Hello zfek,
Just wanted to say that I stayed at the IBIS hotel Town Centre last July. Staff spoke enough English. The place was clean, very affordeable, and within walking distance to much shopping, markets, bakeries, restaurants, etc. Gave me local things to do after my girl went home at night. And the biggest Super Walmart I have ever seen (lol). Internet in rooms, and computer available in the lobby, when it is free. I believe Anshan is a 30-45 minute bus ride. Taxis are cheap, and yes, subways and buses are crowded, but inexpensive.
We took the hour bus ride tothe Botanical Gardens, saw Shenyang ancient palaces, went to the park on the river, went to the town square (with statue of Mao) at night to observe the hundreds doing Tai Chi (sp.). Plenty to do around Shenyang. On my second trip in January, we took the 5 1/2 hour train ride to Beijing. Saw the Forbidden City, Tianenmen Square, Great Wall. Could have spent a few more days there. My girl has her own business, so she was able to take time off. You may want to consider what time your girl will have free.
I used a different agency, but my translator accompanied my girl to the airport to meet me. I believe the Taoxian airport is best for you. I did have to pay a fee for the driver that brought them to the airport. I think it was about $20 US. It was late, so they took me to my hotel, and we met again in the morning. My girl took a bus to meet me everyday. That is how she wanted it. We did have an electronic translator, and visited the agency a few times to be sure we understood each other. Called the translator on several occasions. On my second trip, I stayed at her apartment with her and her son, and we got married. Quite different from the hotel. A real chance to get to understand more about the Chinese way and your woman.
It is the adventure of a lifetime. Savor every minute.
Kevin