Family and I will be in Singapore again in early August...perhaps we can arrange to meet. If so, the beverages are on me.

At any rate, the three of us returned yesterday from 2 night stay at Kowloon Shangri-la (upgraded in Hong Kong to a 2 room suite basis my "status" in Golden Circle; stayed in a Horizon level unit -Room 1802-with a direct, breathtaking view of Victoria Bay; complementry breakfast served on Floor 21, club located on Level 20. ) and 6 nights at Traders in Singapore (tried to upgrade here but all suites occupied but did secure a two room apartment on Floor 16 of this 20 floor facility.

I have not stayed at the Shangri-la in Bangkok in several years but friends tell me it is a real "class" facility since renovation (Of course, 5* at least even before renovation,IMHO.) Thus, you must have good tastes!

As you know, Shangri-la has three properties in Singapore and I have stayed many times at all three. Concerning the two "city" locations in Singapore,Traders and Shangri-la, (which excludes the more remote but delightful Sentosa location where Mr. Powell is now the General Manager as of two weeks ago; and the very dedicated Ms. Mori is the Guest Relations Manager ) I offer the following comments:

The Shangri-la is a marverous 5* plus facility consistings of three interlocking sections with a different "look, feel, and personality" in each section:

(1) the Garden Wing (about 6 floors where many rooms have lovely balconies overlooking the hugh swimming pool & sun bathing area for the entire complex). The suites here are quite spacious but for my tastes, the interiors are somewhat dated and are several steps down from the much more recently renovated, plasma TV-laden (3 per suite) Kowloon, Hong Kong location I mentioned earlier. The trade-off in this section is somewhat more private, rather lackluster appointments, but lower cost.

(2) the Tower Wing which I believe is 24 stories. Again, from memory, the rooms are much more modern than the Garden Wing and you can get Horizon-level rooms that are quite spacious (about 80 sq. meters if I recall). Perhaps they call these rooms suites, I do not remember. Here, these are great for business activities as they have a couch, etc. but not a seperate sleeping area in the rooms where I have stayed. Worth the extra cost as far as I am concerned vs the Garden Wing.

(3) the Valley Wing is the crown jewel which as you know has seperate entrance, two private receptionists, door-man, bulters, the Presidental Suite ( price negociated but usually about $US 1,500/night which includes private butler, kitchen, exercise room, library, etc.) The "regular" rooms are simply wonderful, about the same size as the larger Tower Wing units, but the service is simply unexcelled. I stay here whenever my business will allow and try to get the family in for a night or two once or twice a year at my expense. There are so many extras I simply cannot name them but the best is the elegance, personal service, and style. Of course breakfast is a special treat in the private Valley Wing dining area and drinks of your choice are served from about 10:00 until very late at night by specially trained butlers.

In summary, if you are looking for a world -class treat for you and your girl-friend this is the place...my guess is you will not leave this area of the hotel for three days and the extra cost will be worth it as your girl-friend will spend more time here enjoying the ever changing food selection, including high-tea, endless champange, etc.rather than shopping on Orchard Road ^

My recommendation, for a three night stay, if you want the best and enjoy luxury, this is the spot for you. But to be sure, please call my friend, mention my name, and I know he will help guide you to the best selection possible (Mr.Roszel Marop, Shangri-la, Singapore, Reception Manager- (65) 6737 3257 or 6733 1029).

Now lets talk about the delightful, most friendly, smaller, and very conveniently located, modestly priced Traders Hotel. Although the standard rooms here are quite small, even if you are on the Traders Club Lounge level (Floor 17 and 18), the suites are excellent and a real bargain. The facility is connected directly to a mall (by covered walkway) which has a complete grocery store, clothing stores, restaurants ( including The Oaks, a favoriate of mine), etc., a georgerous swimming pool-health club section, sever excellent in-house dinning areas, and has just undergone a major renovation.
This is the most gracious staff I have met anywhere in the world. Be sure they will remember your name, the kind of room you prefer, the newspapers you like, your drink of choice, etc. Perhaps I should just state that I stay here often (about 20-30 nights last year), about 7 or 8 at Shangri-la plus about 7-8 at the more remote Sentosa location per year. For the price, the suites at Trader's are almost impossible to beat, but you much be in a suite or you will be disappointed. If you have questions, I would contact the hotel directly and ask about suite availability on the nights you select. My recommendation is to contact Ms Kathleen Lee, Assistant to the General Manager (who just transferred to this location from the Kowloon Shangri-la) and to the Assistant General Manager, Ms. Kanhar. Call Ms Lee, let her know I suggested you get in touch, and SHE WILL ASSIST YOU!!! (65-6738-2222).
Good luck and let us know how your trip goes. If you wish send me a PM for more info please do so.
Best regards
LWW