Originally Posted by 747LWW

Hi Muckus!
Well, I have been off the board for the seven days while I stayed at Shangri-La "Rasa Sentosa Resort" (4 days) and 3 days at Traders Hotel (the Sangri-La less expensive but exceptionaly nice chain property) ---all in Singarpore. Really, all of their properties, IMHO, that I have visited over the past 5 years are really outstanding, the employees make it a point to learn your name and will remember you, the facilities are safe and clean, as you would expect of 4 and 5 star properties, their service is exceptional, etc.
What is quite important is that as a Golden Cirlce member you qualify for their "upgrade" status. Thus, if I remember correctly , when I first joined some years ago, I paid $25 to become a member. Today, I think it is by invitation only and they require that you have stayed at least one night at one Shangri-la before they accept you .BUT ASK IF YOU CAN JOIN "NOW" So, if you must, stay your first night night at a Shangri-la and if they refuse your application/interst in Golden Circle SPEND THE NEXT NIGHT IN ANY HOTEL. Upon your return to Shangir-la hotel the following night , you will be advised that you are able to join the Golden Circle.

Thereafter, you will have a great range of benefits including reduced cost of bookings, free breakfast, free newpapers, etc. If you stay at least a minimum of only 20 nights/year you become an "Executive Level" member. Even more benefits are yours! At the 60 night/year level Elite level, you sky is the limit!

The program has changed a bit over the past few years but I think it is one of the best frequent guest programs if your goal is to get a suite for the price of a standard room! Now other chains offer free nights, etc. but what differentiates Traders/Shangri-La is that you get personalized, friendly, "sincere" respect and treatment from the General Manager to the "bell boy" every time you stay at one of their properties, professional security, a nice room, and for me, an upgrade from a "standard" room, say 40 square meters ---to a two room suite with about 80 square meters (unless all are already booked) at an additional cost of only about $25-75!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Elite Level) Plus you gain admintance to the "Club Level" floors , club rooms, etc.

I am a member of several national hotel chain "clubs" and this is the best I have found for my needs. If you are looking for a "free" room...which I am not because I travel too much already, then perhaps another goupe might meet your needs. But if you are looking for usscale rooms at an attractive prive, with a guaranteed availability for 3 days notice, a personal greeting and meeting with the General Manager, etc. this is the program that I prefer over the TOP levels of Marriott, Hyatt, etc. that I am still a member of.

If you have any questions, send me a PM and I will try to help you with names and address of key employees in key cities where I stay about 70 days a year.

Best regards
LWW