We stayed here after staying at the Le Meridien thinking that this hotel would be superior. Well we were wrong.
From the outside it looks grand but dated, and in the lobby area the grandness is evident, but of a bygone era. Our room was very dated with dark wooden panelling on the walls, the curtains and furnishings definitely needs updating. The bathroom was big and tasteful so I guess the bathrooms have been renovated but not the rooms.
So my advice is if you are tossing up between the Le Meridien and the Shangri-La, take LM, their rooms were far superior and also cheaper than the SL!
We booked the Horizon Club Delux Double so it was nice to be able to use the club rooms for drinks and nibbles. Despite the disappointment of the hotel condition, I have to emphasize that the staff were always very hospitable and welcoming, especially a lovely young man named Thames who served us in the club room. He was delightful and tried so hard to make us feel valued at all times.
Location wise, this hotel is close to the main street of markets and eateries, (however LM is even closer - everything is right outside their front door). The only concern I would have with the SL is that they are building a massive apartment next door and but you would never hear any noise due to double glazed windows. However the construction towers over the pool area so if you were expecting a relaxing lazy day with the kids by the pool, you would probably need more than a couple of mojitos to dull your hearing!
From the airport it is only a 10-15 minute ride and we paid TB160 (Singapore $6) using a taxi from the airport with a set rate.