Golden Circle--Shangri-la Hotels
Jun 20, 2006, 3:08 am
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by Muckus
Thank you for this excellent information! I spent a week at the Shangri-La in Beijing, which is excellent. I was met at the door and taken directly to my room, where I checked in from my own desk. They signed me up for the Golden Circle club on the stop, without any prompt from me. The hotel is excellent and I look forward to staying at their property in Cairns this summer and elsewhere in Asia in the fall. It is a fantastic place, which I highly recommend!
Thanks for your recommendation. I am planning to be in Beijing later this year and I will take your advice!
Best regards
LWW
Jun 20, 2006, 3:31 am
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
[QUOTE=sydsing][QUOTE=747LWW]
Hi sydsing
The answer is too many!!! If you read the Golden Circle section of the Shangri-la web page--- www.shangri-la.com you will note that they require 60 nights/year for the top level-the Elite. Unfortuantely, I was in one of their hotels for this number of nights for the past few years. If I remember, however, you get almost the same benifits at the second level---- the Executive level, which I was a member of for at least one year, and you are only required to stay only 20 nights total at two different Shangri-la properties. If you send me a private message and you are close to this number of nights I can offer you some additional suggestions. The Executive Level, in my opinion , should be your goal. for once you are there, you have most of the benifits that are important and they are only slightly different from the Elite level. (See the above web site for details of benifits for each level.) The big differerence is in the lowest level---the Classic Level---although benifits are significate here as well regarding upgrade to suites, etc.
This program is like any other loyalty program at any hotel, airline, etc. You must see what they offer and if you like the benifits you MUST reach the goal you set even if you spend your own money to get that last night or two included.
Again, if you have questions I will be happy to share what I know although remember I am just a member, not a specialist or employee.
Regards
LWW
Originally Posted by Skillet
I have spent >20 days in the past three months at the Taipei Far Eastern (licensed, as far as I can tell) with a stay at the S'pore Traders in between. I am not seeing anything special in Taipei but I just loved the Traders ^ .
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
The answer is too many!!! If you read the Golden Circle section of the Shangri-la web page--- www.shangri-la.com you will note that they require 60 nights/year for the top level-the Elite. Unfortuantely, I was in one of their hotels for this number of nights for the past few years. If I remember, however, you get almost the same benifits at the second level---- the Executive level, which I was a member of for at least one year, and you are only required to stay only 20 nights total at two different Shangri-la properties. If you send me a private message and you are close to this number of nights I can offer you some additional suggestions. The Executive Level, in my opinion , should be your goal. for once you are there, you have most of the benifits that are important and they are only slightly different from the Elite level. (See the above web site for details of benifits for each level.) The big differerence is in the lowest level---the Classic Level---although benifits are significate here as well regarding upgrade to suites, etc.
This program is like any other loyalty program at any hotel, airline, etc. You must see what they offer and if you like the benifits you MUST reach the goal you set even if you spend your own money to get that last night or two included.
Again, if you have questions I will be happy to share what I know although remember I am just a member, not a specialist or employee.
Regards
LWW
Jun 20, 2006, 10:35 pm
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by derpelikan
hi,
one questions, i read the HP and i just can see airline miles earnings on stays.
there is no shangri-la points earning programm?
i am looking to trade hilton points , as i need two shangri la awards, but i doubt that there are any ?
dp
one questions, i read the HP and i just can see airline miles earnings on stays.
there is no shangri-la points earning programm?
i am looking to trade hilton points , as i need two shangri la awards, but i doubt that there are any ?
dp
You are correct as far as I know. The Shangri-la award program does not provide for "free" stays. Instead, it offers upgrades from low cost hotel rooms to huge, beautiful suites. You pay only for the lowest cost room but of course, the suite must be available upon your arrival. For me, this is really the most important reason to belong to the Golden Circle group. Thus your Company will pay a modest, usually discounted amount for your room but you will enjoy a wonderful suite for a few extra $$. In my experience around the world and especially in the Far East, this is the most important benifit. You get no "free" room but you get an expensive room, great service, wonderful staff, etc. for a very small charge.
Please advise me if you need specific information on this fantastic benifit in detail and I will send addational information.
Best regards,
Lewis Watts
Jun 20, 2006, 11:19 pm
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
[QUOTE=sydsing][QUOTE=747LWW]
Originally Posted by Skillet
I have spent >20 days in the past three months at the Taipei Far Eastern (licensed, as far as I can tell) with a stay at the S'pore Traders in between. I am not seeing anything special in Taipei but I just loved the Traders ^ .
