Shangri-La

Most of our planned trips were cancelled. Manila trip last March 22nd and our upcoming Japan trip in May 16th too. COVID-19 is a pandemic and is threatening the lives of thousands of people. Not going for our planned trip is nothing compared to those who are fighting the virus at the frontline. The situation is almost at war time but only that, we are fighting a unknown virus. Salute to the frontline medical staff around the world as well as helpful hands who extended their support to those who are direly in need.

In our effort to make sure our little prince still gets to celebrate his 1st birthday, we scrambled the net on some hotel deals and we stumbled upon this one: Shangri-La’s Fun Family Playcation. We have been to the lobby of Shangri-La but never tried staying in it so we jumped to this opportunity.

Rate was at S$ 380 nett (including taxes and surcharges). It’s an overnight stay with complimentary dinner and breakfast buffet, complimentary birthday cake and free access to Buds (indoor playground).

Hotel lobby is grand and very luxurious. Hotel staff were very accommodating too. We went to the hotel at 12pm and we were immediately checked-in. Guess the hotel is half empty because of the current situation.

Our room greeted us with a plush toy, balloons and birthday cake. It was indeed a pleasant surprise. We didn’t expect it at all. The baby cot was very comfortable and clean; not the sort you would worry that the mattress is infested with bedbugs.

For lunch , we had room service because although Shangri-La is in Orchard, it’s a bit far from the shopping district. There’s a shuttle bus that takes you there though but we were tired to bring the boy around.

I had an Indian vegetarian meal that comes with brown rice, dhaal curry, spiced okra, fresh veg and yogurt dip, tamarind pickles and papadoms. The missus got Nasi Goreng which is an Indonesian fried rice that comes with 2 satay skewers and fried chicken. Total damage is $58.

I forgot to take photos of the dinner buffet because we were too preoccupied with our little Master. Dinner and Breakfast buffet is at the Line. Overall, food is great. It has seafood section with fresh oysters, scallops, mussels and river prawns. There’s a sushi section, bread, meat carving station (pork belly and beef roast are superb), Chinese, Indian, Malay, noodles station and dessert. The boy enjoyed his butter rolls while the parents enjoyed most of the food.

One thing we also forgot to take photos of is the Buds; kid’s indoor playground. It’s located at the 1st level, right beside the Line. It’s a huge playground with obstacle courses, balloon pits and function rooms to hold parties. Our boy is still too little for this, I think he would really enjoy it when he’s around 3 years old. I would.

Pool is very clean and has a kiddie pool. Overall ambiance of the hotel ground makes you think you are not within the city. It’s so peaceful and serene. You can just lie at one of the benches and stress instantly melts away.

Buffet breakfast is fantastic. It has all the selections you need; Western, Chinese, Indian stations, fruits station, bread, tarts, coffee, juice… but what’s most interesting is it has a free flow of Prosecco wine. Amazing isn’t it?

Overall, our stay is fantastic. The hotel is luxurious and always has that WOW factor. I would highly recommend this hotel. It is by far the best we have stayed at and hands down, we would do another staycation here if we can get this package again at the same price.