A Luxury Hotel Review of the First Shangri-La – Singapore
The Shangri-La Singapore was the very first Shangri-La built over 40 years ago! Although you can’t tell as they have maintained the property very well, nothing looks old or dated.
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Arrival/First Impressions –
As soon as we came out of the gates to pick up our luggage, we were greeted by Agnes, we knew who we were before we even walked up to her, as she walked us to the hotel car, she talked to us about our blog and seemed genuinely interested it! We were picked up by a lovely Mercedes and taken straight to the hotel.
Room –
The Shangri-La Singapore has three distinctive wings: the urban resort Garden Wing set amongst lush tropical foliage, the contemporary Tower Wing which houses the executive Horizon Club rooms, and the exclusive Valley Wing for the most discerning traveller.
We choose to stay in the Garden wing, giving our stay a bit more of a tropical feel. It is set amongst 15 acres of lush tropical landscaping, Garden Wing is the newest urban resort in Singapore, following an extensive SGD 68 million renovation, Garden Wing offers a homely welcome with interiors inspired by nature. Soothing sounds from the cascading waterfall, graceful koi swimming in the ponds and verdant surroundings with child-friendly amenities complete the resort experience.
We stayed in the Garden Wing Deluxe City View room which is located in the smaller of the 3 “towers”, surrounded by luscious greenery. Billie greeted us at the front door and we were taken straight from the car up to our room for check in, our room was located on the top floor giving us excellent views of the city (except for the fog).
As we entered our room we were welcomed by a “homey feeling”, the room was not too bright or too dark and had a very comfortable feeling (we don’t often get this from hotel rooms). On the left as you walk in was the bathroom which had a “his and her” sink each, a large shower and a bath tub, the bathroom had “shutters” that open and closed to view the bedroom, so at a certain angle you could sit in the bath and watch TV.
Walking along the small corridor you come to the main part of the bedroom which had a large comfortable kind size bed, a small seating area, work desk and a large TV.
Continue to walk and you will come to glass doors which slide open to a moderate sized balcony with 2 chairs.
Pool/Gym –
Outdoor Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi open from 6am to 8pm
Dining Options –
The Shangri-La Singapore has 4 Restaurants & 3 Bars:
Nadaman – The famous Nadaman group of restaurants has been treating discerning diners in Japan to fine traditional cuisine since 1830s. You can find Nadaman at several Shangri-La properties.
Shang Palace – The Shang Palace showcases Cantonese cuisine, provincial specialties and Chinese tea culture in an ambience of rich Chinese heritage. The main theme for Shang Palace’s interior décor is “dining in a Chinese Garden”. Floral motifs take centre stage on the red glass ceiling and exquisite hand-painted walls and of course exquisite chandeliers hanging from the roof. This is another “signature” restaurant for the Shangri-La, that can be found in several Shangri-La properties.
The Line – International cuisine is featured at 16 theatre kitchens, while the bar offers a large selection of premium wines, juices and smoothies. After eight years, The Line remains as one of Singapore’s favourite destinations for buffet lunch and dinner.
The Waterfall – Nestled amidst 15 acres of lush tropical gardens, The Waterfall is the epitome of healthy eating .
Spa –
Singapore’s first CHI, The Spa is set amidst 15 acres of lush landscaped gardens abundant with trees, flowering plants and a cascading waterfall. The spa features 6 single and 3 couple treatment rooms and an extensive menu where holistic treatments.
Location –
The Shangri-La Singapore is located just around the corner from the very luxurious Orchard Road where you will find most designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel,. Gucci etc. It is located more in the “suburbs” with only a short 10 min drive to the city, its an idea escape from the bustling Singapore city.
The is an hourly shuttle that runs from the hotel into the city.
Staff Worth Special mention –
The service at the hotel was exceptional! The media team had taken the time to read out blog and our about us page and gave me a cute little Shangri-La themed (Tibetan warrior) teddy to take home and provided a few recommendations for great Italian restaurants that made excellent carbonara for Pete. Understandably this isn’t going to be the case for regular travellers however I don’t doubt that if you mention you are looking for recommendations for a particular restaurants etc they will go out of their way to assist.
We did also receive a lovely note from housekeeping who noticed we had used all of our milk and rather than replacing them
Agnes – Agnes met us at the airport and was so friendly and loved talking about our blog, it made us feel really special!
Billie – Billie made sure our check in was quick and smooth while explaining some features of the hotel and the room.
Chanel – Chanel, was very helpful in making a booking for us, then cancelling it (due to feeling sick) then re booking it for us! All without complaint or any “eye rolling” which I suspect I would have received at most hotels due to changing our mind… She was lovely!
Did the hotel fulfil our requests? –
As above would cover this I think – pre-empting our needs.
Did we have any issues during our stay or do we have any suggestions? –
We didn’t experience any issues and have no suggestions, everything went smoothly.
Would we stay here again? –
Definitely, its very high on the list for our next trip to Singapore. I love that it is close to the city but far enough away to enjoy the beautiful green gardens without the noise from the city. It’s a relaxing retreat.
General Summary –
The Shangri-La Singapore is “the first of its kind” and you do get the feeling of greatness when you walk in the door, the lobby is massive, set with exquisite chandeliers!
The hotel is located in a fantastic area, a very short walk to the main shopping street in Singapore but is still secluded to ensure maximum privacy to enjoy the peace and quiet.
The hotel facilities and restaurants are top notch and the staff are always more than happy to assist where they can.
Shangri-La Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road,
22 Orange Grove Road,
258350, Singapore
T:(65) 6737 3644
T:(65) 6737 3644
F:(65) 6737 3257
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Shangri-La Singapore who kindly hosted us for one night (the 2nd night and activities were paid out of our own pockets) . All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
OMG… The Gardens are amaze, I love it. Actually, Singapore in general was wonderful, all the lovely gardens, so green and well maintained. Looks like you guys had a wicked time, wish I could tap my toes together and be back in this epic city. 🙂