sharon

Just realized my 1st post did not include my destination, so here is a repeat message. I appreciated those who answered the previous post. Maybe I will get an answer to my safari question here.<BR><BR>"I am going to Singapore in the fall and must choose between these luxury hotels -- Ritz Carlton Millenia; The Oriental; and Marina Mandarin. First, I would like the most convenient location. If the locations are equally good, then I wonder whether it worth an extra $200 for the Ritz?<BR><BR>Second, I have heard there is a night safari offered in Singapore. Has anyone ever gone on it and is it worthwhile?"<BR>

mast

Hi Sharon,<BR>Ritz, Oriental and Marina are close to each other, in fact there is another hotel--Pan Pacific located at the same place as well. All these hotels are very near to Suntec city---a huge shopping Mall and Marina Square---another big shopping mall. But you have to walk a distance to the MRT----the underground train station.<BR>Not far from these two shopping malls and with a MRT station located in front of the hotel is The Westin. Itself with a big shopping complex as well. To reach Orchard road and many places is easy with the MRT, though you still need to take taxi or buses to reach some interesting places.<BR>The zoo, safari, bird park, sentosa are all worth visiting. but don't miss the food, that's the best part. and the best and cheap food normally can be found in the hawker centres. ask the locals and they can give you good advices.<BR>if you want to hunt for cheaper things, Mustafa located at Serangoon road is the right place to go. they sell EVERYTHING, and are normally 10-30% cheaper than shops in Orchard road.<BR>The weather is hot here, so wear something comfortable and be prepared to sweat alot.<BR>have fun and enjoy!

Lincoln

The night safari is actually a zoo opened at night. I am not sure whether this is what you are expecting.

yuenpitre

for ease of shopping then choose The Oriental - closest to all the major shopping on Orchard road.<BR><BR>the other 2 aren't as convenient unless you would like to travel by cab or transit.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Mandarin and it was in the middle of everything....visit the Takashimaya mall for variety or Isetan.<BR><BR>Have a good time.

sean

Hi, I agree very much with Mast. The zoo &amp; the night safari is definitely worth a visit. In fact, Singaporeans have many websites dedicated to food. You may try exploring the web before diving in. Enjoy your trip!

joshua

Sharon: Ritz is the newest addition to the hotels aroud the Marina area and it has won rave reviews by travelers all over the world, the good part of the Ritz Carlton or any of the hotels in that area is that they are all situated to the City Hall MRT station. City Hall is the MRT interchange and wherever you need to go,you need not worry about alighting at the wrong stations or getting onto the wrong train, or worse both! Trust me, I have been approached by many tourists on how to get to the correct destinatuon when they chose to stay around orchard. Pick up a bus guide as it will come in extremely handy for majority of the attractions, like the Zoo and the Night Safari can only be reached by taxis or buses. Singapore hawker centres in our neighbourhood serves great and cheap fare but I donnot reccommend the Newton hawker centre - too tourist orientated with not so good food. www.makansutra.com.sg offers food reviews and it is a must to check for great food listings here.