Conrad Centennial Singapore

[minimalistic]

thks for the update, faith! am going to get my copy of the mag later this evening.

got a question to pose to you gals: is it advisable to book the photography differently from the bridal studio package? i like to work with chris ling but he doesn't tie with divine rite? i heard that if i do it separately, it's going to cost me a bomb. anyone got any insights on this?

 

[faith]

Dear minimalistic
For me, it is a very subjective thing, no good or bad. As long as you like that photographer, and he did not tie with the bridal shop that you like, you can book separately. Yes, you may pay abit more for photography if you book separately, but a good thing is that you may have more power in negotiating for a better deal. As you can see, those photos that are added to bridal package are usually not very attractive, it is just a very basic/standard package only. You will definitely pay more for additional photos developed, or perhaps another portrait/table top etc....thus, ended up also as expensive.....

 

[faith]

Dear Ryn
Thanks, both my husband & I just thought that Debby is too professional for us to bargain/negotiate, I agree that she's very friendly & polite. I requests for complimentary food tasting & the beer price.

 

[minimalistic]

hi faith
thks for the tip. i will bear that in mind when looking at the details of the photo package that come with the bridal package.

i've sent some email to conrad asking them for price quotations. they havnt got back to me yet and it seems to be bad customer svc to me! do they usually take so long to do everything?

 

[faith]

Dear minimalistic
Yes, they're very slow in replying. The 1st time when i called up for quotation, they take a few days to fw the details to me, missed out the attachment too, I got to call them up to inform them that the attachment that they sent was unsucessful and that took them another 2 days to email to me. Now that i'm also waiting for them to get back to me on some negotiations, email them on Monday.

 

[minimalistic]

faith,
wouldn't that kind of svc turn u off? esp. when u are paying so much $$$ and yet they appear to be uninterested in your business. i tot we shd get excellent svc since it's thousands of dollars that we are spending

 

[faith]

Dear minimalistic
Yes, for a moment of times, their attitude almost turn me away, going to give up Conrad. But...my meeting with Debby & after seeing the ballroom etc...had regained my confidence with Conrad and was more assured of what I want. I think you ought to go down to meet them and see for yourself, go with your own feelings, never wrong. If you really feel offended and unhappy about it, then leave Conrad out of our choice. Afterall, we want to be a happy bride and spend our money happily and felt worthwhile.

 

[snowie]

Hi Faith,

Are you taking the standard Chinese dinner package? That should come with free food-tasting for 6 right? Or are you having buffet like Ryn?

Just wondering why you need to negotiate for that..

 

[faith]

Dear Snowie & Ryn
Just like to update you that my negotiations are unsucessful. I seems to be very sure that they're throwing in good perks during their July show. I think it makes perfect reason that they're throwing in good deals since they're running a promotion event. If not, they expects orders during the show and in order to have good feedbacks, they've to make the package look attractive or else it defeat the purpose rite ? So now my part is to decide whether or not i should give it a bet and wait till July 22 to confirm???? Obviously, the date is not gonna reserve for me till then.

 

[snowie]

Hi Faith,

Very often, the bridal promotions are only valid for say, weddings within 2001, or weekday weddings - typically cos they find it to hard to sell their ballroom in such a short time, or on unfavourable weekdays.

Weekends, especially Saturdays, usually sell very well. So I don't see why they would need to offer any perks for weekends to attract people. I think the promotion would be targeted more at people who don't have fuss about dates or weekdays.

If you're looking at a weekend, and especially since your date is within Dec 2002(?), it's unlikely the perks would apply.

That's what I think might happen.. of course, I hope they'll prove me wrong! And I would be pleasantly surprised(and upset too!)!

I guess if you're quite particular about the dates, it might be a safer bet to confirm it once you're comfortable with the package, especially if you're pretty set on Conrad.

 

[faith]

Dear Snowie
Mine is on a Sunday but again I'm also worried that the date will be taken up by someone within this period of time. I dunno whether the perks are offering for the 2001 package only but during our meeting with them, they did not emphasize that perks are for 2001, besides, they just reveal that it wouldn't be a cash discount kind of thing. I guess perhaps will be something like free barrel of beer, upgrade to President Suite etc......So, you actually suggests that I book now rite ?

