Singaporebusinesshotelsreview,newbrandsin2023,funboutiquebeds

byStuartWolfendaleandVijayVerghese

updatedMay2024

Singaporegetsanothereye-catchingmakeoverasMarinaMandarinbecomesthePARKROYALCOLLECTIONMarinaBaywithgreencredentialsgalore,birdsong,andconferencefacilitiestodroolover/photo:VijayVerghese

IT’SHARDenoughtocatcharushhourglimpseofthatgreatendangeredspeciesofSingapore–theLesserSpottedTaxi–butwhenyoufinallydo,thedriverisawalking(well,driving)encyclopaedia,utterlyconversantwithstreetfoodandthelatestgossipyheadlines.Atsunamiofknowledgeisthendirectedatyou,thepassenger,inasinglenonstopsoundbitestartingassoonasthedoorclicksshut.StayingatthevenerableRafflesFearyenot–you’llbeknockingbackaSingaporeSlinginnotime.

TheBarat15StamfordgleamswithpolishedwoodatTheCapitolKempinski/photo:VijayVerghese

TheMercureICONisa989-roombehemothwithafast-steppingcontemporaryvibe/photo:hotel

ThisChinatownstreetiswheresomeofSingapore'smorevenerableChineseclubsfirstoriginated.RoomsatthisAccorpropertyserveuplight-filledroomswithfloor-to-ceilingwindowsorbalconiesandeco-friendlyamenities.

Moreinourindependentfirsthandreviewsbelow.

Bookedintotheentertainment-selfie-and-shoppinghubMarinaBaySandsResortPrimethewalletandyou’llbewhiskedoffbeforeyoucansay,“Canlah!”Butmumblethenameorlocalmonikerofoneofthecity’strendynewboutiquehotels,andyoumaygetmorethanjustablankstare.“FortCanningParkonlyhasaclub,nohotel!”mydriverargued."NoCapitolhotel...thatisonHillStreetNOTVictoria..."AndthatwasthecuetostartwavingmyiPhoneinhisface,tappingmyfingeronthemap.Atip:knowyourstreetsandlandmarks.Instructionslike“BehindRafflesHotel”or“NearMaxwellFoodCentre”willscorepointsandmakeyourtaxijourneylesspainfulaswellaslessexpensive.Andyes,thealmosthiddenentrancetoTheCapitolKempinskiHotelSingapore(despiteits15StamfordStreetaddress)isviaHillStreet(whichcomesrightafterVictoriaStreet).

Youmightthinkthemostimportantdifferencebetweenluxuryandboutiqueissizeandprice;notso.Themajortrade-offsareeaseoftransportandservice.That’swhenyoumissthoseever-smilingdoormenatthelargerbusinessestablishments,especiallyonarainyday.

TheWarehouseHotelatRobertsonQuayhas37roomswithawickedlyengagingpedigree/photo:hotel

Hailingcabsmaynotbeadoddlebutboutiqueshaveasmallerinventory,enablingstafftogetfamiliarwithyourlikesandquirks.It’scalledpersonalisedservice.Expectfreebieswithpackagerates–usuallyintheformofcomplimentaryin-roomWiFiorBroadbandand,occasionally,minibaritemsonthehouse.There’salsothelureofsamplingthewhimsicalatreasonablerates.Thinkrooftopbathtubs,horsehairmattresses,suspendedbeds,neonblueroomsandloftsresemblingspaceships.WhynotstayinafunhotelMorelaterinourSingaporeboutiquehotelsreviewsection.

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AtthehigherendoftheSingaporebusinesshotelsmarketthereisarichandexpensiveselectionofproperties.OpeningtheirdoorsarethelargeIRs(IntegratedResorts)intheMarinaareaandSentosaIsland.Afewthousandluxuryroomsfloodingthemarketinborderlinerecessionarytimesisaprospecttoturnanyhotelier’sfacesheet-whitebutbusinesstravellercheeksareacquiringthatwarmaccountant-friendlyglow,ifyouknowwheretolook.It’snoteasytofindcut-pricedeals.Buttryandpickaweekdevoidofroom-fillingconferences.

Atoverahundredyearsold,theGoodwoodParkHotel,at22ScottsRoad,isoneofaclutchofhotelssetaroundtheOrchardRoadarea,the“OxfordStreet”ofSingapore.Otherclustersaretotheeast,aroundtheMarinaCentreandBeachRoad,andtothesouth,coveringthecentralbusinessdistrict(CBD)andChinatown.ButonwithourreviewofthevenerableGoodwoodParkHotel.

Builtin1900astheGermanTeutoniaClubtheestatebecameGoodwoodHallin1918,graduatingtoGoodwoodParkHoteltwoyearslater.ThehotelremainedsupremelyunruffleddespiteabriefoccupationbyinvadingJapaneseforcesin1941andreturnedtoitsformerownersin1947,changinghandsonelasttimein1968.TheGoodwoodPark’soriginaldesign,afteraRhinelandcastle,explainsitsdistinctivecentretower.Nowhereelsedoesitriseabovethreestoreys.Despitetheadditionofamodernfacade,thehotelstillfeelssomewherebetweenahillstationclubandapukkahcricketpavilion–aperfectescape.

