I was in shanghai two weeks ago and stayed in jing'an (Radius Nanying International Hotel). It was close to Manhattans (154 Nanyang Lu, Jing'an). Manhattans is full of thais, viets and some chinese WGs who most speak english. You should be ok there by yourself, just cut straight to the chase and talk business. Better to come around 2am where the girls get a bit more desperate for business and will be easier to bargain down with. Should be able to get one down to 600rmb, but dont pay more than 1000rmb.
Jing'an is also close to a number of massage full service places. You should definitely experience red rope massage (girl dangles from a roof and gives you blow job). Place is called hai lang xiu xian hui suo
The Location is near City Center in Puxi,
zhong shan xi lu 1277 hao
hai luo da sha,
phone: 62759948
most taxi driver know the place,
中山西路1277号海螺大厦
Price is RMB 680 before 8pm, than RMB 780
Check out this site for all the good massage places in shanghai:
http://happyendings.in/
If you're white, you speak chinese and you're decent looking, you should try Muse 2. Keep seeing white guys there dancing with hot local girls. Even met a 17yo french kid who speaks no chinese pick up two english speaking hot local girls. The french may be pussies in the world cup but they can still pick up.
Anyhow, have a blast in shanghai cause its a truly awesome city.