Shangri-la Singapore or Mandarin Oriental

I am still wondering where to stay over our Xmas/New Year break in Singapore. I have researched both hotels and both look fabulous. We are after lots of shopping combined with a bit of relaxation around a nice swimming pool.

I realise both these hotels will require the use of transport to get into Orchard Rd. What is the access to restaurants etc. by foot from either hotel?

Which would the nicer area be to stay in for 5 nights?

Also which is the nicer hotel regarding standard of rooms and facilities?

Shangri-la Singapore or Mandarin Oriental

Hi Ozzigirl,

Both Shangrila and Mandarin are great hotels. However, Shangrila seems to be a notch higher than the Mandarin. The price also differs by quite a bit.

The shangrila, albeit poshy and elegant, is of quite inacessible location in Orchard. It take about 20mins walk, or perhaps more, to get to the major shopping area. Usually pple who visits Shangrila drives, for many locals.

Other hotels which are also 5 stars and much more convenient are the Goodwoodpark hotel (also highly recommended), the Hyatt and the Hilton. The Marriot is a 4 Stars. You will also see the Four Seasons Hotel, however, it is also quite inaccessible but better accessibility compared to Shangrila!

I think you should be considering which shopping areas you want: City Hall Area or Orchard?

Orchard offers the widest range of shopping and most of the branded goods are sold here. But it%26#39;s not a place where you will only see branded goods, a range of prices for different income levels awaits you. It is close to the Botanical Garden if you are interested.

In the City centre area... there lies the Mandarin Hotel. It is near to places such as the Singapore Flyer, the Marina Barage, shopping malls like the Suntec City, Marina Square, Millenia walk, Esplanade, Raffles City, One Fullerton by the Singapore River, the Fullerton Hotel and you could take the Singapore River Bumboat ride in this region.

I would say the City Centre Hotels are nearer to many of the attractions and reflects a more relaxed mood compared to the bustling Orchard streets.

All these hotels listed have fantastic room. And yes, Shangrila will most probably be the most poshy... and if you have a good budget to stretch, the St Regis is a an awesome hotel... maybe best of the best in terms of luxury? =p

However the choice is yours.

Cheers,

Suying

Shangri-la Singapore or Mandarin Oriental

Thank you for your informative reply. I will have a look at the other hotels you suggested.

I would definitely recommend the Shangri La. I stayed there in September and loved it! Its a stunning hotel. Great restaurants, bars and beautiful pool and gardens. The location is fine, its a few minutes taxi ride to Orchard Road, we walked it in around 15 minutes.

I%26#39;ve stayed at The Mandarin Oriental and it was great. Get rooms with the harbour view on a high floor and you%26#39;ll be rewarded with an excellent view of the city skyline.

It is also located next to a shopping mall and Suntec City and Raffles City are also a short walk away. You can find loads of shopping and eating over there. It is of course further from Orchard Road than Shangrila.

I would definatly recommend the Shangri-La, stayed there in Oct 2008 in the Horizon Club Suite. Restaurants, bars all very good. Like the previous person said it is very close to Orchard Road.