Bringing Babies; Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, A Review of Buds and Splashzone

First hotel stay with the babies. Not the first hotel stay for the adults since the babies, because we went to Okinawa and left them behind.

The twin's smile made it all worthwhile.

Because this was no walk in the park, not with twins who can neither sit quietly nor sleep through the night. 

Ever since I heard of Buds, I got it in my head to bring my twins there and that a staycay would be fun. With the 3rd kid on the way and knowing we won't be going anywhere for another 1 year once the little one pops out, I impatiently insisted we bring our newly minted toddlers to Shangri-La. Using our rediscover voucher, we booked a family holiday, including complimentary access to Buds and Splashzone.

Shangri-La is as pleasant as a family staycay can get. It's Garden Wing is especially kid friendly. 

Checking in was pretty rough, my pregnant wife carrying the girl while I carried the boy and tried to get out our booking numbers, ID, credit card etc. The counter staff was thankfully pleasant and patient. 

They gave us goodie bags for the kids to wile away the time in case our rooms weren't ready. In it was a case of colour pencils, a mask, and a colouring sheet. I appreciate the thought but my babies can't figure out which end of the colour pencil to use. We'll keep it for later.

We didn't have to wait long for our room. Quickly booked our playtime slot at Buds and made quick pitstop at the room to unload the luggage.

The Room 

Room was really spacious, enough space to fit 2 cribs in the room actually and for toddlers to run about.

Nice big bathtub for the kids. We got connecting rooms, which was really convenient.

Beds are pretty standard. Balcony is there if you want it, but it's Singapore, so you probably won't use it much.

During the booking I'd informed them of my twins, so they included complimentary children's amenities

Cute children's amenities from Shangri-La

Perfectly adequate for twins

slippers are so adorable, though a little too big for toddlers

Cry when trying to bathe them at home, but had no problems in this luxurious bathtub

Babies enjoyed the balcony

Buds

It's one of the best indoor playgrounds I've seen. There is a toddler's play area, ball pits everywhere, slides and nets for bigger kids.

Our package included complimentary access for 1 station, otherwise it's $18/hr for hotel guests. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Adult entry is included in the ticket price. They are pretty lax on the adult entry, so long as the play area is not too crowded. The grandmothers and the parents were allowed in at the same time with the twins. 

The toddler play area is a relatively small part of the playground, with a ball pit and a couple of slides, nothing exciting. They're toddlers so that's pretty much all they can manage anyway. I read previously that there were harnesses for babies to bounce in, but they probably took those down due to Covid-19. You can still see the hooks on the ceiling.

tumble-lina

Oi! Don't block the slides!

Unfortunately my wife was right, the kids were too small to fully appreciate the playground. 

This multi level netted playground looks super fun, but we'll have to come back next time for the twins to try

Used to be one of those sand pits filled with seed I think

There are activities also like Bake, where children can have hands on baking, there is also Mud where children can play with flourescent paint, but when we there we didn't see anyone partaking in the above.

There is a recharge station aptly named Recharge for the parents, for quick snacks and drinks

Thankfully didn't have to use the changing room, but it does look luxurious

The Line

Had both dinner and breakfast at The Line. It's not the same since Covid-19. Doesn't feel as fun with everything ordered through an app. Boy was making a real mess at the restaurant, but the staff took it in their stride. No time for pictures during dinner, too busy with the twins.

Breakfast was pretty child friendly with pancakes and waffles that are way to sweet to be given to toddlers. They sure looked cute though

Pancake almost as cute as mei mei

Splash Zone

Complimentary for all guests, just have to book a time slot.

This is easily the best part of the stay. My children were ecstatic.

Cannot shower at home, but here water go into eye can smile.

The place is again split into a toddler's play area and a bigger kid's pool complete with pirate ship.

铁扇公主

I love how he just picks up a random leaf on the floor and is overjoyed.

a lazing by the pool kind of day

At 400++ a night, and we needed two rooms (we paid for our parents, #filial #helpwasnotfree), this stay cay is pretty pricey. But the joy on the little rascals' faces was worth it. Definitely would be back when they are abit older to fully enjoy the facilities. I enjoyed it as a little getaway, I liked the whole package.

If out of your price range, or not looking for a staycay, there are other alternatives. You don't have to go to Shangri-la for a water play ground, or indoor play ground. There are plenty of free water playgrounds, a fantastic one would be the one at Gardens by the Bay.

watch out for the lizards though

But definitely bring your kid to a water playground, they'll love it. And it burns half the day, next thing you know it's time for their afternoon nap or bedtime, yay!

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