I am deliberately choosing Air China to fly from Sydney to Rome where I am taking my 10 and 13 year old daughters on a hiking trip through Tuscany in April 08. We are not wealthy but don't mind splashing out for memorable experiences. The reason for flying Air China is so I can hop off in Beijing on the way over and Shanghai on the way back to show the kids the Asian giant emerging.

We will have 2 nights in Beijing and 3 nights in Shanghai. In Beijing, I have reserved the Red Capital Residence and the Red Capital Ranch at the Great Wall for accommodation.

In Shanghai, I am thinking of a more modest hotel like the Astor House or something along those lines on the Bund or Nanjing Rd (recommendations would be most welcome for a single mum, 2 daughters) and want to end our holiday with a grand finale splurge at the Grand Hyatt for one night to enjoy the Shanghai skyline from a riverview double room.

Could anyone advise if one night in the Grand Hyatt is worth say 3 nights in a lesser establishment as a trade-off?

Any other advice, including how to travel around Beijing as independent traveller, would be most appreciated.