Guestroomshavesmallpanewindowsthatyoucanopenoutwards.Standardroomshaveaclubarmchairandfootstoolwhereyoucouldimagineagreatauntsittingandfrettingoverwherethesycehadgottowiththecar.Theroomsarebigbutthebathroomsareamoreaveragefit.

ColonialchicGoodwoodPark/photo:VijayVerghese

AttachedtothemainbuildingistheMayfairWing(builtin1970),withmorecontemporarysuitesthathaveundergoneamajorS$2millionrenovationtoreturnconsiderablysprucedupmid2013.The77roomslargelyringacourtyardwithacentralBalinese-styleswimmingpool.Expecteye-catchingblack-and-whitephotographsofoldSingaporeshophousesadorningtheentireheadboardwall,vividcrimsonbedrunners,empirechairs,pale-woodtable,cabinetsandtrim,ergonomicchairforcrankybacks,flatscreentelevision,andseveralthoughtfullyarrayedplugsockets(three-pinsquare)forallyourgadgetsonthego.

Thehotel’safternoontearemainsoneofthecity’sfavourites,especiallywiththeJapanese.Alongthecorridortothecoffeeshop,whereAmericanbreakfastaromaswaft,thereisstillanembeddedIndiantailor.Enroute,inseason,grabagreenteamooncakeorsomeotheralluringtidbit.

JustbehindtheGoodwoodParkisTheElizabethHotel,acentrallylocatedSingaporebusinesshotelthatisneat,contemporary,comfortableandeconomical,withoutexcessivefrillsandflash.Plus,WiFiiscomplimentary.TheElizabethisashorthopfromOrchardRoadandsetjustawayfromthebustle.

AndrightnextdoorisTheQuincyHotel,anall-suiteboutiquehotelthatrunslikeanormalhotel’sclub/executivefloor;onlythistreatmentextendstoall108ofitsrooms.Stayinghereisakintoputtingupatastylishhomeofagoodmate–comfortable,cosybutwiththatwelcomedaway-from-homefeel.Theall-inclusiveratecoverscomplimentaryInternetaccessanywhereinthehotel,fullboardmealsandfree-flowsnacksandbeveragesatthein-houserestaurant,airporttransfers,laundry,andfreeuseofthemini-barintheroom.

Quincyboutiquestyle/photo:hotel

There’sasenseoffashionableneatnessandspacefromitsfloor-to-ceilingglasslobby,door-lessroomwardrobesandquirkymodernfurniture.Roomsandbathrooms(separatebathtubandstandingshower)arefairlyspacious,withdaybedsbythewindowaddinganicetouch.Theminibariswell-stockedwithmunchies,beer,sodaandlocaldrinks.Roomamenitiesincludeiron,safe,42-inchflatscreenTVandMoltonBrowntoiletries.Alsoexplorethe24-hourgym,infinitypoolandoutdoorchill-outareas.

Forsomethingentirelydifferent,fartherupScottsRoadisthecrispdoyenofSingaporebusinesshotels,theSheratonTowersSingapore,with420rooms,including18themesuites.Refurbishmentsin2012havebroughtroomsfromclassictocontemporary,withmoretech-savvytouchesandamoderncolourscheme.Updatestothefacadeanddrivewaycontinuein2013.

Theplacehaslongbeenafavouriteamongexecutivetravellersandoffersanarsenalofgoodiestopleasethemosthardboiledcustomer.ThemarbleandglassValhallalobbyisagoodintroductiontoSingapore’spenchantforcathedralentrances.Anotherfeature,typicaloflocalhotelarchitecture,isthehighway-widesweepingcarpetedstaircasedownfromthemezzaninefloor.

Roomshaveunusuallylarge,marble-toppeddesks,mediahubs,BrazilianMacassarEbonywoodfurniture,plentyofplugpoints,adjustableArtemidereadinglamps,bedsideambiencecontrols,atop-openingsafe,powerfulhairdryersandarainshower.RoomshaveWiFiaccess,butitcostsS$20perday.Guestscanorderfroma“pillowmenu”,evenbeforetheirarrival.

Shangri-LaSingapore'snew-lookTowerWinglobby/photo:VijayVerghese

Theglass-sidedcoffeeshopsurroundedbyatropicalgardenwitharockwaterfallisoneofakind.TheSheratonisonlyabrisk15-minutewalkfromtheOrchardRoadepicentre.Onsultrydaystakeacab.TheSheratonTowersisasoundSingaporebusinesshotelchoice.

WithanenviouslocationinsecludedandleafyOrangeGroveRoad,sufficientlyfarfromcityhubbubbutcloseenoughforacivilizedpootletoshoppingmallsandeateriesbythemile,theShangri-LaHotel,SingaporeisaMuscleMICEhotelwithasurprisinglydelicatetouch.WhiletherevitalisedTowerWing(launchedin1971)sportsanentirelynew-look2017lobbywithsoaringcolumns,cleanzenlines,creamfurniturewithblacktrimandastunningbasaltrockverticalgardenbehindthebar,theGardenWingslowsthetempowithitswaterfallsandatriumrockgardentoenticeleisuretrippersandfamilies,whilethereticentValleyWingbeckonstopcorporateswithornateluxedigsandtheBaroque-stylechandelier-drippingStateroomforcorporatemeetingsorCEOchinwags.

