Advice on being a good host

[airick]

Hi,

I have an important client who will be in town from Dec 3 to 11 with his family. As a goodwill, I'm paying for all their logistics and yes hotel too...

So I'm looking for the lowest possible costs without comprimising on service quality.

For the hotel I came across RELC near Shangrila, its a bit aloof but seems nice. Any comments, or suggestions for other hotels (min 4 star) with decent pricing ?

For their transportation (7 of them), I tried the bigger companies they cost a bomb. I also came across a smaller company eBustop. Their charges are much lower, but whats the experience like dealing with such smaller transport companies ? In many places like India/Brazil, I know its must to avoid such services ... not sure whats it like here.. they have a website http://www.ebustop.com/

For their dining, I have spoken to outlets such as Michael Angelo, Equinox or even indian restaurants such as komalas and they do give out food vouchers, which I can pass on them. Any suggestions on where else they give out food vouchers ?? They are irish, but can take just about anything.. even game for spicy stuff. Reason I need vouchers is so that I won't have to accompany them everyday.

[durain]

wow... must be a BIG fish. can i be your client too?

for hotels, have a look at www.asiarooms.com. for transportation, you can book a big 7-seater taxi (called MaxiCab). for food, lots of restaurants around orchard road, not sure about food vouchers. i know they are irish, but surely they are not that TIGHT!

[Zeenit]

What part of Ireland are they from. My guess is that they use to a high std of living and cutting corners, they will know.

Not sure why you want higher thn 4* but want to pay 1* price.
In the UK there is a saying, " you want to show off champagne but only want to spend beer prices"

[airick]

What part of Ireland are they from. My guess is that they use to a high std of living and cutting corners, they will know.

Not sure why you want higher thn 4* but want to pay 1* price.
In the UK there is a saying, " you want to show off champagne but only want to spend beer prices"

Come on fella.. its me who's paying for their ENTIRE trip. So before I run out of cash and join the credit crunched queue... Thought someone can help me...

Yea its a big big fish... but I'm sure there are many small companies out there, who offer value for money services.. I have to cut corners true, but my clients shouldnt even smell that... they should get good service.

for transport i'm going ahead with eBustop, maxicab is quite a ripoff.. for hotels i was also recommended rezource.. but cant seem to find their website, and also toureast.net ... they offer better pricing than asiarooms.

For food outlets... any other outlets which offer dining coupons which can be prepaid ?

[durain]

For food outlets... any other outlets which offer dining coupons which can be prepaid ?

take them eat singapore style mah, go newton circus hawker center!

[Zeenit]

For food outlets... any other outlets which offer dining coupons which can be prepaid ?

take them eat singapore style mah, go newton circus hawker center!

That will cost big bucks...Tourist prices

[durain]

true... but cant think of anywhere CHEAP around orchard/scott. food republic in wisma is also expensive.

how about far east plaza? nice chicken rice there.

[Strong Eagle]

Why not just settle on some daily cash amount you an afford for transportation, food, entertainment, and drinks? Each morning, hand him a red envelope with however much you think he needs to get through the day.

If he's a cheap bastard, he'll pocket it all and eat at a hawker center and take the MRT, otherwise he can seek accommodation and food inline with what you provided or augment as he sees fit.

Personally, I'd be careful about giving it all away. I appreciate 'business development', I don't appreciate someone trying to bribe me. Capiche?

[airick]

Nah this guy wont take a red packet and pocket all the remainder. The total cost of the trip is probably pea of peanuts to him.. so basically to him is i'm just doing a small favour for him in return for all business he's willing to direct towards my direction...

[airick]

Are there any fun activities to do in Singapore ? Don't think there's skiing, bungee jumping kinduff thing here... Really clueless on this...

[durain]

need more sweetening to seal the deal?

[ScoobyDoes]

For their transportation (7 of them), I tried the bigger companies they cost a bomb. I also came across a smaller company eBustop. Their charges are much lower, but whats the experience like dealing with such smaller transport companies ? In many places like India/Brazil, I know its must to avoid such services ... not sure whats it like here.. they have a website http://www.ebustop.com/

I know one local company offering 8-seater MPV, with driver for $40 per hour, min 3hrs. They do 13-seat Combi min-buses for $35 per hour.

Charges include the driver, parking, ERP, fuel, unlimited mileage etc. though there is an extra midnight charge similar to the taxis. don't know how this fits into your plans.


Food: as much local stuff as possible...... can't think of many people that come out from Europe and just want to eat burgers and steaks.

[Zeenit]

need more sweetening to seal the deal?

Must be a big deal for him to have ofered them this all expense paid trip on "his dollar.

[durain]

Food: as much local stuff as possible...... can't think of many people that come out from Europe and just want to eat burgers and steaks.

irish pub lunch, singapore style?

[Blue Sapphire]

What is your budget for a night stay at a hotel? Maybe you could also try some boutique hotels.

It sounds like you are paying for their every meal? You are looking for a cheaper hotel but sending them to Micheal Angelo for dinner that charges $150 per person? I just dont get it.