Hotel Review: Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (Valley Wing)
If there was one hotel I had to pick for exclusivity and opulence, it has to be the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. There are three major wings in the hotel - Tower, Garden and Valley (in order of extravagance). While I did fall in love with the Garden Wing where I stayed previously in a Deluxe Pool View Room, since it reminded me of a resort away from the city, the Valley Wing is on a different league of its own. According to reputable sources within the hotel, the Valley Wing was also where Barack Obama (and various other heads of state as well as celebrities) stayed during his visit to Singapore.
Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Firstly, a little bit on the Valley Wing; this ultra-exclusive wing of the hotel was first opened in 1985 (the hotel itself opened on 1971) and it caters to the crème de la crème of luxury travellers. The taste of exclusivity starts from the moment you enter the property - the Valley Wing (or more affectionately monogrammed as 'VW' as you will see in the rooms and suites) has its very own private entrance and driveway so be sure to tell the driver to drop you off at this wing instead of the usual entrance.
Lift Entrance
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Upon entering the Valley Wing, I was shown to the check-in counter where I was offered a beverage (Champagne if I had wished) but I politely turned down as it was way too early, even for me. My Golden Circle account was quickly located before a friendly staff offered to take my bag and show me to my room. It is easy to lose track of time here especially since Champagne and cocktails are free-flowing throughout the day (more on this later!) so the hotel has actually bothered to change the day in the elevator in case you lose track of time - I've made that up, that's not the actual reason of course!
Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The first thing I noticed as I entered the Deluxe Room (lead-in room category of the Valley Wing) was the chandelier that hung from the ceiling. Each one of these Deluxe Rooms were also at a generous 57 sqm so there is plenty of space to lounge around and enjoy the luxurious space. Complimentary WiFi is provided around the Valley Wing and the greater property so there is no need to worry about the maximum number of devices you can authenticate during your stay - really great for people like me who travel with a ton of devices.
Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Apart from the full-size executive writing desk where I've spent a lot of time writing (only to decide much later than it was probably better to work in the Summit Room with a glass of Champagne), there was also a large vanity mirror by the side to ensure that you were looking your finest each time you stepped out of the room. The flat screen TV has came with a generous selection of satellite and cable channels with an impressive sound bar below which you can link your devices up to. The separate bass unit that was carefully isolated and hidden away also packed a punch.
Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
One of the little things I like about the Deluxe Room is the changing area that is quietly partitioned away. The changing area which connects the bedroom to the bathroom is a nice little addition since it allows some privacy in case you are sharing the room. I also like that there is ample space for you to sit and put on your shoes without having to step all over the room.
Wardrobe - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
It doesn't matter if you are going to be at the Valley Wing for a night or for a longer term - there is sufficient space in the wardrobes to keep all your clothes. There is also a 'VW' monogrammed bathrobe in the wardrobe should you wish to flaunt your status amongst the other Shangri-La guests by the pool. Should you wish to do your own ironing, an iron and ironing board are both provided - otherwise just send it to housekeeping (chargeable).
Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Whether you are a coffee of tea person, the rooms and suites at the Valley Wing has got you covered. Coffee-lovers will find a basic Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary coffee pods while tea-lovers will find a carefully stowed away Wedgwood tea set with a selection of tea leaves. You will also find a platter of fruits and some chocolates as welcome amenities. Since I was a Golden Circle Jade Member (one of the best mid-tier status in Asia-Pacific), I also received my amenities of choice (on top of whatever that was mentioned already) - cookies, milk, instant noodles and (another) box of chocolate pralines.
Bathroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The Deluxe Room also comes with a marble-clad bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and a separate glass-enclosed shower. Sure, the bathroom looks a little tired and could use a little refresh but still every product is well maintained. There is even a small TV (albeit a little old) by the bathtub so you can enjoy some shows while soaking in the tub. You will also find a large tub of bath salts by the tub for your personal enjoyment.
Bathroom Amenities - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Unlike my previous room in the Garden Wing which provided an in-house branded bathroom amenity, guests in the Valley Wing will enjoy Premium L'Occitane toiletries. These are also replenished at turndown or whenever your room is made up so feel free to load up your tub with them - you've earned it!
Minibar - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The minibar in all the rooms and suites at the Valley Wing are complimentary (excluding alcoholic drinks and snacks). Honestly, if you wanted to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, just head down to the newly-refurbished Champagne Bar and the folks there will set you up. Remember your stay in the Valley Wing comes with complimentary Champagne, wines, beers, soft drinks and juices throughout the day after breakfast. Save yourself some money and head down for the alcoholic drinks instead!
Personalisation - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Of course since you're such a VIP to stay in the Valley Wing, you will get your own set of stationery with your name on it - how's that for being fancy? Sure, I didn't use them but I brought them home for keepsake (I didn't think these will be reusable anyway!).
