Hotel Review: Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite) - Luxury Circle Rate
After spending a weekend at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore last month for a staycation, I made the decision to return once again for a different experience. On my last visit, I paid for the Valley Wing Indulgence Package (which now starts from S$645++ per night) to enjoy free-flowing and unlimited Champagne throughout the day. To give my liver a break, I made the decision to stay in the Garden Wing this time and opted for a Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite under a Luxury Circle booking instead.
View from Balcony
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
On this stay, I have decided to book the exclusive Luxury Circle rate since I was planning to stay in the property. Now, if you have familiar with the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program, you may think of the Luxury Circle rate as something similar - it offers you exclusive perks like USD 100 property credit and complimentary breakfast for the same price as the best flexible rate or BAR. You can only book these exclusive rates through an approved travel agent but The Shutterwhale has partnered up with one of these luxury travel agents so you can enjoy them (even on one-night stays) as well. The FHR rate does have an added benefit of a 4:00 PM guaranteed late check-out but you will need either an American Express Centurion or Platinum charge card to book it.
Living Room
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
From my understanding, there are only three Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suites in the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore and the one that I was assigned to on this stay is actually slightly special (and relatively larger). Located in the beautiful and lush Garden Wing, the One-Bedroom Suites are typically 81 sqm in size and it comes with an expansive Bougainvillea-laden balcony where you can enjoy the sun and fresh air. Previously, booking the Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite will give you access to the Horizon Club Lounge (located in the Tower Wing) as with the full range of privileges but since the Tower Wing is currently closed off to staycation-goers, you will not be able to enjoy this for the time being. With that being said, you should notice that the room rates at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore have been adjusted to reflect these changes - the cheapest flexible room rate starts from just S$300++ in the Garden Wing now where formerly, it would be difficult to find anything below S$400++.
Living Room
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The living room of the One-Bedroom Suite here in the Garden Wing is spacious and I love the wood-floors especially. If you follow The Shutterwhale on Instagram, you might have noticed that I am a huge beach-lover and I typically love to spend my weekends in Bali (though obviously, this is impossible now). The rooms and suites in the Garden Wing remind me a little bit of that - waking up to the warm sun and lush greenery with convenient access to a beautifully-landscaped pool is probably the best thing that can happen to me right now (vacation-wise).
Living Room
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Located near the entrance of the suite is a half bathroom (or a powder room for all you fancy folks out there) which makes it perfect if you are planning to have a few friends over in the day for drinks. Once you walk past the entrance, it really opens up to a spacious living space with a small dining area (perfect for two adults) and a comfortable living room which enough seats for another two, or three, adults. The One-Bedroom Suite that I stayed in is located on the highest floor of the Garden Wing in a corner and therefore, it enjoyed plenty of natural light in the day.
National Day Macarons
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Since I stayed at the hotel over the National Day weekend, the hotel also provided special in-room amenities like these beautiful macarons that were made in-house. To welcome me back to the hotel, the team has also arranged for a delicious bottle of Haut-Médoc (with a customised wine label!) to be placed in the room for me. Now, this is not a media stay (I am paying for my stay this time and I typically pay for at least 95% of my stays throughout the year) and I am only a Golden Circle Jade member so I do not expect this sort of treatment all the time but it is nice to see a hotel recognising their loyal guests and doing a little bit more to make them feel welcome.
Minibar
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
You will find a Nespresso coffee machine here above the mini-bar with complimentary coffee capsules for your enjoyment. Located in one of the drawers below is a selection of teabags (the very same ones that I had when I stayed in the Valley Wing last month) and I am not sure if it is a coincidence but two of each variation were provided this time. A teapot as well as teacups from Wedgwood can also be found in the suite (I do not believe that the lead-in room categories enjoy the same tea-ware) so it was a nice surprise for me personally.
Plenty of bottled water is provided in the suite and I really enjoy the selection of fruits in the One-Bedroom Suite - it is not uncommon to find hotels giving suite guests more variety when it comes to a fruit bowl. I personally like these very much and I prefer them over chocolate pralines or desserts (of course, I can’t say no to a bottle of wine or Champagne as well but those are indeed very rare).
Golden Circle Welcome Amenities
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
As I mentioned in my review of the Valley Wing last month, my Golden Circle amenities were missed out during my stay but thankfully, they were delivered on this stay. Obviously, these are not high value items but I do believe that a large majority of hotel guests actually prefer a full-fledged property over a boutique one for consistency - I personally like the fact that I get my usual pre-selected amenities across all Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide and being a creature of comfort, these are things that make a stay feel comfortable.