What about you, Ryn ? Any suggestions ?

 

[fennie]

Dear Faith

I think u shld know who i am right? Anyway, was reading your message and cant resist to comment, i think u shld book now cos like wat snowie has mentioned if u wait until July and the promo is for weekdays nite, etc and u turn around only to find that your date has been given up for somebody else, u'll regret it....furthermore, u know u only have ONE good date chosen for u, so, u're actually at the losing end...only if u have other hotels waiting in line for u, and other good choices, u can wait, but if u're set on getting wed in Conrad, my advice is, book it now...even if the promo does throw up some goodies for weekends nights, at least u still have your date secured in hand!

 

[ryn]

Hi Faith,

Hmm... hard choice.... If I were you I'd be tempted to wait too. Are you set on having that particular date? If you are, I will have to agree with Snowie and Fennie dat you shld make a decision and book now. If you aren't picky abt the dates, then wait till July.

How's the negotiations going? Why don't you ask Debby if any of the promotions apply to the weekend package and see what she says. I won't be able to go for the show, and won't know what sort of freebies they might be throwing in. I'm sure they will throw in the room upgrade since it's still on going. They can possibly throw in a free barrel of beer, but I can't say for sure. What freebies they possibly throw in?

My 2 cents worth: negotiate for all the things you want to, and sign on it. Make sure all that you have negotiated is stated in the contract.
Bottom line: Is losing your date worth the freebies you might be getting if you wait till July?

I hope this helps!

 

[faith]

Dear Snowie, Fennie & Ryn
Thanks so much for yr advice. I think Ryn's 2 cents worth of advice caught me right at making the decision. Yes, it's true, it's not worth losing the date for those freebies since I had chose to go to the fortune teller and had trusted that this date is mend for us. Thank you so much for your advice and effort.

 

[junebrides]

Dear all

Could someone advise me if the $1000+ quote for Conrad is for a table of 10 or 12?

 

[faith]

Dear Junebrides
Conrad's banquet has all the long be 12 paxs per table.

 

[june peters]

After reading all the messages, I don't feel too positive about Conrad. Maybe you could tell me what their good points are. Could you recommend a person from the Banquet Sales whom I can speak to? I am very particular about good service and food.

Cheers.

 

[caryn]

Hi June,

I admit the service from Conrad leaves more to be desired, but all in all, when I have finished my negotiation with them, it was okay. Good points are that they have only one ballroom, so it makes your event more exclusive cos you won't have to share your reception area. For me, I wanted the pool area, and they didn't charge additional $$ for having the ballroom for backup. Hyatt on the other hand, will charge you $3K to $5K more. They were most willing to work with the budget I had in terms of menu. I have strict vegetarians and muslims for guests, and they willingly accomodate that. The best way to do things is to have someone make a referral to you. I had an alright time in the end cos I knew a few couples who were having their weddings there. Call Debby Setiawan for further queries. She's the Director of Catering. Hope all goes well for you.

 

[june]

Dear Ryn,

Thanks for your encouraging comments. I think I'll check the place out. I love your idea of poolside party, unfortunately, I will have to stick to the traditional Chinese dinner.

Cheers.

 

[ryn]

Hi June,

Do check Conrad out. You don't have to call them to make an appt, but if you want to take a look at the ballroom, the suites and other things, then I recommend that you shld make an appt. Also, you can get them to send you a proposal. We got that before we visited them, so that we can take a look at the menu. Last I heard from a fren who went for food tasting, that it was really good. Let me know how it works out for you!

 

[travelle]

June and Ryn,

I just had my food tasting at Conrad and the food was EXCELLENT! Our parents were so impressed by the high quality food and service. We chose Menu B with slight changes of 2 dishes only.

Our wedding coordinator is really wonderful too. She is easy going, approachable and responsible. As my husband and I work overseas, she is the one that handles every detail and even send reminders on occasions.

