotel for 5 nights and I enjoyed it for the most part. The hotel is not far from many things to see and it is within walking distance (about 45 minutes) from the Bund. Also, I was able to store my money and valuables in the safe, which was locked with two keys--I felt great peace of mind when I left my room. I stayed in the dormitory room, which had 4 beds and each bed had its own closet in which bags can be locked. There is a bathroom for the floor which has a shower and WESTERN toilets! This is a luxury in china. On the 6th floor there is a computer connected to the internet and it is convenient to use, even though the connection is slow. It cost 9 yuen per hour. The staff is very kind and helpful and can speak some english. Provided in the room is a pair of slippers, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, towel. There is a television in the room, and my room had a nice view of the city.
The only downside was the room was a little dirty and there were some bugs in the room. I had difficulty getting boiled water (you musn't drink tap water in China, EVER!!) and when I did get the water the jug was dirty.
Other than that, everything was fine.

Unique Quality: There is a hair salon in the hotel, where you can also get a massage! Also, internet, television, bar, restaurant, convenience store (to buy that umbrella you forgot to bring!), and good location.

YMCA dorm is a fine choice for a budget traveler. It costs 15 USD /night. One room has 4 beds and 4 small closets. The shared bathroom has 2 showers and 2 toilets separated. Bring your own shower kit including a towel.

I think I was lucky to have the whole room to myself when I stayed there. So it wasnt like staying in a dorm at all.

Unique Quality: I didnt really check out the hotel much. Only the salon. For the view, at that time I was there, mid-April '04, there was some construction going on around the area so I would not say much about the view here. But I would add that it's a good spot to stay. Easy to get around.

The YMCA in Shanghai, while not nearly as posh as the one in Hong Kong, is still very centrally located, not far from People's Park, and one of the least expensive accomodation options you will find... You can choose from private rooms or dormitory style accomodations with shared bathroom... A bed in a dorm room costs RMB 150...