I just returned from a week stay at the Raffles at the Plaza Hotel. Great service and a perfect location above a mall and MRT station so you can get anywhere fast from there, It is also within walking distance to the central business district, boat quay, etc...
I had dinner at the Shangri-La. Very nice but it seemed a bit out of the way.

Well, when you can afford to stay at the Shangri-La, you will appreciate that it is in lush green surroundings. Besides, those staying there can afford the taxi fare anywhere.

Glad that you had a nice time.

I agree with you, lunarella, the Raffles the Plaza is an ideal location. Some people like the Shangri-La, but I'm also not fond of the location.

Yes, the Raffles Plaza is in a great location and very convenient to lots of things. And as far as being able to afford a taxi anywhere as Munich stated if one stays at the Shangri-la...well, everyone doesn't like only being in taxis or being taxi dependent. I personally like taking the public transportation in Singapore and use it more than taxis although taxis are very affordable. When there's a big downpour and it's rush hour,too, it can be quite difficult to get a taxi. This has happened to me more than a few times in Singapore when I've been loaded down with shopping bags and it's pouring and I've decided to try to take a taxi, but ended up jumping on the MRT or bus instead and after getting off being almost next to my hotel...very convenient. Happy Travels!

Did you happen to see Swissotel the Stamford hotel? We stayed there before and plan to visit Singapore again in Sept.

Just wondering how StS compares to Raffles the Plaza. Both are in the same area so very convenient to MRT and shopping mall.

Any preference or are they both about the same?

Lia, the two hotels are the two towers above Raffles City shopping center. They both used to be Westin hotels. The two towers were always different, and with the new management for each, I expect them to be even more different from each other.

I stayed in both back when they were Westins, and preferred the Plaza to the Stamford. The Stamford is a cylindrical tower, so the rooms are all somewhat wedge-shaped. The rooms in the Plaza are a bit larger. Both are very nice hotels.

Kathie, thanks for your comments. I think I'll try the Plaza next time - sounds like it might be a bit nicer than StS and worth checking out...