Wripro, need your help please!

[ScottToronto]

Good morning Wripro,

I didn't know any other way to contact you. Please reply to my posting below. You were extremely helpful with information and recommendations for my recent trip to Capri. I value your opinion and all of the Cruisecritic members.

 

ROLL CALL-March 4th, 2010, Silver Whisper, Voyage 4006, Hong Kong to Singapore

Good morning! :)

 

Anyone else booked on Voyage 4006, Hong Kong to Singapore (11 days) on the Silver Whisper? This will be my first cruise in Asia and really looking forward to it.

 

We are doing a few days pre-cruise in the Philippines, a few days in Manila and a few days in Davao at the Pearl Farm Resort. Will fly back to Hong Kong to join the ship.

 

Need suggestions where to stay in Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong, a few places have been suggested.

-Peninsula

-Four Seasons

-Island Shangri-la

Good location? service? luxury?

 

In Singapore

-Mandarin Oriental

-Ritz Carlton

-Four Seasons

I've heard that it's best to stay in Singapore near Orchard/Scott Rds.

 

Any suggestions where to stay in Manila, it's between Manila Peninsula or Makati Shangri-la.

 

I appreciate my fellow CC's recommendations. Look forward to meeting you onboard in March. ;)

 

Many thanks,

ScottToronto

 

[wripro]

Hi Scott,

 

First of all let me say that you will love this itinerary. Asia is one of my favorite destinations because it is so different from what we are used to.

 

Unfortunately, I can't help you with the Philippines as I have never been there. Peninsulas are usually terrific though.

 

I have been to Hong Kong several times and will in fact, be there again in March. I have stayed at the Regent, now the Intercontinental which cannot be beat for the views. I remember not being able to tear myself away from the window of my harbor view room since it was just like theater with every type of marine vessel imaginable sailing by nonstop. Last time I stayed at the Four Seasons, also in a harbor view room. But because it is on Central looking toward Kowloon (where the Intercontinental and Peninsula are located) the views are not nearly as nice. As for luxury though it far outshines the Intercontinental. If you stay there get a Club room as the food and service in the Club are extraordinary. As for the Peninsula, imo, it is a legend and worth visiting. I don't like all the lookie-loos in the lobby but that's just me. If you stay there get a grand deluxe double with harbor view in the new wing. Views there are extraordinary too.

 

Whichever hotel you stay in be sure and arrange their special airport pickup. At the Four Seasons they pick you up in a Bentley or Mercedes S (your choice depending on price). You'll be met at the gate in a golf cart, driven through the airport to immigration where they whisk you through, retrieve your luggage and load it into the car. You'll feel like royalty.

 

In Singapore all the options you mention are okay and near Orchard Road. There are two more you might want to think about. One is the Valley wing of the Shangri-La, a bit further removed but very nice. It's the most luxurious of the wings of the hotel though a bit more dated. The other is the St Regis which is just over a year old. I stayed there in February and loved it. It's a block from the top of Orchard Road and also very close to the Botanical Gardens which you should not miss (especially the Orchid display.) Rooms are beautiful (though the room decor is not to everyone's taste) and the bathrooms are spectacular. They also have a Bentley airport pickup which was the highlight of my trip, no kidding!!!!

 

Fact is you can't really go wrong at any of these places. If I had to choose myself it would be the Four Seasons in HK and the St. Regis in Singapore.

 

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. If you'd like to post your email do so and we can communicate privately if you prefer.

 

Henry

[scandun]

The Philippines is a nice country, and the people are friendly. I always stay at the Hyatt hotel and casino which is located in Mabini. It is not a nice area around, but close to many tourist spots. Ironically I have never been to those spots and neither have been to the casino. The hotel room is nice, and the chinese restaurant in the hotel is terrific. This area is more far away from airport than Makati, but taxi fare in the Philippines are extremely cheap by the meter charge. If the driver does not use the meter, you may cut their bid by half, and give still a little peso in the end as tip, that will usually make them very happy.

 

I stayed in the Four Seasons in HongKong early 2006. Room was very good. The hotel has twin tower, unfortunately the tower with better views were for guests staying longer than a month. Not sure if it has changed by now. Besides the hotel is a big shopping mall, with metro station, so it is easy to get around. Another reason I stayed there is because it is very close to ferry terminal for jetboat to Macau. Actually I enjoyed Macau more than Hongkong, even with just a one day visit. Haven't stayed at the Peninsula, but my friends said it is snobbish, especially if you have brought your kids. Cannot comment on that.

 

Like everything in Singapore, except the weather. Much too humid than tolerance. Therefore even visiting the botanic garden was tiresome. Not a fan for flowers, ended up buying a few bottles of sprays. I stayed at the Conrad, nice room again, but view to the bay was blocked by other hotels in front. Orchid road was not really attractive to me, like a normal shopping street, but probably the only real shopping street in Singapore.

[ScottToronto]

Hi Henry,

Thanks for the detailed information. Your information definitely helps with my decision.

 

Would love to communicate with you privately. Thanks!!!!

 

Please drop me a note.

 

scottcdn@hotmail.com

 

 

[wripro]

Will do, Scott.

[Mayriver]

I have not logged into the site in over 6 months only to find out that the vigorous debates between cruisers had been totally eliminated! What happened?

[Host Dan]

I have not logged into the site in over 6 months only to find out that the vigorous debates between cruisers had been totally eliminated! What happened?

Not sure what you mean?? (Could be "old threads" that are on older pages?)

 

Host Dan

[brimary]

Singapore.....Started many SS cruises in singapore always stayed at the Ritz Carlton following a recomendation .First class hotel great staff,excellent restaurants,super location ideal start point for SS cruise which I assume still includes many fabulous Vietnam ports.Enjoy

[CruisinPashmina]

In Singapore, we like the Ritz Carlton, club floor...really worth the extra $. We also like the Fullerton..a little quirky but swanky too. As for Orchard Road; it's a hot mess. Unless you are addicted to shopping.....the Asian Civilization Museum is near both the Ritz and just across the river from the Fullerton. It is a gem!

In Hong Kong, we love the Shangri-la in Kowloon. The views are fabulous. Make sure you ask for a harbor view room, and stay on the club floor. The airport pick ups are such fun..especially with all the flourishes and because we have always come in around midnight and have been exhausted from the loooong flights.

Very jealous about your Phillipines visit. We've spent a lot of time touring Asia, but have never been to Manila. Please post about your experiences!

[Older Party]

In Singapore, we like the Ritz Carlton, club floor...really worth the extra $. We also like the Fullerton..a little quirky but swanky too. As for Orchard Road; it's a hot mess. Unless you are addicted to shopping.....the Asian Civilization Museum is near both the Ritz and just across the river from the Fullerton. It is a gem!

In Hong Kong, we love the Shangri-la in Kowloon. The views are fabulous. Make sure you ask for a harbor view room, and stay on the club floor. The airport pick ups are such fun..especially with all the flourishes and because we have always come in around midnight and have been exhausted from the loooong flights.

Very jealous about your Phillipines visit. We've spent a lot of time touring Asia, but have never been to Manila. Please post about your experiences!

 

I am a museum junkie ... it doesn't matter where I am in the world, I seek out the museum(s). The Asian Civilization Museum in Singpore is without a doubt one of the most fascinating museums on the planet. The antiquities are stunning, especially for those with an affinity for eastern philosophy. Anytime someone tells me they are going to Singapore, it's the first place I recommend.