TowerWingroomatShangri-LaSingapore/photo:VijayVerghese

Largetactileroomswitches(includingforthebaywindowcurtains)areateithersideofthebedasarepipereadinglightsandthree-pinelectricsockets.TheMasterswitchactuallydoesbanishalllightunlikeatmanyotherhotels.Andtheindividuallampsareindependentlyoperatedgivingguestsgreatercontroloverthelighting.Astandalonedressertablewithitspull-upmirrorwithframelightingandhairdryerwillevokeoohsandaahsfrommany.Parkontheaccompanyingtallslimperchandblastaway.Anicetouchthis.Creamcorridorswithsoftcarpetingleadonpastlargedark-wooddoorstotheliftlobby.

Thelushgreenlobbyleafcascade-rememberLostHorizon-isbyHiroshiSawadawithanassistfromanAustraliandesignerandaScottishstonemason.Thebasalthoversmoodilyabovethebarman'sheadwithitsfernsandmosscatchingthenatuurallightspillingintothearea.Thedecorcreatesaharmoniousflow.Yes,fengshui.BetternewsforpinstripersisthefreeWiFithroughouttheproperty.Aminorniggleforsome-occasioningafewgrumbles-willbethelengthybreakfastqueuesespeciallyatconferencepeaktimeatTheLine(nopunintended).Thegroundlevelrestaurantburstsattheseamsmorningsbutsometablesspilloutfacingthepoolandgreens,relievingthepressure.Onthebrightside,theliveeggstationhereisthefriendliestandthemostefficientofanySingaporehotelanditisapleasuretobeservedafterdealingwiththepressofhurryingbodies.Getinearly.Orlate.

TheGardenWingunderwentaS$66millionrenovationin2012,whichinfusednewlifeintothetropicaljungleatrium,158nature-inspiredrooms,andmeetingareas.Therevampalsoaddedanewdiningconcept,WaterfallCafe,whichservesuphealthyMediterraneandishesbythepool.Standardroomsstartfrom50sqmandfeaturescallopedbalconieswithviewsofthegardensorswimmingpool.Meanwhile,thelavish131sqmPremierBalconySuitesgoall-outwithoutdoorJacuzzis,privatebarbecuegrillsandfront-rowseatsto15acresoftropicalgreenery.ValleyWingroomshoverinthe70sqmrangemakingthemamongthelargestinthecity,notjustatthishotel.Apresworkswiminthelargefreeformpool,jog,stretchinthegardens,orswingoutwithtennis.OrgetamassageorlavishwellnesstreatmentatCHItheSpa.

Shangri-La'snewHorizonClub/photo:VijayVerghese

ThenewlookHorizonClubLoungeonthe29thflooroffersvastviewsinpalewoodysurroundswithgentlecurvedscreensandflowers.Ifyouwanttoswapthecitylocationfortheseaside,there’sasisterhotelonSentosaisland,Shangri-La’sfive-starRasaSentosaResort,Singapore.

TheOrchardHotelSingaporeat442OrchardRoad,isatwo-wing,656-roompropertywithabuzzaboutit,particularlyintheeveningswhenthelobbyandOrchardCaféareheaving,andseatsatHuaTingRestaurantareasrareasdragon’steeth(it’swidelyregardedasoneofthebestChineserestaurantsintown).Deluxeroomshaveafengshuiwindowinthebathroomwallsoyoucanwatchthe32-inchLCDTVwhileyousoak.Therearespotreadinglightsonstalks,alaptop-sizedsafewithcharger,andsomeroomsincludeaverysupportivehigh-backeddesk-chair–besttoenquireifyouareplanningalengthybusinesstrip.Bathroomsarelarge,arecurringfeatureinmanySingaporehotelsandarelieftolargerguests.

Foradesignerexperiencethehotelhasfourfloorsofopulentlycolourfulclubrooms.Themostpowerfuldesignisthered-and-blackwithrichsilks,darkrosewood,hugereddrapes,framedwindowandblack-tiledbathroom.TheExecutiveLoungeissimilarlyappointed–thinkupmarketopium-den.RoomsintheClaymorewinghavesimilarfacilitiesandarefractionallylarger,buttheexteriorlooksabitlikeapharmaceuticalfirmandinsideit’snotasmuchfun.

At36sqmthedeluxeroomswereclassicandperfectlycomfortable,butasuitedoubledthefootprint.Unfortunately,forthelessagile,bathroomslackedwalk-inshowers,somethingweimaginetheConradwillrectify.Theotherneedofthehourwillbehairdryersthatactuallyfrontamirrororhavelongercordstoaccessthebathroom.

Thegoodnewsfordie-hardsisthatthedarklyelegantManhattanbar,thescrumptiousItalianBasilico,lobbyeateryDolcettoandtheChinesecuisineSummerPalaceliveon.

