Shangri-La Singapore – Hotel Review

Set on six carefully maintained hectares of gardens near the western end of Orchard Road, the 792-room Shangri-La Singapore, doesn't leave the city’s lush tropical beauty outside. Surrounded by an expanse of thousands of flowering trees and tropical flowers, best observed from Garden Wing room, this family-friendly oasis brings nature in, setting the tone for a serene stay. Read on for the full review. 

There's a seemingly endless list of ons-site amenities that will have you exclaiming, 'how's the serenity?' In addition to a sprawling pool (as well as an entirely separate one snaked with waterslides for kids), a superlative spa and 11 places to dine, the hotel has an entire space dedicated to more energetic guests; buds by Shangri-La spans almost 2000 square metres of indoor and outdoor play space exclusively for little ones. It’s a little haven in a big city (especially for parents).

Where is Shangri-La Singapore?

Shangri-La Singapore is located on Orange Grove Road, which curves directly onto Orchard Road just a few hundred metres away. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from Singapore Changi Airport, the city’s main international airport.

What’s near Shangri-La Singapore?

The UNESCO Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens are less than two kilometres from Shangri-La Singapore (if you fancy walking, it’ll take 15 minutes down Nassim Road; by car it’s just five minutes to the Nassim Gate). Known to locals as a ‘city in a garden’, you’ll just as likely find a local on a jog as you will a visitor poking around the newly upgraded Tropical Montane Orchidetum, a glass-walled greenhouse that houses over 1000 various orchid species.

If you’ve come to Singapore to shop, Orchard Road’s cluster of malls begins just eight minutes away by foot.

Room types

There are three wings at Shangri-La Singapore: whether you’ve booked in the Tower, Garden and Valley Wings will determine the outlook of your room. The Tower Wing is the hotel’s newest extension, refurbished in 2017 and inclusive of all the incredible family suite choices. (Kids have their pick of the incredible themed rooms here: ocean enthusiasts will adore the Underwater Room complete with submarine bed, while those with mini monkeys should opt for the Treetop Room, with its treehouse-esque bunk bed).

The Garden Wing offers views over the manicured garden or lushly-framed hotel swimming pool, while the Valley Wing is reserved for guests requiring the utmost luxury (there’s a private elevator and entrance for this exclusive wing). All room types include a Nespresso machine, marble bathrooms and free parking.

Restaurants and bars

Being 'spoilt for choice' seems an understatement here, considering there are 11 dining options on site, including four bars and in-room dining (some are currently closed — check before booking). There’s everything from Italian to Japanese. The Chinese eatery Shang Palace, offers a refined twist on the Cantonese classics, with plates as delicately crafted as any fine diner – the Deep-Fried Stuffed Crab Meat in Shell comes resting on a nest of golden crab legs.

Travel for work

Shangri-La outposts appreciate the business traveller. Access to The Horizon Club, the hotel’s own lounge located on the top floor of the Tower Wing, is included in any Horizon Club Room and the breakfast buffets, evening cocktails and canapes are welcome fuel for any remote worker. Wi-fi is free throughout the hotel and limousine services also allow in-car connectivity if you’re zipping to and from the airport. Fancy.

Spa, pool and gym

The hotel is oriented around the generous lagoon-esque outdoor pool, which is shaded at the edges by palms and greenery. Splash, a water play area covering a huge 1300 square metres, is a welcome distraction for kids in tow – there are six water play sections that include lazy rivers and thrilling slides – and is thankfully not attached to the central pool.

The relaxation begins upon arrival at Chi, the Spa. Before any treatment, whether it’s a deep tissue massage or revitalising vitamin C facial, you’ll be served tea before your treatment in generous rooms, located just near the impossibly soothing sounds of a waterfall.

Don’t stop there, wellness seekers. There’s also a steam room, sauna, fully-equipped gym, three floodlit tennis courts and a hot whirlpool bath.

What you need to know

The hotel’s gardens are dubbed the city’s “second Botanic Gardens” for a reason. There are ponds teeming with koi fish, the waterfall you might have heard while dining in the namesake restaurant and a seven-metre-tall open greenhouse, knotted with orchids, which you can actually dine inside.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels to Book Near Singapore’s Orchard Road