Random thoughts re: the Conrad.
I think that the Executive Lounge was closed more due to staff cutbacks, rather than refurbishment? I did notice the usual manager of the Executive Lounge working the front desk on my most recent visit, and we had a cryptic conversation that seemed to confirm my suspicion. The Executive Lounge was quite nice, and to me anyway, did not appear to require refurbishment.
Gold VIP's used to be granted full Executive Lounge access and their choice of breakfast in either the lounge or Oscar's. (IMO, the breakfast in the Executive Lounge is ok, Oscars is better.)
For quite a while, since Jan 2003 or earlier, Gold VIP's have not been granted access to the Executive Lounge (Diamonds do get access), with Gold VIP's getting breakfast in a room on the 4th floor overlooking the pool. The breakfast here was pretty good, between the Executive Lounge and Oscars in overall quality, IMO.
This 4th floor option has been closed since March?, and Gold VIP's offered breakfast at Oscar's.
Unless you get a Centenniel Suite there isn't that much difference in the rooms. The executive floors (high twenties) are a little better equipped, with a FAX machine. All seem to have ethernet.
IMO, rooms numbered xx21 (facing the fountain) or xx26 (facing the Marina) are best as they are at the end of the hall with only one 'neighbor' and are quite quiet.
There are quite a few Gold VIP benefits, one of which is 10 SGD in clothes cleaning per day. (Sorry I can't remember the others.)
I think the Conrad is quite nice. (I've stayed at the Intercontinental, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Fullerton, Marina Mandarin, Stamford (quite tall, not sure what it's called today?), Grand Plaza Park Royal, Meritus Negara.) I prefer the Conrad, but then I am also a Hilton 'person'. While some consider the Conrad to be out of the way it is much quieter than the Hilton, esp. if you get a room facing Orchard Rd. at the Hilton.
It will be interesting to see if things change much at the Conrad, for Gold VIP's, I mean?
My sense is that service at many hotels in Singapore might have suffered a bit due to staff reductions directly attributable to SARS. During my last stays, at the height of SARS, I felt like there were only 60 or so guests in the Conrad. I rarely saw more than 8 people at breakfast. Hopefully all will return to normal in the coming months.
[This message has been edited by transpac (edited 07-23-2003).]