Recently, we had our photo taking at the hotel too. Everyone was so hospitable and the staff handled the event very well. We were led to the various locations including the bridal suite for the shots. Our coordinator as well as the resident mgr were present to ensure everything went smooth and that we and the photography team were well taken care. The treatment was so warm with much congratulatory notes from everyone in the hotel that we felt like it was the actual day of our wedding.

So far, we didn;t have any regrets signing up with the hotel even though the package is slightly pricy. We have decided to use Conrad coz of its exclusiveness and its renowned excellent service in the corporate business hotels sector.

I would encourage you to take a trip down to the hotel and view the place!

Good luck!

 

[ryn]

Hi All,

Just came back from a wedding dinner at Conrad. The food was alright, and the deco was really nice. They had the white theme, the VIP tables in gold, and the centre piece was floating candles with flowers.

Snowie, if you are reading this, yes, you can adjust the lighting for sure. Only problem with candles and flowers was that the petals get burnt. But overall effect was really nice.

I didn't like the music selection, so if any of you are picky abt having the right music setting the mood, make sure you specify or provide your own music. I'm thinking of jazz and swing for mine.

One last thing, you know the fanfare with your first dish? Ours came with dancing waiters! A bit too much "fanfare" for me! Oh yes, service staff was rather attentive and polite. Drinks were refilled before my glass was empty. But be careful, that goes the same for wines and beers too!

 

[faith]

Dear Ryn & Travelle
Glad to hear so much positive comments on Conrad. I've signed with them last week and was hoping everying will goes well without regrets.

Hi Travelle, so you had arranged with them for the photo taking session, didn't know that they also allow us to take their suite before actual day??? Must inform them earlier rite ? I suppose we can also take picture @ their Oscar Cafe and Lounge area rite ? I love the colourful setting @ Oscar and also the open area outside their lounge.

Hi Ryn, as you know, they strictly dun allow us to bring in duty free liquor, wonder if they allow us to bring in open bottles ? Perhaps they may just close one eye???

 

[travelle]

Hi Faith,

Actually, we only inform them in the morning of our actual day photography at about 11 am. We didn`t intend to use the bridal suite until the advise of our photographer.

Conrad's quick response to our request was impressive since we gave them such tight last minute request. We were very glad that everything went more smoothly that we thought. In fact, all the pictures taken at the Conrad were very good at our photo selection last week.

I didn't take any pictures at the lounge area as I was very tired by the time I complete the shots at the suite, stairways, and the poolside. As long as the shots does not inconvenience any of the hotel guest, it should be fine. Do ask your coordinator.

 

[faith]

Hi travelle
May I know who is your co-ordinator & your photographer ? I've signed up my package with Divine and in no time, I'll have to decide on the photographer, have Robin & PictureBox in mind.

 

[faith]

Dear Ryn
When you say that the food was alright, how do you rate it ? Is the food warm enough, portion enough for 12 paxs, quality of food ? Is the shark fin soup like starchy soup with little fins ? Is the fish fresh ? What is dancing waiter ? You mean the waiters/waitress actually dance to individual table while holding the dish in their hands ? Cannot imagine???

 

[ryn]

Hi Faith,

The duck as, well, ducky, and the char siew in the cold dish wasn't great. But the jelly fish was good. Shark's fin... I can't say it's the best I had. Fish was really good - very fresh and well cooked. Overall, the ingredients were good, just that some of the cooking style was iffy. I left before the noodles and sweets. Heard from my sis, the noodles was not great, and the honeydew sago was disapointing. But the chocolates we got as favors were really good.

As for the dancing waiters, well, they got onto the stage, and some of them in different parts of the room, standing on platforms, and shake their bons bons while holding the first course!!

I forgot to add, when champagne pouring, the table that the glasses were on, lit up from the inside, so the glasses looked like they were glowing! But all these are minor, and you can tell yor co-ordinator that you dun want it.

 

[faith]

Hi Ryn
Thanks for your quick reply. Oh your relative must have order the Menu A, cold dish is 4 different meats. I dun like that too, may opt for another kind of cold dish. Glad that the fish is really fresh as it must definitely be. Debby says the menu is flexible, so I may change a few dishes in the menu but anyway will wait for the new menu to come out for next year.

