bigkahuna: feel free to drop me a message if you'd like to meet up for a chat/tea/meal in Shanghai. I'm in my 3rd year of study here and regularly meet up with travellers from all over the world... I've met Gelli (#8) before as well! 
Beijing & maybe Shanghai
Hi Pia - I did Beijing/Shanghai in Oct last year. I tried YMCA in shanghai. It was decent. Location was fine, rooms was servicable, rates were ok.
If not, there is a chain of motel called motel 168. It cost 168RMB and hence the name. Its for budget business travellers. Location wasn't as good as YMCA i felt, so I didn't book it.
Gd luck!