This was the last destination on our honeymoon so we splurged and purchased the Horizon Club Premier Suite in the Tower Wing, which I must say was expensive even though we purchased it through a discount travel site. However it was worth EVERY penny. The room although a little dated and needing a few modern lines was absolutely massive, some 72sqm. It is quite rare to find such a large sized room in Singapore especially in the older hotels (the Shangri-la isn't exactly new - although sometimes its hard to tell). There was a study desk, two and a half seater lounge, 2 single sofa chairs, a desk, large minibar, what looked like a foyer to the walkin wardrobe, king sized bed and what was the largest bathroom I have ever seen in a hotel - massive shower, seperate bath with a marble dance floor to the sink/basin. To top it off the hotel offers L'occitane bath products in the room which help you smell absolutely devine in the sweltering humidity of Singapore.

The Shangri-la is a resort even though most people may think of it as a ritzy business hotel. I guess this is why it blows so many people away - It really is like you've escaped the busy city and entered a tranquil paradise, as cliche as it sounds - but it isn't a stiff upperlip Hitlon. From the moment you step out of the taxi you are met by a fleet of friendly staff waiting to help carry your bags, open the door for you, to simply say hi or to escort you to check-in and all sporting that elusive smile that some hotels forget put us all at ease.
The entrance foyer is huge and very grand with its check in desks, sunken cocktail/reception lounge, large staircase, 1st floor lounge and conference rooms all visible as you step through the front doors - and just incase you needed more attention or got past the front doors without getting noticed there are more staff dotted behind the front doors who politely nod or attend to your needs as required. This service never ends during your stay at the Shangri-la, be it from the house keepers, front desk staff, concierge, lift attendants or waitresses - they never seem to be too busy or important to smile, bid you good day or offer assistance if you look perplexed or lost. Even the lifts do their bit to remind you what day of the week it is as the carpets are changed daily and announces the name of the day, SATURDAY!

Following on from the oppulent entry the ground floors are dotted with little extras that just remind you that even though it seems like you are in a small boutique hotel with servants at your beckon call, you really are in a large resort. There is an inhouse cake shop to make that special cake for you if you deside to have a wedding in a conference room or celebrate that special occassion - we recieve a 'congratulations on your honeymoon' cake which was waiting in our room, it was not requested nor expected but tasted even better because we hadn't. There is a tailor, gift shop, hair dresser, a rather large gym, beautician and what seems to be a theme in the Shangri-la hotels I've stayed in - Possibly the biggest and best buffet you have ever experienced, yes it is expensive but well worth the experience and culinary journey.

One of the biggest draw cards for us as honeymooners before we considered any of the above was the pool and private gardens. The Shangri-la has one of Singapore's biggest pools and because the hotel is frequented by so many business people that meant that there wasn't many people around to enjoy it.

The Shangri-La is set back from the busy Orchard Road, but it is a quick 5 minute stroll to the first shop or a quick taxi hop to Clarke Quay or Marina Bay. You'll notice that Singapore has something very right in that it is one of the rare cities in the world were you can sit in a taxi for 30 mins and only spend $15.

Everyone says that quality and service comes at a price, but often travellers wonder how much more do I have to pay to get this quality and service? Where's my value?
The Shangri-La is not cheap, but neither is the intrinsic value you will get out of your stay there. It is from my experience one of the most enjoyable hotels I have ever stayed in, they really do make you feel like the most important customer they have, yet you are only one of several hundred. Did I ever stop to consider this during my stay? during the times when I went to the 20th floor to get to my room? No, never! Couple this with the quality offerings, facilities and location then I don't understand why you would want to stay anywhere else in Singapore - If you can afford it. If you can afford more, why bother? It seems to be all right here.