Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

Singapore boasts an astonishing density of impressive hotels; among the best in town for three decades has been the Shangri-La. Don’t let that number scare you; though — there’s little that’s identifiably Seventies about this place, as a thorough renovation has turned the Shangri-La from an opulent colonial fantasy into something sleeker, a sophisticated and contemporary environment, not at all dated or kitschy.

At the same time, don’t go expecting to see the new international style, that semi-anonymous minimalist design-mag look — though it shares certain fixations, such as open floor plans and glass-brick bathroom walls, it’s decidedly of its place. There’s no danger you’ll wake up thinking you’re in Stockholm or Barcelona.

As for services and amenities, underneath its new face the Shangri-La is still the same hotel that’s played host to countless VIPs and heads of state. The Valley Wing, particularly, is luxurious, with oversized rooms and a separate driveway and lobby. LCD televisions are the rule, even in the bathrooms, and the suites are serviced by private butlers. And the Garden Wing surrounds a sprawling atrium, rich with plant life to rival that of Singapore’s famous botanical gardens.

Five restaurants, a wine bar, a pastry shop, extensive business facilities, and all the sporting options you can handle — it’s all par for the course in this sort of hotel. You haven’t truly experienced proper hotel service until you’ve been pampered, Far East style, and the Shangri-La is a perfect example of the genre.