Hmm...the glowing glasses sounds interesting to me but the dancing waiters seems abit too dramatic. I didn't know that they have all these special programmes/themes....

I would prefer a grand and serious affair since mine is a typical chinese sit down dinner.

 

[travelle]

Hi Faith,

My coordinator was Judy. My menu is the weekend Menu B but I did change my dessert for the walnut cream which was very good. We also made some top up for king prawns in one of the dishes.

I did not use Divine. I went for Irene Creation. De Pose is the photography studio that we use. They are very professional and good that we may consider signing them for our actual day photography. Comments from most of my friends of all the samples that I received during the selection is that the style and pictures are very natural, simple and serene. The pictures are not 'ching chong' or too Taiwanese and most of the outdoor shots and styles are very much unique on common locations, unlike some bridal albums which seemed alike with the exception of the wedding couples.

Suggest you take a good rest before your photo taking. Spa, facial and body massage helps very much too. It is also important for u to discuss with your photographer the theme, style and types of pictures (colour, b/w, sepia) you like. Our photographers actually arranged to meet us about 2 weeks before our shots to know us better(personality, styles that we suit or like, outdoor locations and showed us several real couple samples etc) We also had a discussion with him in the morning of the shots for about 45 minutes where he explain certain details to us. I believe you and your FH must first be comfortable with the photographer so that both of u will feel more relaxed and natural on that day.

Good luck!

 

[faith]

Dear Travelle
Thanks for your information and suggestions. BTW, how much did you top up for the king prawns ? Can't they allow you to exchange prawn for one dish at no extra cost ? Walnut cream is nice rite ? I think Menu A's dessert is Walnut Cream.

Ya, I would pamper myself with the relax & spa treatment later....now the importance for me is losing weight!

Tedious matter!!!!

 

[travelle]

Hi Faith,

I need to check up how much I paid for it since we negotiated in June last year. If I am not wrong, we offset the wedding cards and add about $200 plus. It may sound ridiculous but we did all our negotiations over the telephone as both of us were overseas and sent the check to a close friend to make the payment on our behalf. We have chosen the hotel based on complimentary reviews from most of our friends and corporate associates.

Yes the walnut cream is very good and I love them very much! We swopped it from Menu A as we found the dessert in Menu B too common.

You should certainly pamper yourself at the spa. I always feel freshened up after each session. Hydrotherapy and thermal wrap does help a little in losing weight but I think exercise is still the best solution!

 

[faith]

Thanks travelle
One thing good is I still have sufficient time to work hard in losing weight, my wedding is end 2002. Which spa did you visit ? Spa service in S'pore is quite expensive. Did you sign up package with them ?

 

[snowie]

Hi Ryn!

Thanks much for taking note of the lighting for me!

Hahaa.. what you pointed out about them promptly filling up water, and probably also wine and beer - is really a point to look out for!! I read somewhere that upfront, we should tell the hotel whether we want their staff to fill up wine only when guests request for them or they should fill up before glasses are empty, and also to indicate if they should be filled half-glass or to the brim. Never thot we would need to go to such knitty-gritty details, but I guess it might help in fraying some costs!

Yes, the dancing waiters sounds really cheezy!!! I know not why the hotel seems to think that's a perk to us!

The lit-up champagne glasses sound nice.. But since I won't be doing the champagne-pouring bit, perhaps I'll just request for them to light that up when the room is dimmed!

Hi Travelle,

Hmmm.. with what you've shared, I'm tempted to take some of my wedding pictures at Conrad too!

I've not seen the Presidential Suite, but I would believe that should be worthy of some nice photos.

And the walnut cream sounds really yummy! Now I can't wait for my turn to go for food-tasting..

 

[helpless]

Dear all,

learning about conrad from this website together with seeing the actual ballroom setup for wedding have got me interested in choosing conrad as the place for my wedding next year. i got a quotation from the conceige and learned that the price would be $1018 for each table (running at full capacity) after sept 2002. i have yet to make an appointment with the catering people but can i just check with you girls who have liaisied with conrad before, what are the things that i should look out for eg. are seat covers included? any free beers? chocolates instead of mini cakes for guests? etc etc.

thank you in advance.