Water Feature and Walkway
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The massive balcony of the One-Bedroom Suite is one of the standout features and as I have mentioned earlier, the suite that I stayed in is slightly different from the rest - being located at the corner and the highest floor of the Garden Wing, this One-Bedroom Suite comes with a small walkway (accessible via the living room) and a water feature which opens up to a huge balcony with a daybed.
Balcony
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
I really like the open space and you actually get to enjoy quite a bit of sun until about 2 PM so it is definitely possible to work on your tan in the privacy of your own suite. There are also two deck chairs located here in the balcony which is perfect if you wish to enjoy the sun (especially since the chances of us being able to visit a holiday destination abroad seem narrow right now). If I am not mistaken, this One-Bedroom Suite is the only one with the daybed but there is actually another suite that is of a higher room category than comes with an outdoor Jacuzzi (perfect for those seeking to spend plenty of time in the sun!).
Bedroom
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The bedroom is located right next to the living room and it is not only spacious but it enjoys plenty of daylight as well. You will be able to access the balcony from the bedroom and both balconies are actually linked.
Bedroom
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
There is a massive king-size bed here as well as a separate panel for the air-conditioning settings so you can opt for a different room temperature if you wish (e.g. I like sleeping in the cold under the sheets but I do not wish for it to be freezing when I am in the living room).
Special Amenity Kit with Face Mask and Hand Sanitiser
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
While it is not uncommon to find surgical masks and hand sanitisers as part of your welcome amenities these days, the bag that it was placed in is stunning - on my previous stay in the Valley Wing, the amenities were placed in a simple black bag so this is definitely unique (and one that I took along with me when I left). While all hotel guests staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore will get an amenity kit like that, I do not believe that the lead-in room categories have the same amenity bag but I will confirm when I stay there again later this month (I have way too many stays booked to take advantage of the double points campaign). There is also a reed diffuser with the signature Shangri-La scent (don’t worry, it is not actually overpowering) so you will get to enjoy it in your suite.
Walk-in Wardrobe
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
There is a small walk-in area between the bedroom and the bathroom where you will the wardrobe as well as a small seating area to get dressed.
Bathroom
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The bathroom of the One-Bedroom Suite is beautiful and that free-standing bathtub is truly something to behold - not only is it large enough for two fully-grown adults, it also comes with jets for that private jacuzzi experience. The only catch? I could not get it to work during my stay as the button seems faulty but don’t take it from me though, I did not bother to call someone up to ask but the button to activate the jets seems to be permanently pushed down. The bathroom also comes with double vanity sinks, a toilet (obviously) complete with an elaborate washlet from Toto (with a heated seat) and a really spacious shower area.
Bath Amenities
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Much like the rooms in the Valley Wing, bath amenities in the Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite are from L'Occitane en Provence but it is worth noting that the lead-in room categories here enjoy an in-house branded one instead. These can be replenished easily at turndown or in the morning but if you really need additional amenities urgently, you can request for more using a Google Form which you can access via a QR code near the minibar.
As I booked the Luxury Circle rate (which is no different from the best flexible rate) for this stay, my room comes with a USD 100 property credit that I could utilise across participating restaurants (in-room dining is also included) and Chi, The Spa . This is one of the reasons why you should definitely book a luxury travel advisor’s rate (since it comes with plenty of great perks) if possible - I have written about this previously so you should have everything you need to know. I tried the Nasi Goreng and the Seafood Laksa during my stay - both of them were surprisingly delicious and the quality of food is a lot higher than what is typically served at The Line.
While I did encounter some unpleasantness at The Line for breakfast during my last stay, it was fuss-free this time and I am glad to see that they have implemented the same QR Code ordering system in the morning as well. What this means to say is that you will be able to pick up your mobile phone and scan a QR code at the assigned table to order all your dishes - the restriction on one Main Course per guest has also been removed so you can always go for seconds if you are feeling especially hungry. The speed of service has also improved but I couldn’t find a way to order an iced coffee from the system so I decided not to bug anyone with my weird requests in the morning.
In-Room Dining (Lunch)
Garden Wing One-Bedroom Suite - Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
As a Golden Circle Jade member, I was accorded a 4 PM late check-out timing at no additional cost (unlike some other loyalty programs, this is not a guaranteed benefit even for Diamond members) since the suite was available. I also had quite a bit of room credit left so I decided to order in lunch as well - the Goan Fish Curry was absolutely delicious and I definitely recommend this dish if you are planning to stay in. At the time of writing, hotel guests do not need to book a time slot to use the pool or gym - they do not need to pre-select a time for breakfast as well - so that is definitely nice considering how some five-star luxury properties in Singapore are enforcing it rather religiously. I absolutely enjoyed this stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore and booking a Luxury Circle rate made all the difference for me personally (since I got to enjoy all my meals in the comfort of my own suite for free in a way).
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.