Staycation is the new vacation, just like how everyone is talking about it since it was allowed in Phase 2. Since then, many hotels have reopened and offering good deals to many “vacation-deprived” Singaporeans. Yup, I admit – I’m part of them too! Using Edison’s birthday as an excuse, I booked a staycation at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore during the Sept term break.
This was our second stay at the hotel. Our first stay was in the Tower Wing, and this time we stayed in the Garden Wing. The experience was slightly different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but fret not, their service excellence remains unchanged.
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore: Pre-Arrival
A week before my staycation, I received an email from the hotel to complete my health and travel declarations before my arrival at the hotel. There’s also an allocated check-in time as part of the distancing measures. For the same reason, Buds by Shangri-La and Splash Zone need to be booked in advance upon check-in.
Garden Wing Deluxe Pool View Room
Located in the beautiful nature-inspired Garden Wing, the Deluxe Pool View Room is 50 sqm in size with maximum occupancy of 3 adults. Highlight of the room is its Bougainvillea-laden private balcony where you can enjoy the sun, fresh air and pool view. Our room is on the highest floor (9th floor) of Garden Wing and the view is awesome.
The room is spacious and comfortable (though I wouldn’t say luxurious). Even with an extra bed added, there are still plenty of space to move around. Some of the in-room amenities include Nespresso coffee machine, a nice selection of teabags, complimentary bottled water, premium Shangri-La toiletries, kids’ toiletries, welcome fruit platter (GC member privilege), and a small package containing hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes and face masks. It was Edison’s birthday, so the hotel has also prepared a complimentary birthday cake and card for him.
The bathroom comes with double-vanity sinks, a deep-soaking bathtub and a separate shower area. As I have mentioned before, bathtub is completely mandatory for our staycation because Edison enjoys soaking in it so much LOL.
Breakfast at The Line
Since COVID-19, there has been no more self-serve buffet. I’ve always wondered how hotels manage their breakfast offerings. Set menu or in-room dining will be kind of disappointing as I believe most guests would prefer ala-carte buffet with unlimited servings. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Isn’t it?
Fortunately, Shangri-La never disappoints us. The Line still delivers the same high standards as prior COVID-19. The tables are nicely spaced apart (at least 1m away from each other) and hand sanitizing wipes are prepared for the guests. There’s a QR code on the table for us to scan and place our orders. With just a few clicks, our food orders were sent to the kitchen and then delivered to our table promptly.
The QR code ordering system is totally fuss-free. All the food items have unlimited servings too. In terms of serving size, they are generally bigger than what I usually take. So, I didn’t get to taste the entire breakfast menu that consists of:
- Appetizer
- Healthy Set
- Local Set (congee, nasi lemak, noodles, laksa etc)
- American Set
- Waffle
- Pancake
- Kids
- Drinks
This was my first staycation since COVID-19 and I was interested to see how the safe-distancing measures would affect my stay. As of this writing, hotel guests do not need to book a time slot to use the pool or gym, neither do they need to book for breakfast. The only two facilities that require pre-booking are Buds by Shangri-La and Splash Zone. Personally, I felt that the hotel did their best to keep their guests safe. My overall stay was not affected by the distancing measures at all.
Now, you can book a one-night stay at Garden Wing Deluxe Room with breakfast and Garden Picnic for Two at just S$387.75 on Klook. Children aged 0-11 may stay for free with one complimentary extra bed. Perfect for a family of three! Prior to this pandemic, it would be difficult to find anything below S$400++ at this hotel. So, if you’re looking for a staycation for the upcoming holiday, this is one of the offers you should consider.
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road 258350 Singapore
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