 

[faith]

Dear helpless
I've signed up with Debby from the Catering Sales. My package is S$1,018 for next year which includes free seat covers, you can opt for chocolates or mini cakes. There is no free beer included, you got to buy from the hotel, prices as indicated in the quotation that you've collected from the conceige. For Conrad, you need a minimum confirmation of 20 tables for Mon-Fri & Sun, but a min. 25 tables confirmation for Sat. Their max. capacity for their ballroom is 34 tables. Usually for banquet package, the normal perks that you look out for are the complimentary food tasting (Conrad charge S$50+++/pax, not FOC), complimentary seat covers (most of the hotel provide FOC), complimentary bridal suite (1~2 nites), anniversary dinner voucher, complimentary 70% invitation cards, 20% carpark ticket, free bottle of champange for toasting etc....., the rest are the common points listed in the quotation. My opinion is that the more no. of tables you can confirm on the contract, you should have more bargaining power to an extend especially for weekdays. They're more firm and steep with Saturday cos they know that is popular and they always have no problem selling it.

 

[helpless]

Thank you, faith.

but i thought food tasting is complimentary for reservation of 25 tables or more is it?

in your opinion, will 34 tables be too packed, ie.no space for march in?

do you think i can ask for one night stay in the p suite and another night in the normal suite if my wedding dinner is on a separate day from the customary ceremony?

thank you in advance.

 

[faith]

Dear helpless
Like I've mentioned earlier, the more no. of tables you confirmed, you've greater bargaining power to an extend, I suppose. Ya, I think there shouldn't be any problem getting complimentary food tasting with 25 tables confirmed. I've only confirmed their min. which is 20 tables. I predict to have around 22~24 tables, so didn't want to risk to confirm the figure @ 25 tables, if I end up not having the figure that I confirmed, I'll have to pay for those extra tables !

I've seen somebody's wedding there which has 33 tables, looks abit packed (from table to table) but I guess still got room to move around slowly for table to table toasting. Dun worry, they will still leave the centre walkway empty for your march in.

As for the bridal suite, I know that they've the promotion now on female bride magazine where you get select a one nite presidential suite stay or two nites centennial suite stay. Not sure whether they can accept your request but no harm asking them.

When is your wedding next year ? Which month ? Weekday or weekend ? I suggest you make an appt. to meet up with Debby, she would be pleased to give you more detailed information or if you can wait, attend their show on 22 July this month...I think they will be giving away good perks or some promotion for couples who booked with them during the show. I can't wait till then to book cos I'm afraid my date will be taken up during this period of time.

 

[helpless]

Dear faith

i have not got a date yet but my other half would like it to be on a saturday. we prefer the last quarter of the year as we were thinking of visiting japan or korea in their colder months for our honeymoon. i will arrange an appointment with debbie soon to discuss with her. thank you for sharing your opinion.

 

[faith]

Hi helpless

My wedding is in Dec 2002. I heard 7 & 14 Dec 2002 (both Sat) were taken up already...better hurry if you really decide on Conrad.

Let me know if you need more information. Have fun meeting Debby, good luck. Keep me update of your experience with Conrad.

 

[nicole]

Hi Faith and Helpless,

Read yr postings, just want to confirm with Faith that 7th and 14th of Dec 2002 are taken up in Conrad. I know it because I held 7th tentatively in March this year and Judy who attended to me (who is a very pleasant and wonderful staff to work with) told me that another couple was eyeing 7th dec 02 and so i had to let my booking go and booked 14th, shortly after, I had to let go of 14th too.......Judy told me that the Saturdays in Dec 02 are being booked fast,so i suggest, u hold a date first tentatively in case u can't get the weekend date.

Conrad is really quite exclusive and I like the ballroom setup a lot. I think u shld take the pres suite promotion, its really big and impressive...with a kitchenette.....