HotelJenTanglinnewlookClubRoom(formerlyTraders)/photo:hotel

Closeby,thebusinesslikeandbuzzingHotelJenTanglinSingapore(rebrandedOctober2014fromTradersHotel,Singapore),re-emergedinDecember2015withabreezyall-newlooksportingbrightcolours,lightandairyspaces.Itremainsastapleforon-the-goexecutivetravellers,withbriskservice,acentrallocation,easy-to-catchtaxisandinterestingfoodoutlets(trythejollyAhHoi'sKitchenpoolside).Jen'sKitchenontheGo,analldayCafeisatartedupeateryforlargernumbersandsupportslocalstart-upswhomayhavetheirproductsondisplay.WiFiisnowfree.Hurrah.All565roomshavebeenrefurbished,droppingthedarkwoodyinteriorsinfavourofcreampastels,flashesofyellow,stripedwindowsidedivans,andcontemporarydecorwithcutawaybathrooms.Thismakesawelcomechangeandhelpsvisuallystretchtheotherwisecompactspace.Compact25sqmroomsfeatureanLCDTV,dataport,not-quite-laptop-sizesafe,andahandyironandironingboardcombo.HotelJenhasawell-equippedbusinesscentre,ahealthclub,spa,andthefriendlyRumpolesbar.Pickaneat50sqmSuiteformorestretchspace.

SisterpropertyHotelJenOrchardGateway(2014,nearSomerset)servesupfreeWiFi,27sqmroomsinlightpastels,a24-hourfitnesscentreandarooftopwadingpool.

Justaroundthecornerfromhere,atonequietendofOrchardRoad,thegleamingStRegisHotel,Singaporeimpresseswithanexpansivemarblelobbyandprivateartcollection,includingseveralofFernandoBotero’svoluptuoussculptures–theplumprecliningnudebythefrontentrancehasabottomtorivalJ-Lo’s.

The299-roomSingaporeluxuryhotelalsofeaturesa600capacityJohnJacobBallroomwithskylights,aswellasair-conditionedtenniscourtsandaplushRemedeSpa,whichelicitsoohsandahsfromSingaporeansfamiliarwithitsdelights–expectaquariums,icefountains,marblebedsandcedarwood.Tryawarmjadestonemassage,anoliveandeucalyptusblacksoapbodyscrub,orasteamyVichyshower.

Whiletheexterioristhesortofreflectiveglassfa?adeubiquitousinAsiathesedays,insideyouwillfindluxuryandtechnologyartfullycombined.TheStRegisisunashamedlyplush(findafree-standingdive-inbathtubinseveralrooms)andhi-tech–largebedsidebuttonpadscontroleverythingfrom“cosy”lightingtodrawingthecurtains.Thiscangetfiddly.Getitfiguredoutrightaway.Thepresetbuttonlightconfigurationsrunfromcosy,anddim“movie”to“reading”,thebrightestarrangement.WiFicostsS$20perdayforuptothreedevices,andS$28dailyforuptoeightdevices.

Expecthand-paintedchinoiseriesilkwallpaper,JimThompsonsilkthrowpillows,a42-inchflat-screenTV,asmalleroneinthebathroom,twinvanities,massagejetsin-shower,generousfrom-the-spatoiletries,awellthoughtoutworkdeskwithmulti-pinsockets,Bosesoundsystemanda24-hourbutlerforallyourtea,coffeeandbath-drawingneeds.Butlersarehandybutanin-roomtea-makingfacilitywouldbewelcome.

StRegisroom/photo:hotel

Roomsarespaciousandmovie-setspoiling.Ifallthisisnotenough,hopintoaBentleyforawhisper-smoothairporttransfer.Thehotelofferssubtletextures,mutedyetrichdécor,blown-glass,deepcarpets,andinlaidmarblefloors.Finelyveinedmarblelinestheliftwallsandavelvetseatisonhandforthosewhosimplyhatetostand.Afterhours,walkthroughtoweringsilverdoorsintotheclubbyAstorBarandunwindonaredleatherchair.

TheStRegisisplush,withoutoverstatement,graciouswithoutbluster,almostZeninitsquietdetachment.AdjacenttothedevelopmentaretheStRegisResidences.Ifyou'retrawlingforSingaporebusinesshotelsthatofferstyle,luxury,serviceandlocation,thisisoneforyourdiary.

Amblefartherdowntheroadandyou’llcometothe388-roomOrchardRendezvousHotel(formerlyOrchardParade).RoomsaredeckedoutMediterranean-styleandthehomeydecorgivestheplaceacosyfeel.LoversofshoesandbagswillfindtemptationrightnextdoorinForumTheShoppingMallanditsmanyswishboutiques.

TheFourSeasonsHotelSingaporeentranceisanearly19thcenturyreceptionsuitewithartdecoembellishments,Egyptianpillars,WilliamIVarmchairs,low,barrelledceilings,shutters,blacklampshadesandareceptiondeskintwilight.Asianartworkscatteredthroughoutaddstotheambience.Itisoneofthoseclassactswherenothingtotallymatchesbuteverythingisinplace.There’sanintimate,boutiquefeeltothis255-roomhotel.

Asidelobbylivingroomthatonceofferedsumptuouscreamfurnishingsfordeepseatedreclineandbusinesschatshasbeensealedfrominside,convertingin2019toaneventspacewithaccessfromoutside.

FourSeasonsbreezyBoulevardRoom/photo:hotel

ThelobbyandbarareahasbeenrevampedwiththepopularOne-NinetyBarextendingfurtherintoabreezyalcoveandOne-NinetyRestaurantpresentingbrightly-litpressedflowerglasspanels.Classyandbright.Thesouvenirshopcontinuesbrisklyaseverandcanstillrustleupabed,yesaFourSeasonsbed,foraroundS$5,000ormore.

