I lived in this hotel for 30 days at a time during 2010 and 2011. The staff remember you, remember what you like and don't, and remember your name. While most 4 star plus hotels in Asia deliver on amazing, personalized service, this one stands out as a total package.

I stayed in this hotel in October 2011 for 5 days. It was my first trip to Shanghai, alone, and I was a little apprehensive. However, this was a great choice and a great experience. The room was extremely pleasant and comfortable. The bed was very comfortable and so was the duvet experience. Service Impeccable and everybody was extremely courteous and professional. Breakfast buffet was a great experience and overall food in room service was very very good. Loved it, loved location which allowed for great walks and will definitely come back again.

I have stayed here maybe more than 10 times now and its always been on business trips. The building is only 2 years old and its the tallest one in the whole area. The rooms are very nice and the location obviously is the best thing. The club lounge on 44th floor (or is it 40th?) is very nice and I've had some meetings there as well. Its my first choice without fail whenever I go to China. I love this hotel :)

Hotel: What makes this hotel stand out is of course the location which is frankly unbeatable! I never understand why anyone would want to stay in the hotels on the bund since there's not a decent metro station nearby. The Royal Meridien however is just next to one of the biggest metro stations in Shanghai and right on Nanjing Road so most places are nearby or easy to get to.
Rooms: All the rooms have wonderful views, whether it's facing people's square of the bund. The rooms are well equipped and comfortable, my only complaint would be that two sinks would be more convenient. The bed is heavenly, probably the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in.
Restaurants: The breakfast is quite good but it does tend to be quite busy so there's quite a bit of noise. I haven't tried any of the other restaurants since this is Shanghai and you can eat well just about anywhere. Hotel restaurants in Shanghai tend to be severely overpriced so I always avoid them.
Service: The staff were all very helpful and polite.
Facilities: The pool's great and there's also a steam room and sauna. I also really like the Jacuzzi since you have a great view of people's square from it. Everything's well maintained and clean.