Hotels and "Things to do" in Schanghai?? (Shanghai)

Dear All,

I am going to travel to Shanghai in two weeks with my family and would be extremely grateful to have some advise on "value for money" hotels that would suit the needs of three people wishing to experience chine from the core:)

Also do you know about the cruises on the Yangdze river? is it worth going? Any other suggestions for a programme for Protected content in Shanghai?

Thank you all VERY much in advance!!! any advise would be of great help!

Adele