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
Jun 20, 2006, 11:27 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
[QUOTE=sydsing][QUOTE=747LWW]
sydsing: I think you have already qualified as an Executive level Golden circle member as you simply must stay 20 night total but the 20 nights must include at least two Shangti-la properties. Remember, this does not mean 40 total stays, only 20 divided between at least two properties, for example, 19 at one property and 1 at another!
My friend you will be greated also at this level. You will be a top tier guest and Shangri-la will take care of you and reward you in many ways!! This I know for certain.
Regards
LWW
Originally Posted by Skillet
I have spent >20 days in the past three months at the Taipei Far Eastern (licensed, as far as I can tell) with a stay at the S'pore Traders in between. I am not seeing anything special in Taipei but I just loved the Traders ^ .
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
LWW - you get such amazing service at Shangri-la properties.
Upgrades, recognition, GM's meet you, etc...i assume u are Elite level - but just how many nights do you stay at SL properties?
My friend you will be greated also at this level. You will be a top tier guest and Shangri-la will take care of you and reward you in many ways!! This I know for certain.
Regards
LWW
Jun 26, 2006, 2:28 pm
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by Sojourner
I was wondering if anyone else has had problems exercising the Guaranteed Room Reservation benefit that Golden Circle Executive and Elite members are supposed to have. I've tried twice, both times running into problems. I've been a Golden Circle Elite member for about a year.
I do recall that when I first joined Golden Circle several years ago they offered guaranteed reservations with only 24 hrs. notice. I never had the ocassion to invoke/test this benifit as I was always able to make reservations and get them confirmed in advance. About a year ago they changed the notice requirement to the present 72 hours advance notice requirement
for Executive level members and 48 hours for Elite level persons. This is clearly a move in the wrong direction as a guest and member of Golden Circle for me.
Please let us know what happens in your cases.
Regards
LWW
Jun 26, 2006, 2:36 pm
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by Skillet
The Traders was fantastic and that was what prompted me to look up Shangri-La's ownership structure and see what the difference was between the Far Eastern in Taipei and the Singaporean properties. When in Asia, I usually stay with Marco Polo or Sofitel, but hope that there are more Traders in the future if Singapore is representative of their quality.
Regards
LWW
Jun 27, 2006, 10:43 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: Asiamiles, MPC
Posts: 4
A small correction
The General Manager of Rasa Sentosa is Mr Ben Bousina and the Resident Manager is Mr Craig Powell.
The General Manager of Traders Singapore is Mr Andre Scholl and the Resident Manager is Ms Kanchan Kanwar.
The General Managers Secretary is Ms Amy Hamad.
All the above are very helpful people
The General Manager of Traders Singapore is Mr Andre Scholl and the Resident Manager is Ms Kanchan Kanwar.
The General Managers Secretary is Ms Amy Hamad.
All the above are very helpful people
Jul 2, 2006, 2:15 pm
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by stargm
The General Manager of Rasa Sentosa is Mr Ben Bousina and the Resident Manager is Mr Craig Powell.
The General Manager of Traders Singapore is Mr Andre Scholl and the Resident Manager is Ms Kanchan Kanwar.
The General Managers Secretary is Ms Amy Hamad. All the above are very helpful people
The General Manager of Traders Singapore is Mr Andre Scholl and the Resident Manager is Ms Kanchan Kanwar.
The General Managers Secretary is Ms Amy Hamad. All the above are very helpful people
Hi stargm:
Ops, I may have gotten the titles of the individuals "mixed-up." Thanks for the corrections.
I fear what I did was "promo " Mr. Powell of the Rasa Sentosa , the just advanced Executive to General Manager from his Resident Manager position,
and neglected to mention Mr. Scholl. 
I do not know the latter gentleman personally, although I think I met him once or twice while he was at the Shangri-la Singapore, and who I understand officially transferred to the Traders Singapore just two weeks before my last visit (which was in June, 06). Also, I do not know Ms Hamad. Fathermore, I assumed that Ms. K. Lee was the Executive Assistant to both Ms. Kanwar and Mr. Scholl. Sorry! At any rate, I am very happy you noticed the errors I made and took the time to correct them! Also, I apologize to the individuals involved that I misstated any information regarding their positions and trust they know that no offense was intended.
I noticed that you are from Hong Kong. Do you have any comments on the two Shangri-la properties there and which do you prefer for meals as I assume you do not stay in either of the two hotels given that your home is in the city.
