hockeyinsider

There are plenty of complimentary cocktails in the executive lounge, including complimentary Singapore sling cocktails.

SkiAdcock

Unless they deliver to the pool area, that's irrelevant to having cocktails by the pool

Cheers.

LF72

Good to know. What did you think of the location? I prefer being closer to the bay.

CPH-Flyer

It depends a bit on where you want to go, and what you want to do. However, both hotels are on top of a subway station, and taxis are cheap and generally easily available. (except around 5pm for shift change and in heavy rain)
Unless you have a very specific agenda that takes place right next to the one, I would not say that either has great advantage in location.

Hipplewm

Tang plaza is in the middle of one of the busiest streets it seems, plenty of high end stores, apple store etc

JW south beach is next to Suntec, Raffles hotel, close to Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay shops and Gardens

hockeyinsider

J.W. Marriott is better for business travelers as well as high-culture tourists who want to see the museum, experience some of the colonial heritage and architecture, and walk to the ethnic old towns. It's also perfectly located for those wanting to see Singapore's amazing modern architecture and touristy attractions.

The Marriott is better for those who want to actually have a pool, do some shopping and perhaps see more locals as the streets in and around the Marriott are super busy because of the shops and malls. I think the Marriott is a more classic Marriott, but with the refined service one expects of Asian-located Marriott properties. For example, when I stayed there, they put a real live Christmas tree (decorated and lighted) in my room.

Isochronous

Which Marriott property is better for Platinum suite upgrades?

hockeyinsider

I had to ask for an upgrade when I checked into the J.W. Marriott South Beach.

The Marriott Tang Plaza has 372 rooms and 20 suites while the J.W. Marriott has 587 rooms and 47 suites.

I would imagine, however, more business travelers choose the J.W. Marriott if only because it is closed to most of the high-rise offices. So, as a platinum, you might have better luck at the non-business hotel. Personally, I'd go with the Marriott because the pool is better there.

However, maybe you can confirm an upgrade ahead of time:
J.W. Marriott -- [email protected]
Marriott -- [email protected]

Hipplewm

I can't thank you enough for the email addy, i took a shot and emailed for my upcoming 25th anniv this week. Upgrade to a suite, champagne in the room etc.

I honestly don't care if I ever get upgraded for work, I travel alone and really really don't much care, but if I can "Save up" for special occasions like this when traveling with wife and family, I will be beyond excited.

hockeyinsider

You're welcome. They confirmed the upgrade or you merely asked?

Hipplewm

They confirmed it in the email and my reservation updated immediately on marriott.com

hockeyinsider

That's great. The Marriott or the J.W. Marriott? Someone in guest relations deserve a small tip.

Hipplewm

JW Marriott, the manager also CC'd guest relations as well and told them about the 25th anniv as well.

The manager signed their name, no doubt I will seek them out and say thank you in person.

Hipplewm

OK, closing the loop here

What an amazing trip - 25th wedding anniv, wife didn't know anything really
Got to Marriott (gave her the 100% Singapore experience, took train from Changi to Esplanade) She was restricted to one piece of luggage for this specific reason
Checked in - was offered water at check in etc, like normal there.
Escorted to a nice suite with a welcome happy anniv cake already there (This was an award stay - pay 4 nights, get 5th night free)
She spent 20 minutes trying to figure out what all the wall switches went to - LOL
My wife isn't fufu and would be the last to complain about anything, she would have been happy in motel 6, but does appreciate when I try and make stuff like this happen for her
Spent the next 5 days wandering around SIN
Took train back to Changi

Overall the staff was wonderful, the lounge noodle/egg chef remembered her every day and asked her if she wanted her XXX omelette.
The pool is still cold - LOL
The view is amazing from flow 18 level

I have over 1 mil IHG points (I keep Spire IHG and Plat Marriott) I think I am going to go 100% Marriott next year or 2 and try and get as many points as possible to help fund more vacations

hockeyinsider

Yeah. Way too many light switches.