NewlookDeluxerooms(returningrefreshedsummer2018)areaspacious49sqmandtheearlyVictorianfeelhasfast-forwardedtocreamcontemporarywithcleanlinesandminimalisminfusedwithaBotanicalGardensthemeandsprinklingsofPeranakanporcelain.Thecorridorsserveuppalebluecarpetsandleadtolargewhitewoodendoors.Theplumpbedsarehugelyinvitingatopapowderbluerugwithpalegoldheadboardsand,inaBoulevardRoom,twothree-pinmultiplugsocketseithersideofthepillows.Bedsarecustom-made–andforsale.Visitthegiftshop.That’sright.Thefirmnesscanbeadjustedtoo.Simplyask.

Expectagreydivanbythewindow,aroundtableforcasualworkordining,twomorethree-pinsockets,BOSEsound,whitelouvredcupboardswithanironandironingboardandalaptop-friendlysafe.Alargehairdryeraccompaniesthedressertablewithitstallmirror.Themarbledbathroomservesupasoakingtubaswellasarainshower,weighingscale,bidet,twinvanities,aclassicclockandL'Occitanetoiletries.

Eggshellwallsandlightdrapescombinetomaketheroombrightandwelcoming.Later,getyourcaffeinehitcourtesyaLavazzacoffeemachineordipintotheminibarforaTigerBeer(areasonableS$15)orsoftdrink(S$8).

The2019roommuscleincludesfourallnewresidentialthemesuites-theRoyalSuite(1,668sqft),theGovernorSuite,theAmbassadorSuite,andthehumungousPresidentialSuite(2,142sqft)withitsblack-and-whitetheme.

FourSeasonsrooftoppool/photo:VijayVerghese

Theroofhostsabreezyrefreshedsmallpoolwithopenviews,sleekchocolatesunchairsandtwofunctionrooms-oneinpalewoodandtheotherinblondehues.TheFourSeasonsisagoodSingaporesmallcorporatemeetingschoicebutcanhandlelargereventsquitecomfortablytoowithatotal1,500sqmoffunctionspaceandaballroomforupto450guests.

FourSeasonsisconnectedbyaninternalwalkwaytotheOrchardRoadHiltonSingapore,along-timelandmarkandrefugeonthisarteryofcommerceandshopperabandon.Thehotelhashadsmartmakeoverdesigntoucheswithnewlighting,fastBroadband,andasleeknewroomlook.Thefeelisverycontemporaryandbrisk.Large37-inchflat-screenTVsandMP3dockshavemadetheirwayin-roomfacingplumpwhitebeds.TheHiltonoffers,marbledbathrooms,softmoodlighting,silktoucheswithplentyofblondewoodfeaturesand,inExecutiverooms,theluxuryofstitchedleatherheadboards.ToiletriesarefromCrabtree&Evelyn,andWiFicostsS$26.75perdayforuptofourdevices.

Thesmallremodelledrooftoppoolofferscityviewsandatouchofbreeze.HiltonisacrispandconvenientSingaporebusinesshotelchoicewithupgradedsmallmeetingsfeatures.Itisveryaccessibleandrightintheheartofshoppingmania.Thelobbyismorehipthanindaysofyore,withapolishedgleamandasuccessionofbrandnameshopwindows.CheckersBrasserieoffersarangeofaromaticbuffetsforthefastpin-stripesetorthoseexercisingtheirpalatesatamoreleisurelypace.Bestofall,in-roomlookfortheidiot-proof"HiltonAlarmClock".

OrchardRoad’sjunctionwithScottsRoadiswhereSingaporeisatitsmostcrowdedandbrassy.Ina30-floorpagodaabovetheMRTstationstandsthegreen-hatlandmarkSingaporeMarriottTangPlazaHotel,with393roomsdirectlyontopoftheMRTstationanditsfoundationsinatleastfourshoppingcentres.Nootherhotelissomeldedintothetownaroundit.ItsCrossroadsCafeisapopulatedpavementeaterystretchingbackindoorsseeminglythelengthofafootballpitch.

Remodelledin2012,DeluxeRoomsfeatureseveralplugpoints,achaiselongue,andasmallsquaretableinsteadofadesk.Thoughquitesmall,theworktableisequippedwithhigh-speedcomputerconnectionsandalltheplugs,bellsandwhistles.Décorisquietlycontemporary;thereisaking-sizedbed,safe,46-inchHDTV,two1956Eamesdeskchairs,walk-inrainshower,teaandcoffeefacilitiesand,likepracticallyeveryotherstandardhotelroomintown,anironandboard.

GrandHyattGrandRoom/photo:hotel

Thereisalsoanexecutiveroomversion.Thepoolterraceonthefifthfloorhasbeenredone.There’sanalfrescogrillrestaurantupthereandninecabana-stylePoolTerraceRoomsleadingtothepool,aswellasaluxurysuitewithsee-throughbathroomwallforhoneymooners.

Nextdoor,at10ScottsRoad,isthe662-roomGrandHyattSingapore.Ithasbeenclosedforamassiveoverhaulandnewlookandreturnsin2024.

MoreontheearlierGrandHyattSingapore:Thoughflankedbyshoppingmalls,allthatdisappearsonceyou’rethroughthedoor.Albeitatadstarkandempty,receptioniscalm,withalowceiling,blackmarble,slate,thickwoodencolumns,rocksandwater.ThewallofthepassageconnectingtheGrandWingwithitsstreetsceneviewsandtheGardenWingwithitspoolviewisonelongwaterfall.

