A380 Extravaganza: Shangri-La Singapore

Did you get a late checkout or pay for 2 nights? Just trying to understand how you utilized the hotel given your odd flight schedules.

This statement is spot-on: "You know how consuming alcohol makes people more attractive? I find that free wifi at hotels has the same effect on my impression of hotels." Great report!

That gym equipment is pretty nice - good stuff for weights (rope pull, lots of dumb bells in high weights).

Completely agree about the room decor. The Shangri-La in Sydney looks a bit more modern, but seems pretty similar. I had a Horizon room and the Sydney club lounge was quite nice - the spread there looked a little more generous than Singapore. Service was fine, but not outstanding.

It's too bad you had this experience - my experience at the Shangri-La Manila (and in their Horizon Club) was one of my best hotel experiences ever.

I know I don't like triangular rooms. From the pictures I actually like the decor, but not the layout (I dislike very modern styling, it's just a question of taste).

As another perspective on the bellman, when you decline his offer of help, you are perhaps implying that he is not of use to you, ie, he isn't a good bellman (no issue of tip motivation in Singapore, as there usually no tipping).

What's the reason you disliked the thought of bag help as much as you did?

Those carpets were hideous! But yes, awesome hats.

what is the rate at this hotel, or points with jet setter ?

I know it guess against frugal ways, but after a decade of luxury hotels I let them take my bags for <$5 tip. Less confrontation that way and you can call it a business expense, Lucky.

Thanks for the report! Looks nice, but I agree it doesn't seem anything special.

As for "whether Shangri-La offered an experience substantially different from the 'mass market' chains," it must vary by hotel. I was lucky enough to stay at the Shangri-La Vancouver a few years ago, and it was fantastic--one of my very top city hotel stays.

In-room check-in, fantastic room and amenities (fruit and wine in the room, hors d'oeuvres and free drinks in the bar), excellent food, and very polished service. The Shangri-La Singapore looks nice, but I'd never guess it was the same hotel chain as the one in Vancouver.

I know what that seating area is for. For putting on Skinny jeans after coming out of the shower. You have to sit down to get some pants on, and it is nice to have a seating area as soon as you come out of the shower/tub.

Of course it is all personal preference, but I can't see why you'd prefer the Conrad over the Shangri-La. View from the lounge is awesome. I may be biased though as my wife likes to shop and I can do without ice cream sundaes for breakfast;-)

@ Brad -- As a club guest I did get late checkout. I thought I'd get it till 4PM, though they only granted it till 2PM. Worked for me!

@ beachfan -- Because I only had a rollaboard, and usually it takes at least 5-10 minutes after you make it to your room before the bellman arrived, and that seemed like a waste of both of our time.

Interesting report.

Last time I was in SIN with my wife and 3 year old (thanks for the great award booking help, BTW), I narrowed our hotel choice to this room or a Shophouse suite at the IC. We chose the IC because with the F&F rate, it was about half the price.

Based on your report, it looks like the room at the Shang is bigger, same with the pool and fitness area. It seems the Club facilities are comparable, and at least for me, the IC's location is better given the short walks to malls, MRT, and a great hawker centre. I'm not regretting my choice.

Great report!

@ choi -- It was about $400USD, though I used Jetsetter credit.

@ TravelerMSY -- True, though it wasn't the money but rather the fact that it always takes a while for them to bring the bags.

@ Rasputin -- LOL!

Hats are one thing (I'll get to any other items later) bit don't miss those shoes/boots! If costume attire is your thing, make it complete. We'll hope that you don't get shot as a terrorist is SEA/SFO/LAX when you return...

Certainly not as good as the GH Singapore. Thanks for checking it out.

Is that your traveling companion, in the white t-shirt in the gym pic? 😉

The decor does feel like a bit like it's stuck in the 1990s.

Where you really want to stay at the Shang is the Valley Wing. Sure it costs more, but the service is extraordinary. You can use all the services of the main hotel, plus those of the Valley Wing. Its really an upscale hotel within a hotel.

@ SG -- ROFL!

@lucky

Gotcha

LUCKY! *With as much internet faux-anger I can summon* WHY DIDN'T YOU GO TO THE LINE!?!? I understand that you were pressed for time and the lounge is alluring, but the Line (the hotel restaurant) is absolutely amazing. It is an absolutely enormous buffet, THE most spectacular I have ever seen. It's quite expensive but considering that you didn't pay anything for the room, I reckon you could've gone for it 😉 Next time you're in Singapore, I hope you get to check this out: be prepared....