Much more elegant inside than its jagged glass exterior suggests, the 53-story Regent brings a welcome dose of luxury to the western part of Shanghai.

The atrium lobby with its sweeping staircases and curved ceilings is one of the sleekest around. Rooms, some of the largest in town, encourage indulgence, with wonderful city views and all modern amenities including comfortable beds, 42-inch plasma screen television, bedside control of lights and curtains, and free broadband Internet access. Bathrooms are modern and equipped with rainforest showers.

The hotel also boasts a plethora of fine dining options, a Guerlain Spa, and Shanghai's biggest indoor pool. Still comparatively new at press time, the hotel was ironing out a few remaining rough edges, but service is coming along nicely. Though there's not much of interest for the tourist within walking distance, the main sights are only a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride away, and the Regent is as luxurious a refuge as any to repair to after a hard day of sightseeing.

Conference Facility: Ballroom accommodates up to 1000 person, 11 meeting and conference rooms with audio-visual equipment and secretarial services.

Restaurant: Four restaurants, bar/lounge, coffee shop, 24-hour room service.

Recreation: Indoor swimming pool, fitness facility, outdoor tennis, hair salon, massage, full-service health spa, clubhouse.

Transportation: - 4 km to Shanghai Stadium; - 6 km to Renmin Plaza; - 7 km to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street; - 8 km to Shanghai Railway Station. - 9 km to Guangda Convention Center; - 9 km to South Railway Station; - 11 km to Hongqiao Airport; - 50 km to Pudong International Airport.