Complimentary Afternoon Tea
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
One of the many benefits you get as an esteemed guest of the Valley Wing includes complimentary afternoon tea which I was eager to add a couple glasses of Champagnes to. As mentioned earlier, the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore's Valley Wing serves up unlimited servings of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut (amongst other beverages) so feel free to get a few glasses to complement your lazy afternoons. The canapes can also be replenished upon request should you wish to enjoy any one of them in excess - the scones were quite delicious!
Summit Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
If you want to escape the afternoon heat, you may choose to get a table in the Summit Room instead. Don't worry about the Christmas tree - I was there over the December weekends and that explains the tree. As you can tell from the seat configuration, most of the visitors to the Valley Wing are individuals or couples - you will definitely see less children here as compared to the Garden Wing.
Complimentary Canapes - Summit Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
In the evening, hot canapes will be served to you table-side and there is also a small selection of cheese and bread. The hot canapes were served almost on a course-basis while I was there but there was no menu or anything so I did not know what they were serving and more importantly, whether or not they were going to serve - a little bit of a frustration to me. Perhaps, it would be best for a small menu to be displayed on the table so that the guests in the Valley Wing can stay well informed about what is to come.
Evening Cocktails and Canapes - Summit Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The food served during evening cocktails were delicious though - I love the simple presentation and the thoughtful execution. They were also incredibly easy to eat (and finish) which meant more time for the drinks instead.
Unlimited Champagnes and Cocktails (All-day) - Summit Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
With that being said, I still enjoyed both the afternoon tea and evening cocktails a lot. While most hotels only serve up alcohol and cocktails in the evening, Valley Wing is amazingly generous which the beverage offer. In fact, if you are in need of an alcoholiday with a fellow Champagne-lover, I cannot think of any other place that offers such generosity - go forth and enjoy your drinks!
View from the Bedroom - Deluxe Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
In the evening, laze by the sofa next to the huge window and soak in the amazing view from the bedroom - you will be able to see the Garden Wing (on the right), Tower Wing (on the left) and that super inviting swimming pool that works for me day and night. If you wish to swim in this beautifully landscaped pool and utilise the gym here, you may choose to consider a Health Club membership with Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.
Summit Room
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Complimentary breakfast is served in the Summit Room of the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore's Valley Wing. Don't expect to find an extensive spread of buffet here but rather a menu of specially-curated list of high-quality breakfast items that you can order from (as much as you'd like!). With that being said, the list of breakfast items is still pretty extensive - there were approximately seven different kinds of egg dishes alone (on top of the usual poached or scrambled) that you could choose from.
Smoked Ocean Trout, Spinach and Bearnaise Sauce - Breakfast
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
I tend to go for poached eggs during breakfast since they are the most difficult to make at home and so I ended up with the Smoked Ocean Trout, Spinach and Bearnaise Sauce for my first course. The bearnaise sauce was definitely an interesting one but honestly, I prefer a good old hollandaise instead. The eggs were perfectly poached and the yolks had a satisfyingly dark orange colour - I've always found darker yolks to be tastier but apparently there is no actual study to back this up.
Char-grilled Mushroom, Ricotta and Spinach Omelette - Breakfast
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
If you prefer your eggs scrambled, give the Char-grilled Mushroom, Ricotta and Spinach Omelette a try!
Singaporean Breakfast (Nasi Lemak) - Breakfast
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
I can never turn down a plate of Nasi Lemak especially when it is served in a place like the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. It is always interesting to see how hotels (or restaurants even) do a take on a local favourite that is usually extremely affordable. For those of you who are not familiar with Nasi Lemak, it is essentially a coconut milk rice that is served with a number of other dishes that may range from chicken rendang, sambal prawn, sambal chilli, egg, fried anchovy, peanut and grilled spiced fish cake - in this case, all of the above.
Pancake with Maple Syrup and Butter - Breakfast
Valley Wing - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
If you'd like some desserts, ask for the Pancake with Maple Syrup and Butter that is served with fresh berries. Freshly cut fruits are also available upon request - seriously ask the staff at the Summit Room and you would be surprised at what they can do for you (even if it is not on the menu!).
While I have been to the Garden Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore on multiple occasions (for food and for staycation), the Valley Wing is on a whole new different league of its own. Right from the moment you enter the property on the private driveway, you know you are in for a treat. It is extremely exclusive and luxurious - in fact you kind of have everything you need right here. Food and Champagne is served all day at the Champagne Bar, breakfast is covered, the swimming pool is amazing and some of the best restaurants like Shang Palace and The Line are just minutes away on foot in the very same property. While a weekend in the Valley Wing is not particularly cheap, it is also not grossly overpriced - especially if you and your partners are both drinks of Champagne.
Click HERE to check out the room rates in the Valley Wing now!
The Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258350
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The JW Marriott Auckland is still refurbishing its guest rooms and suites (with an expected completion date in November 2024). I stayed in a Deluxe Room (non-refurbished) and have found the experience to be lacking of a typical JW Marriott property.