The hotel is beautiful and is located on a hillock. The food is sumptuous if you are a fan of Asian especially chinese cuisine. There is nothing much to shop in Cameron Highlands except for strawberries and honey perhaps.. Visiting on the weekends is not advisable as you may have to wait for checkin at 2 pm. During week days, the probability of getting an early checkin is higher.. Didnt try the room service and hence cant comment about it. Not many channels on the TV and I had no intentions to sit in the rooms and watch TV. The staff are quite friendly and courteous. Its better to get some local currency before reaching there. The rates are a tad too low at the hotel as it happens with any five star hotel. Yes, booking is mandatory. And throughout the year, it seems to be crowded. Its advisable to book it atleast a week in advance.
One advice on the local tours - do not take it from any of the outside parties. Arrange it through the hotel. And have limited number of tours organized - there are 4 or 5 options. I got greedy and took 3 of them. Got really tired. Try some unique ones depending on your taste - trekking or sight seeing or shopping.