The54sqmDeluxeRoomshavesittingandworkingareaswithBang&Olufsenflat-screenTV,Blu-Rayplayer,andretrowoodpanelling.Thereisawalk-inshowerinsidewhatisahugebathroomforitsclass,plusJuneJacobstoiletries.Guestswithbadbackswillappreciatetheeye-levelmini-bar.

Forslightlymore,theClubRoomhasa42-inchplasmaTV,andadouble-sidedclosetbetweenbedandbathroomtohelpoutroommateswhoareshyaboutundressinginfrontofoneanother.The24-hourtechnologyconciergeisonhandtoassistwith“connectivityrelatedchallenges”.WiFiispriceyhere,atS$25perday,plussevenpercenttax.TheGrandHyattpullsinadecentcrowdtoitsswishmezza9diningspreadandoffersthequietandcosyScottsloungeforaworkwarm-uporpostprandialwhispers.Later,tapyourfeetatswingingbasementdancebarBRIX.TheGrandHyattdoeswellonourSingaporebusinesshotelsreviewwithcrispserviceandattentiontodetail.

Themezzanine-levelmeetingroomsunderwentacompleterevampin2012,revealinghighceilingsandopenlayouts.Warmwoodsandcomfyseatinglendamoreresidentialfeel.It’saversatile,stylishanduniquelook.Thesecondandthirdfloormeetingroomsalsoseebigchangesthrough2013,anindustriousendeavourthatisoccasionallyheardinthelobby.

DeadoppositetheGrandHyattisthe511-roomRoyalPlazaonScotts,aratherlarge,busyhotelwithanüberswanklobbythatperhapsstrainstomakeanimpression.Entirelysmoke-free,RoyalPlazaoffersupstandard32sqmroomsatdeluxeandclublevels.Eachroofcomeswithfreeminibarbeverages,localcallsandanin-roomNespressomachine.The“HeatUltralounge”barreflectsthehotel’smodernbent,whichfiltersthroughtotheroomsintheformofergonomicchairsandfreeBroadbandandWiFi.Roomsarecleanbutuninspiring,adecentbusinesschoice,onestepdownfromthemoreluxurioushotelsfive-starsinthislist.

GardensbytheBay/photo:KateSpringer

TakingupaprimespotnexttotheupscaleParagonmall,isGrandParkOrchard,theflagshippropertyoftheParkHotelGroup.FormerlytheCrownPrinceHotel,itsfuturisticsteelandglassherringbonefa?adeandaccompanyingflashymediawallmakeitstandoutfromitsmoresubduedneighbours.Thereare308roomsandthelobbyisonthefourthlevel,togetherwiththegym,pool,barsandrestaurant.Roomsarefunctionalbutchic–expectsmart,moderninteriorsandabeautifulwomanforcompany.Onthewall,thatis.Strikingshotsofanymph-likemodelindramaticposesgreetguestsfromthewalls.

Amenitiesincludeworktable,iPoddock,flat-screenTV,safe,ironingboard,coffeeandteafacilitiesandshower.ThebusinesscentreandclubroomsoffersfreeWiFi,andannexedtothepropertyisKnightsbridge,afour-storeyshoppingcentrehostinginternationalbrandslikeTopshopandTommyHilfiger.

TherebrandedSingaporeOrchardCityCentre(stillwithinIHGandformerlytheHolidayInnSingaporeParkView)isaquiet,sedate,oftenoverlooked,propertythatneverthelessoffersacentrallocationat11CavenaghRoadnotfaroffOrchardRoad,walkingdistancefromthethrumofshopsandrestaurants.Thereare311smartroomsand28suites.DemandingexecutivetravellerscanoptfortheExecutiveClub.Forlip-smackinggoodIndianfoodtherearefewbetterspotsthantheircurryhaunt.AsecondHolidayInn,AtriumSingapore,isat317OutramRoad.

ThegreenPanPacificOrchardSingapore/photo:hotel

Thehotel,whichisvisuallystrikingwithfourremarkablehigh-ceilingopenterracesswaddledinfoliage,saysgreenerycoversawhopping14,000sqmand"occupiesover200%ofitslandarea."ThiswasthesiteoftheformerMeritusNegara,apopularmid-rangebrandthatregularbusinesstravellerstoSingaporewillrecall,andithasbeencompletelyreimagined.

Thenew23-storey347-keyPanPacificOrchard,whicharrived1June2023,featuresnumerousenergysaverslikerainwaterharvesting,solarpower,andbio-wastetreatmentthathaveearneditaBCAGreenMarkPlatinumcertification.ThiswelcomeaccoladefromSingapore'sBuildingCertificationAuthorityisaboldgreenunderlineforahotelthat'swellworthexploringforitsgreatlocation,luxestays,orsmalleventsinthe600sqmClaymoreBallroom.Expectsleepaids,pillowmenus,yoga,andlocalartisinalproductsandworkshops.Aperfectboltholeforthosesufferingacutecarboncreditguilt.

OasiaHotelNovena(openedApril2011)offersanewclubfloorandlounge,anda24-hourpool.ItislocatedinaquieterresidentialareatothenorthoftheOrchardscrumintheNovenaDistrict.Thecontemporaryrooms,somewithtimberheadboards,offer40-inchflatscreentelevisions,iPoddocks,hairdryers,ironingstations,minibarsandin-roomsafes,aswellasrainshowers.

