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Hotel Review: Shangri-La Singapore – A Tropical Luxury Retreat in the City

Located along Singapore’s famous Orange Grove Road, Shangri-La Singapore offers a peaceful escape from the busy shopping districts of Orchard Road. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the hotel combines classic hospitality with extensive facilities and a choice of three distinctive accommodation wings.

What’s It Like?

Shangri-La Singapore first opened its doors in 1971 and has since grown into a substantial property with 792 rooms spread across three wings: Tower Wing, Garden Wing and Valley Wing. Each section has its own personality, giving returning guests plenty of reasons to experience the hotel differently.

The Tower Wing is the original part of the property and received a major renovation in 2017. Its entrance makes a strong first impression, with dramatic columns, a large botanical feature wall created by Australian landscape designer Charlie Albone and a striking installation above the reception area.

Garden Wing, which followed in 1978, takes a more nature-focused approach. Rooms overlook landscaped gardens filled with ponds, water features, carp and more than 100 varieties of tropical plants. It is arguably the most fitting section for guests who want the hotel’s greenery to be part of the experience.

At the top end of the property is Valley Wing, the newest and most exclusive of the three. It has a more sophisticated atmosphere and includes the circular Summit Room, used for breakfast and afternoon tea. Guests staying in this wing also have access to a dedicated lounge offering complimentary refreshments and canapés.

The wing is also home to a presidential suite measuring more than 200 square metres. Over the years, the suite has welcomed a number of high-profile visitors, including international celebrities and former US presidents.

Rooms

My stay was in a Valley Wing Deluxe Room, where the atmosphere immediately felt calm and inviting. A subtle combination of vanilla and sandalwood filled the room, echoing Shangri-La’s signature fragrance used throughout the property.

The interior combines muted blue and yellow tones with cream-coloured jacquard fabrics, creating a comfortable residential feel without losing the sense of traditional luxury associated with the brand.

The bathroom is positioned behind a discreet dark-wood partition. Inside, there is a double vanity, a separate shower and a generous corner bathtub. Soft lighting can be used to create a more relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, while a dedicated dressing area and full-length mirror add practicality.

Several small details make the room feel particularly personal. A copy of Lost Horizon by James Hilton references the novel that inspired the Shangri-La name, while a bookmark and chocolate treat are placed beside the bed. There is also a Nespresso machine with a selection of coffee pods.

Despite the emphasis on relaxation, the room works equally well for business travellers. The desk provides sufficient workspace and power outlets are conveniently positioned for charging devices.

Facilities

The hotel's three wings are supported by an extensive collection of dining and leisure facilities. There are eight food and beverage venues in total, ranging from casual options to more sophisticated restaurants and bars.

Guests looking for a drink should consider visiting Origin Bar, where the cocktail menu includes creative combinations inspired by local flavours. One notable option is the “Have a Break” cocktail, which brings together matcha, dark chocolate and sherry.

Breakfast is served at The Line, although early risers may find the quieter period particularly appealing. The restaurant’s buffet breakfast is least busy between 6am and 7.30am, before the main breakfast rush begins.

For those who prefer to stay active, Shangri-La Singapore has a sizeable gym overlooking the gardens, as well as a swimming pool and tennis courts. The combination makes it possible to maintain a fitness routine without leaving the property.

The hotel is also well suited to business events and private functions. A selection of ballrooms and conference rooms can accommodate gatherings of different sizes, with the largest event space capable of hosting up to 1,400 guests.

Private dining rooms are also available at restaurants including Shang Palace and Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, making the property suitable for everything from corporate dinners to more intimate celebrations.

Location

One of Shangri-La Singapore’s biggest advantages is its location. The hotel sits on Orange Grove Road, close enough to Orchard Road for easy access to Singapore’s major shopping and entertainment areas while remaining sufficiently removed from the crowds.

The surrounding greenery gives the property a distinctly resort-like character, which can be surprisingly difficult to find in such a central part of Singapore.

Verdict

Shangri-La Singapore is an excellent choice for travellers who want the convenience of staying near Orchard Road without sacrificing peace and privacy.

The three-wing layout gives the hotel a variety of personalities, while the extensive gardens, dining options and leisure facilities make it possible to spend much of your stay without needing to venture into the city.

• Best for: A relaxing luxury stay surrounded by greenery, with plenty of facilities on site.
• Don’t miss: Afternoon tea and evening canapés in the Valley Wing lounge, particularly if you are staying in that section.
• Price: Rates start from around £249 per night in Tower Wing, £326 in Garden Wing and £409 in Valley Wing.
• Contact: 22 Orange Grove Road, 258350, Singapore; +65 6737 3644; shangri-la.com