Best area in Shanghai to stay for cool local flavor

I am taking my boyfriend for a 10 day trip to China, he has never been out of the country so this will be a real ';trip.';

I want to stay in an area where markets, resturants, metro available. Not going to stay in fancy Western hotel, I can get that here. Under 100$ is cool, more interested in the local flavor not high end copies of the Western culture.

Thanks for all responses,

Cissy in Houston

Best area in Shanghai to stay for cool local flavor

Actually, Shanghai is also a metropolitan city like many big cities in U.S. Most hotels are westen style in the downtown. I think you can choose some hotels near the people%26#39;s square or Lu Jia Zui District. Lu Jia Zui is my first choice, because you can find markets, restraunts and metro all you wanted.

Best area in Shanghai to stay for cool local flavor

Try China /Broadway mansions hotel near to suzhou creek.Or u can stay at around French concession area like the mansions hotel.For very affordable centrally located 3 star hotel but in a prime area u could stay in Charms hotel.Hotel by itself is modern in decor ,not classical but location is great.

i won%26#39;t choose Lujiazui according to your preference. Lujiazui financial zone is too western %26amp; modern, besides no markets there. restaurants are mostly in the Super Brand Mall or expensive office building or hotels there.

We loved Yuyuan Old City. I think we had the best Chinese food in all my life there (dim sum with jasmine tea is dreamy IMO).

Here are our photos from 2 days, one of which was in this area of the city...

鈥logspot.com/2009/03/shanghai-china-funding鈥?/a>

Happy Travels.

help finding niche