The work-from-anywhere trend is in full swing, including at Shangri-La Singapore, which has added a swish new mini-office setup to its Horizon Club Business Rooms. If you have a work trip coming up soon, read on to find out what EL editor Shamus thought about his stay at this popular holiday and business hotel in Singapore.
Shangri-La Singapore: An overview
Did you know that Shangri-La Singapore was the first Shangri-La to open? That was back in 1971. (There are now more than 100 worldwide.) Yet, it maintains a sparkling modern feel thanks to a regular programme of renovation and renewal. When I last stayed, a US$52 million overhaul of the Garden Wing had just been unveiled. This time, I visited soon after the launch of the hotel’s Horizon Club Business Rooms.
The new rooms on the higher floors of the Tower Wing are unsurprisingly luxurious – think king-sized bed, marble-clad bathroom, L’Occitane bath amenities and views over city, gardens or pool. All the usual five-star touches are in place too.
Getting down to business
An upgraded workspace is the key feature of the new Business Room category, and it includes an Omnidesk ergonomic chair and desk, adjustable for sitting or standing. The Dell 27-inch dual-screen monitor lets you tackle a few jobs at once. (It’s a simple one-cable connection to your laptop to get started.) Thanks to the high-quality webcam and speakerphone, anyone on Zoom will think you’re in the same room as them! Marie Kondo would love that everything’s wireless and clutter-free, too.
You also get access to the Horizon Club Lounge, a haven with panoramic views on the 24th floor of the Tower Wing. Here, you can grab complimentary breakfast, light refreshments, evening cocktails and canapés on a daily basis.
These are some classy canapés too – my picks included a deconstructed curry puff and an amazing meat-free rendang. Speaking of eats, another recent Shangri-La Singapore addition is the Premium Breakfast menu, which you can pre-order to enjoy at the hotel’s destination restaurant The Line, or even have it served in your room. The much-loved hawker favourite nasi lemak comes with lobster or wagyu beef, and the steak and eggs with caviar!
When you need a break from work…
- Have a sundowner by the pool at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. The area looks across the water to a giant lit-up frangipani and palm trees.
- Enjoy the music choices in the different hotel spaces. I found these nicely chosen to suit the surrounds, whether it was relaxing ambient vibes or sultry French jazz.
- Take a walk. Orchard Road is 400 metres away for shopping, or head the other way for a nature escape in Singapore’s stunning Botanic Gardens.
- Order an elevated local noodle dish from The Lobby Lounge – my bak chor mee was a flavour bomb and paired superbly with an IPA by Singapore’s Trouble Brewing.
- Got kids in tow? Let them go nuts at Buds by Shangri-La, the holiday and business hotel’s interactive play space for little ones.
The Shangri-La Singapore is located at 22 Orange Grove Road. If you’re looking for a business hotel in Singapore or a great option for leisure travel right near Orchard Road, visit shangri-la.com/singapore.
