We purchased 2 vouchers from klook and used it for our stay on 9 to 11 October 2020. HengBoi IFC was closed on 9th Oct because it was Children Day. The package came with complimentary room upgrade, gelato, unlimited playtime at Splash Zone ( limit to 1 hour due to the current COVID-19 situation) and picnic basket
We arrived at about 2PM but the room wasn’t available for check in so we decided to deposit our luggage first and went to Wheelock for lunch (~20 mins walk). The stay came with free parking.
I would suggest to arrive earlier even if you receive a email that your check in time is after 3. Reason being that you can only book for your splash zone and BUDs indoor playground time slot on arrival by scanning a QR code. Even when I arrived at 2PM, the slots for both splash zone and BUDS for the same day were completely taken up. Even the next day slots were limited. Popular timings like 10am the next day was completely taken. I managed to get 12pm for the next day (wasn’t a really good timing because it was close to HengBoi nap time) but I had no choice. I was told that I can put my name on waiting list but nobody called. I was also denied a late check out on Sunday. Imagine if I only stay for one night (check out saturday) splash zone is at 12pm , check out is also at 12pm, how do I shower HengBoi?
The room seems dated , compared to marina bay sands but overall is big and clean. The garden wing deluxe room is quite spacious and comes with balcony, 2 seater sofa and bath tub which the boy loved. I asked for an extra cot and extra pillows.
On Day 1, since the splash zone was not available for booking. We spent our evening at the swimming pool which was huge. Room service price was hmm.. so we ordered grab food and we were spoilt for choices since the hotel location is close to orchard.
Breakfast buffet was included in the package. Due to COVID, you will have to order via a QR code and the server will send it to your table. They have kids friendly menu but I find it unsuitable for HengBoi. The kids pancake was drizzled with chocolate sauce and colorful bits. I ordered chicken porridge, toast with unsalted butter and jam and cornflakes with full cream milk for him. Do order the wanton noodles, hub and I loved it.
We spent our entire day 2 in the hotel. Splash zone was definitely the highlight of this staycation and HengBoi was very excited about it. Even though I complained about the lack of timings on check in day, it was probably unavoidable due to the cap on the number of people in the play area. After the encounter at Wild Wild Wet (it was so crowded), I would say that Shangri La did it well. The play area would also be closed for cleaning after every 1 hour session. I liked that the splash zone has different play area for younger toddlers like HengBoi and older kids (more complex slides etc). I will probably invest in a thermal swim suit because the water was quite cold and the sky was rather overcast (no sun L) during our visit so we couldn’t play for very long (probably about 30 mins) but I can tell he enjoyed himself a lot! We couldn’t stay too long also because it was close to his nap time.
The picnic basket was delivered at about 3.30PM. It would be better if they had asked me during check in if I would like my picnic basket delivered on my arrival day since we have nothing much to do on arrival day. We had actually planned for dinner at The Line at 7pm on Day 2. Hence just for the sake of using the picnic basket, we went to the lawn area but we didn’t eat much as it was close to dinner timing. The food items were mostly sandwiches, cheese, grapes, apple crumble (I think), 2 cans of coke and apple juice.
We actually managed to book a slot at The BUDS indoor playground at 4PM. We had to wake HengBoi up because he was so tired. He also slept late because we could only book the Splash Zone at 12pm (which was close to his nap timing). We were running late and upon arrival, the staff was very honest and informed me that the ball pit has been removed from the baby play area due to the current COVID situation. She mentioned that usually baby love to play in the ball pit and that HengBoi may not enjoy as much in the play area since it has been removed. Also we have to pay $12 to enter. Hence, after looking at the area, we decided to save the $12. I would say that bigger kids can still go ahead because the bigger kids area looks fun!
Dinner at The Line was rather disappointment. There was much more selection when I came 2 years back. The staff told me that they have reduced the buffet price from 100?+ to 88 ++ but I felt that even with the cheaper rate, I can get a better deal at other restaurants. Hence, wouldn’t recommend having dinner at The Line. Dinner at MBS, Rise was much cheaper and better.
Overall, I would say HengBoi enjoyed his stay and if I ever come back again, it would be for the splash zone and swimming pool. Service wise was also definitely much better than MBS. However, food choices in the hotel are limited (expensive), unless you order Grab or FoodPanda. Walking out to Orchard takes about 20 – 30 minutes , which isn’t too convenient with a kid. Also, my request for late check out or early check in wasn’t granted as well (even after being locked out of my room on the second day).