Also, I wonder if you have any knowledge of the Executives of the Golden Circle organization and especially, how to contact them by phone, email, and letter as some individuals that posted above had problems with that organization? If you have such information, I hope you will share it with the other 100,000 Flyer Talk members of this board.
Regards,
LWW
Last edited by 747LWW; Jul 2, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Jul 2, 2006, 2:43 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by FlyingFish
Hi everyone,
My girfriend and I are going to be in Singapore in August and we are considering the choices. We will just be there for a long weekend (3 nights) and we want a city hotel.
Does anyone have experience with the Traders vs Shangri La in Singapore? At the club level, is their flagship property really worth the extra $100 or so, per night? What about the Valley Wing? I'm not a Head of State so I'm unsure if the private driveway is such an issue for me...
Help would be appreciated.
FF
My girfriend and I are going to be in Singapore in August and we are considering the choices. We will just be there for a long weekend (3 nights) and we want a city hotel.
Does anyone have experience with the Traders vs Shangri La in Singapore? At the club level, is their flagship property really worth the extra $100 or so, per night? What about the Valley Wing? I'm not a Head of State so I'm unsure if the private driveway is such an issue for me...
Help would be appreciated.
FF
I was just wondering where you decided to stay on your trip to Singapore?
Let us know.
Regards
LWW
Jul 2, 2006, 2:48 pm
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Originally Posted by Muckus
I have another Gloden Circle question. I have never stayed at Shangri-La, but I will be at one location for 7 nights next month and another for 6 nights in August. I will likely end up spending 5-10 more nights at their hotels before year's end. My question is: how do I sign up for the Golden Circle club? Their website says it is "invitation only" after you have done multiple stays at the same hotel. Do I really have to wait, or will they just sign me up once I check in at the first hotel?
Thanks in advance for any counsel you can offer!
Thanks in advance for any counsel you can offer!
Regards
LWW
Jul 2, 2006, 4:38 pm
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Hello Fellow Flyer Talkers:
Is everyone satisfied with the Golden Circle Program of Shangri-la? If the benifits were improved, would you more likely stay more often at Shangri-la properties?
Please post your thoughts on how the program could be improved!
LWW
Is everyone satisfied with the Golden Circle Program of Shangri-la? If the benifits were improved, would you more likely stay more often at Shangri-la properties?
Please post your thoughts on how the program could be improved!
LWW
Jul 2, 2006, 6:11 pm
#45
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, BA Silver, Marriott Plat., Hertz Pres. Circle, Avis First
Posts: 917
Originally Posted by 747LWW
Muckus, did you join Golden Circle and if so when, where, and how? Could you give us a report on tiyr June hotel visit?
Regards
LWW
Regards
LWW
I gave abrief report above, but I will expand on it here. First, here is my earlier post:
Thank you for this excellent information! I spent a week at the Shangri-La in Beijing, which is excellent. I was met at the door and taken directly to my room, where I checked in from my own desk. They signed me up for the Golden Circle club on the stop, without any prompt from me. The hotel is excellent and I look forward to staying at their property in Cairns this summer and elsewhere in Asia in the fall. It is a fantastic place, which I highly recommend!
I would add that the service was excellent at the hotel. I was on the Horizon Club floor and enjoyed the breakfast and the evening drinks/food. The best thing of all was the rate, which was reasonable (about US$199/night) and included round-trip airport transfers in a hotel-owned Audi A6, Horizon Club access, a very nice room, and UNLIMITED laundry and dry-cleaning. This last feature was outstanding, as I was on a ten day trip.
After the trip to Cairns, which I mentioned above, I will be Sydney for a week. I am booked into the Four Seasons and have considered switching to the Shangri-La. They are running a special where you get a free night for use in any Shangri=La for every four you spend this summer at "qualifying properties." Evidently both Cairns and Sydney qualify. Even so, I did some investigating on TripAdvisor and found the comments on the Shangri-La in Sydney to be mixed. There are always going to be some criticisms, but I would say that the Shangri-La has noticably more than the Four Seasons. It is anecdontal, of course, but enough to get me to stick with the Four Seasons for that stay.
So, I am definitely hooked on Shangri-La hotels and will stay at the Beijing property again this fall and will almost certainly book at one of their properties in Hong Kong this fall as well. The Golden Circle Club seems like an excellent feature, but I do not yet have experience with it as I have only had one stay so far (and thus no chance for an upgrade on a return visit, etc.).
Cheers,
Muckus