Traders is great as long as you have the Twin Towers Views - pretty spectacular. As people say it is Shangri-La's 4* brother, but I prefer it (for the views).

Re: Langkawi - in December I stayed in the newly opened Danna, the first new 5* for 6 years (which I presume was the FS) - and you will find it great value compared to FS, Datai or Tanjung Rhu (which I really am not a fan of). Lovely rooms (get a Seaview - not sure if they are Merchant or whatever, check their website), good food, good location (i.e. it's not hidden away like the rest, and the beach is fine / good). Just an idea...