Nicole

 

[faith]

Dear Nicole
So, you had let go 7th & 14th Dec, have you confirm a date already ? I think most probably I'll chose to have 2 nites Centennial Suite cos if I choose the Pres Suite, I can only have one nite....which I dun want, imagine the next day after wedding, had to rush for check out @ 12 noon ! And also doesn't seems the necessity to have the kitchen area. I've seen the suite already.

 

[nicole]

hi Faith,

Due to capacity constraints, I am not going to have my banquet dinner at Conrad. Instead, I am going to hold it at The Fullerton.

U are rite abt 2 nights better than 1 night stay. But I figured that if I were u, I would pick the Pres suite and then request to stay another night at a cheaper price/rate. Because perhaps this is the one and only chance in my life time to stay in a pres suite...

Nicole

 

[faith]

Dear Nicole
Thanks for your suggestion, in fact, I'm desparate & dreaming to have the pres suite for the 1st day and centennial suite for the 2nd day or 2 nites @ pres suite...hee, which i think it's impossible ! Anyhow, will try my luck to request from them when I start discussing the banquet arrangement with them next year.

 

[mike888]

Hi all

What do u think of Conrad Hotel? Thinking of holding my dinner there? Any good / bad experiences to share?

Thanks a lot

Cheers

 

[lelia]

Hi Mike888

The food is not fantastic in my opinion. The stage is also very cramp - small.
Also though my friend only had 25 tables, the enire ballroom was squashy with little walking space.

I like the place and wanted to consider it for my wedding too as the service is very good, even the rooms are great but the ballroom is a bit of a turn off, small stage and food not that fantastic.

Thanks

 

[helpless]

Hi faith,

my other half and i went down again to see Conrad last week. still think the ballroom is too small. guess we have to consider other hotels. anyway, thanks for your help.

 

[faith]

Dear helpless
If u really got doubts about the size of the ballroom, then better not force yourself. Wish that you can find your ideal ballroom soon.

 

[platy]

Hi to all,

Can anyone advise me on what other perks I might be able to request for before I finalise confirmation with Conrad?

They offered me complimentary seat covers without me even asking for them first; as well as silver/gold table runners for all tables.

Also, would anyone know if having 34 tables in the ballroom would be too much of a squeeze?

Much appreciated!

 

[cleo]

Hi Gals,
I met up with Debbie on last Wed with 2 of my girlfriends as my hubby was having lessons that evening....It happened that there was a wedding dinner that nite and Debbie specifically asked me to meet her on that evening.

Well, I went to their wedding show in Jul and was very impressed with their overall set-up but be prepared as the standard set-up for wedding dinner will not be that grand. However, it can be seems as simple yet elegant especially with the unique central floral piece (where the glass bowl lies on top of a leaf with candles and petals floating on the water)....The stage deco was in a way different from other hotels ....luckily there was no RED deco. used or else I would have fainted........
Me and hubby went again last Sat evening to catch a peek at the ballroom and there was a wedding there and basically the deco and set up were the same except the stage deco(Debbie said that it is up to the couple to choose). We went to Regent, Grand Copthrone, Hotel Inter-continenntial (sorry for wrong spelling?!)to take a peek as well and in comparison where these are all the 5-stars or luxury hotels, I would say that Conrad is still the best..which suits my requirements...where I want my wedding dinner function to be simple yet elegant, clean style of deco, good service, food-wise...at least above average with all fresh ingredients, whatever that should be served hot be hot and served cold be cold....
I will have to confirm my booking latest by 22/8(Wed) as that's when the promotion ends.....now I am only worried that whether I can recover my costs.........Ciao...

 

[snowie]

Hi Cleo,

So have you decided? Must say that from exchanges with most people, Conrad is pretty well-received. People have this notion that the hotel is very exclusive and banquet expensive - so there's some draw on the grandeur there.

And most of the designers and photographers I've visited, they tend to nod their heads when they learn that we're having our wedding at Conrad. The designers say our gowns have to be "grand" to be befitting, and photographers like the cosiness and say nice photos can be taken.

With all that said, of course, I'm going one of those who's gonna be a Conrad bride..

Could you share with me what the promotion is about? Really like to find out what I'm missing out!!

If you need more details, I'll be more than willing to share..