An elaborate bellman's uniform and a grand entrance foyer set the tone immediately.
But what really struck me as we settled into our safari-themed suite wasn't the five-star polish – it was a rubber crocodile bath spout, crafted to delight my daughter as much as any expensive gold tap delights an adult guest.
The Shangri-La Singapore doesn't just accommodate families; it genuinely celebrates them.
Positioned just off Orchard Road, this isn't a hotel that tolerates children. It welcomes them with purpose.
A Floor Designed Around Family Life
Our suite epitomised the hotel's philosophy.
Beyond the expected adult sanctuary – a luxurious king bedroom with all the refinements you'd demand from a five-star hotel – lay a children's room that felt less like an afterthought and more like an intentional design choice.
The safari theme transports children instantly and although our little one is only a baby, I still think she appreciated the room. A tent canopies a mattress on an elevated wooden platform, while a savannah mural occupies one wall and a smiling lion claims the rug.
Our daughter had her own en-suite bathroom, stocked with children's toiletries and age-appropriate amenities. There was also a useful bath instead of a shower.
The interconnecting orange plastic door between our spaces created just enough separation for parents to find a moment of peace, while remaining steps away.
A mini kitchen and substantial Smeg fridge make extended stays effortless, while the toiletries – John Masters Organics throughout – were the kind of detail that reminded us we hadn't sacrificed luxury for family practicality.
The Family Pantry: A Game-Changer
But perhaps the most revelatory feature was the family pantry on our floor. Stocked with everything from Stokke highchairs and nappies to babybaths, strollers, and a substantial toy collection, it anticipated needs before they arose. Washing machines and microwaves meant we could actually relax rather than fret about logistics. Downstairs, the Buds Kids Club operates in a different league entirely. Karaoke rooms, elaborate ball pits, and a painting studio create genuine entertainment rather than mere childcare. The Splash waterpark outside proved irresistible – particularly when we found ourselves alone on a rainy afternoon, free to commandeer the pirate ship and water guns with gleeful abandon. Dining With (and Without) the Kids We sampled the Waterfall, an upmarket Italian restaurant perfect for parents seeking a proper date night. There’s an impressive selection of wine here and our bottle of Masseria Borgo dei Trulli Primitivo really hit the spot.
The Line served breakfast each morning with the kind of variety that satisfies both picky eaters and discerning adults. We loved that we could tuck into Chinese BBQ pork buns and har gow dumplings first thing in the morning.
But it was the room service that won us over after a grueling journey – our 16.5-hour flight from London, diverted to Kuala Lumpur due to storms, left us craving comfort. Nasi Goreng, a beef burger, and a cheesecake that was meant to be shared (but wasn't) arrived with impeccable timing.
Location and Exploration The hotel's position opens doors. Emerald Hill, just off Orchard Road, offers a charming detour through colourful heritage houses and Instagram-worthy corners.
The Singapore Botanic Garden sits minutes away – free to enter and sprawling enough that you could spend hours exploring its various zones if you can tolerate the heat and the humidity.
Singapore isn’t particularly big so you can also find yourself at Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Clarke Quay or Raffles in a matter of minutes thanks to the well-established public transport network and an abundance of Grab taxis.
The Verdict Luxury travel with children rarely feels this effortless. The Shangri-La Singapore removes the guilt, the scrambling, and the compromises that often accompany family holidays. It's not just that the hotel accommodates families; it understands them. That distinction – and that rubber crocodile – makes all the difference.
Article by Sam Shead