AlsoinNovenabutalittleoutofthewayisTheForestbyWangz(underD'HotelSingaporebyAscott),sistertoboutiqueWangzHotelinTiongBahru.Locatedafive-minutewalkfromNovenaMRTStation,thisbrightandairycomplexisastandoutservicedproperty,withmemorablearchitecture,boldfurniture,andnature-inspiredartwork.

InterConnewlooklobbyJune2016/photo:hotel

Usefulforlongstayguests,aStudioapartmentis25sqm270sqft,one-bedroomDeluxegets34sqmandtheone-bedroomPremieroffersaroomy43sqmwithaneightsquaremetrebalcony.One-bedroomapartmentscomewithprivatebalconies,andallfeatureakitchenette,brightartworkandsleekdécorwithawoodytheme.TheForestoffersguestsfreeWiFi,localcalls,dailybreakfastandparking.Dropbythefitnesscentre,relaxattheresidents’loungeandroofdeck,ortakeadipintheinfinitypool.Staysmustbesevennightsormore.

SomedistancesouthwestofOrchardandTanglinenroutetoVivoCityandSentosaisthenewParkHotelAlexandra(openedearly2015),afour-stargetawaywith442roomsina13-storeyhotelpairedwiththeAlexandraCentralmall.Expectabreezy25minfinityoutdoorpool,apoolbar,andall-daydining.

TotheeastofOrchard,NorthBridgeandBeachRoadsrunningdowntothePadang,aremoretraditionalpartsoftownandsomeofthehotelstherereflectthis.AttheInterContinentalSingaporeatBugisJunction,youpassthroughanold-fashionedcourtyardandentertheoff-whitemarblelobbywithblack-and-whitetilefloorsthroughFrenchwindows.Themixisclassical-colonialandlocal.Thischarmingandgracefullyageinghotelwentthroughamajoroverhaultoreturnbymid-2016withafreshlylaunderedlook,losingnoneofitscontemporary'heritage'appeal.TheLoungeservesupitssignaturesoaringwhitepillars,avastsenseofspacewelcomingoflight,aninlaidceilingandarraysofstriking-yetunderstated-chandeliers.Theseatingiswellspreadout,invitingprivatediscussion,onblue-greenandrust-brownchairspunctuatingtheintricatelypatternedcarpet.And,everywhere,areoldvases,porcelaindisplaysandoldwoodenalmirahscreakingwithmystery.Moreofthisinthechicold-worldClubLounge,anairyandroomyenclavewithworkstationsandwellspreadoutseatingareas.

InterConExecutiveSuitewithafaceliftJune2016/photo:hotel

ArowofChineseshophouseswereearlierconvertedto“ShophouseRooms".Theethnic1920sconceptissupportedbytypicalStraitsChinesePeranakandécor–mixed,unavoidably,withhipshoppinginthestreetbelow.ShophouseroomswithcooltimberfloorsareaccessedfromthemezzaninelevelandrequireabitmoreofatrekthanTowerblockdigs.

Thedarkwoodfloorsareoriginal,completewithscrapesandvestigesofthepast,givingtheroomsalived-infeel.LookforwardtoalargeLCDtelevisionscreen,flatlaptopsafe,BOSEsound,adecent-sizeworkingdesk,adataportarraywithasinglemulti-pinplug,andcomplimentaryinternet.

Themuteddecorisinpasteltonesandbeigewithamixdarkfurnitureandartefactsthatvaryfromroomtoroom.Thereisacomfysofawithdeepcushionstosinkintoandablazingall-whitebathroomwithtwobasins,excellentlightforshavingormakeup,abathtubandaseparateshower.

ThenewBusinessRoomsaresizeable,withwhitesurroundssetoffbypalemustardcarpets,pastellinenandpearlyhues.Traditionaltextileweavesadorntheheadwall.Expectplentyoflampstoprovidepoolsoflight-ratherlikeatahome-whilenaturallightstreamsinabundantlythroughthetallwindows.Alargewoodendeskissetupforcorporatetravellersandasmallsetteeissettooneside.AnExecutiveSuitesplashesabitmorecrimsononthetexturedheadwalldisplaywithfloralpuffsateithersideoftheplumpbed.Paintingsandtallmirrorscleverlyexpandthevisualspacewhilekeepingthingshomey.Thehotelstaffisattentiveandefficientandyouwillalwaysfeelwellservedasapin-stripedsuitoraweekendleisuretripper.

NotfarfromBugisandMasjidSultanonFraserStreetisthenewish342-roomAndazSingapore(end2017),alifestyleofferinginalivelierpartoftownwithplentyoflocalflavour(asthebrandprefers).Brightandairyroomswithopenviewsstartat38sqmwithtexturedwoodfloors,palewoodwalls,creamdivans,andyellowdoorsforsomepop.Apalepatternedcarpetisplacedunderthebedssonofeetoncoldfloorsmiddleofthenight.

AndazSingaporeKingRoom/photo:hotel

Suitesrunfrom76sqmandtheAndazLoungeservesuprefreshments5pmto7pmforsuitesandleisuretrippers.DesignedbyAndreFu,thesuiteswouldbeourpickatthisfunctional,brisk,andpleasingproperty.

