General Manager of the Howard Johnson Plaza Shanghai Ron Podlas.

A dusty roadside motel that opened in the United States 84 years ago has grown into a symbol of class an ocean away in China.

Though most Americans are familiar with the Howard Johnson as a provider of comfortable and value-for-money accommodation, the Howard Johnson Plaza Shanghai takes on a new meaning in China, where it provides five-star luxury in 360 rooms spread over 27 floors.

Despite its premium location within walking distance of Nanjing Pedestrian Street and the Bund, the hotel has worked hard to impress visitors since it opened its doors in 2003, says General Manager Ron Podlas.

"There are many American guests who hesitate to book our hotel until they see the property," says Podlas. "But once they come to have a look, it's another story."

Ranging from up-scale business hotels to full-service properties with on-site concierges and business centers, the Howard Johnson franchise claims to have something to suit all comers in China.

There are five leveraged products operating under the brand's umbrella: Howard Johnson Plaza, Howard Johnson Business Club, Howard Johnson All Suites, Howard Johnson Hotel and Howard Johnson Resort. Of these, the first category is considered the jewel in the Howard Johnson crown, which is why it was chosen to mark the brand's Shanghai debut.

Dominated by palm trees and surrounded by stone-covered walls, the lobby gives guests a warm welcome. But while its appearance here is more lavish than in the United States, its homegrown service remains the same.

"We're known for good service," says Podlas, who says this accounts for the high rate of returning guests (27 percent). The corresponding figure for other five-star hotels in Shanghai hovers around 18 percent, he added.

"The front desk and restaurant staff are especially good at remembering guests' names and their preferences," says Podlas, "So before the guest even asks, the staff will bring them, for example, pineapple instead of orange juice."

The Howard Johnson Plaza Shanghai has four restaurants and bars. Of all the cuisines on offer the Mediterranean food is hard to beat, especially when paired with the right bottle of Spanish or Italian wine.

The wealth of pampering options includes a fully-equipped spa, fitness center and pool, where guests can re-balance and revitalize before stepping out into the city. After relaxing in the sauna and Jacuzzi, guests can enjoy the hotel's new resident Brazilian band Sonboro and its exotic sounds in the Pavilion Lobby Lounge.

Although the financial crisis has shifted the hotel's target group from that of business traveler to the leisure market, Podlas is expecting the upcoming expo to help rebalance the scales.

"Expo 2010 will more than make up for what we will be going through over the next few months. I believe that it will open up new markets and be a good injection for the industry."