AroundthecornerfromtheInterContinentalanddownAlbertStreetistheVillageHotelAlbertCourt,setaroundacourtyard,inshophousestyleandwithaPeranakanambience.Theroomshaveallmodcons,includingfreeWiFi,andthereisarangeofmeetingrooms(goodforsmallandmedium-sizedevents)andpackagesonoffer.Thehotelissmartandtheroomssimpleandcosy.Theconvenientlocationandatmosphericgroundsalsomakethehotelsubstantiallyappealingtoleisuretravellers.

NotfarfromhereisSingapore’scoloniallegend,RafflesHotelSingapore,ablazingwhitecrisplylaunderedcolonialconfectiondatingbackto1887whenitbeganitsstarchedserviceasa10-roombungalow,afarcryfromthebrightlylitmusclehauntoftodaywithitsshoppingcloistersthatharkbacktoamorerecentvintage.Thehotelwasclosedbetween1989and1991foracompleterenovationthatbroughtshoppingextensionsandvastcloudsofchandeliersandthenagainwentunderthedesigner’sscalpelinFebruary2017toreturn1August2019inallitsrefurbishedfinery.Unsurprisingly,thisretreatislistedasa‘must-see’inallguidebooksthoughittakesgreatpainstokeepresidentialareasexclusivelyforin-houseguests,sopootleaboutwithcare.

Don’ttryandgetinthroughtheshoppingarcade.WalkaroundtoBeachRoad,crunchoverthecivilisedgraveltothefrontdoorandintothefronthall.Aphotowiththegrinningturbaneddoormanisprettymuchobligatory.ThehotelcomprisestheoriginalSarkiesbrothers’block(thefourArmenianSarkiebrotherswerethefoundersofthehotel),twostoreysofsuitesroundacentralcourt,andtwolaterwingsateachsidewithroomsleadingontocloistersandgrass.Theresidents-onlypool,gymandspaareontheroof.

RaffleslaunderedforegroundwithFairmont,andtallerSwissotel/photo:VijayVerghese

Althoughtraditionalistscomplained,theoriginalsuiteswereinfactrestoredtotheiroriginal1915proportions,meaningthatfalseceilingswereremovedandwentbackupto14feet.TheGrandHotelSuitesaverageoutat150sqm,withmasterbedroom,asecondbedroom,sittingroom,study,pantry,24-hourbutler,bigbrassylightswitches,servicebellsandahugebalconylookingontonothingverymuch.RefinedPalmCourtSuitesontheotherlookonto,well,acharmingpalmcourt,andserveupaspacious70sqmofelegantspacewithgleamingdarkwoodfloors,whitewallswithlouvreddoorsandnavybluesofas.StudioSuites(themostfiscallyprudentchoice)weighinatarelativelymodest46sqm,PersonalitySuitscelebratethelivesandstylesoffamousguestswhilethetopdrawerPresidentialSuitesoffer260sqmofprivaterumpusroom.

SeditiouslyscatterpeanutshellsattheLongBar,sipatrademarkSingaporeSling,sampleBBRbyAlainDucasse,Butcher’sBlocksteakhouse,theChineseYi,orenjoytheNorthIndiancurrybuffetattheTiffinRoom.No,youdon’tneedafarthingalethesedays.

FairmontSingapore(formerlyRafflesThePlaza)aroundthecornerisquiteadifferenthotel.JoinedatthehiptotheSwissotelTheStamfordSingaporenextdoor,theFairmontSingaporeisacircularbuildingwith769roomsandalobbyofredwoodfasciasandquadrilateralshapes.The70,000sqftofmeetingandconferencingspaceand15restaurantspromisetokeepyoubusywhatevertheweatherinSingapore.DeluxeRoomsare39sqmwithmini-bar,privatebalcony,BOSEsoundsystem,fullyequippeddesk,safe,ironandboardandcoffeefacilities.Plushextrasaremattressesconstructedfromtenlayersofgoosefeathers,alargebathtubandawide-spray“tropicalrainshower”.Justwhenyouthoughtyouwerebeingtreatedlikeaprince,theS$28dailyInternetaccesschargebringsyoubackdowntoearth.ThisisawelllocatedbusinesshotelandthestreetsidePregoisjustplaceforasunny,upbeatcontract-closingchatoverlightpasta.

Swiss?telTheStamfordSingaporelivesrightontopofRafflesCityshoppingmallandCityHallMRTstation.Itisatall60-floorcylinderandsincetheroomsdon’tstartuntiltheseventh,everybodygetsaviewofsomesort.Ofthe1,261rooms,845areClassicRooms,255ClassicHarbourViewRoomsand44areGrandRooms,allwithprivatebalconiesandtheusualInternet,in-roomteaandcoffee,hairdryer,safeandiron.

JWMarriottroomsarefreshandwelldesigned/photo:hotel

Whileafewextradollarsgetyouaharbourviewandthepossibilityofanevenhigherfloor,rideuptoEquinoxRestauranttogawkattheview.VariedcuisineandlimitlessviewsunlessIndonesiahasspontaneouslycombustedagainandthehazerollsin.BoththeFairmontandSwissotelofferaspafacility.

RightacrossfromthevenerableRafflesisthe654-roomPhilippeStarckdesignedluxedigs,TheSouthBeach,whichrebrandedastheJWMarriottSingaporeHotelSouthBeach(December2016).Fromthearrivalpasttheloftyripplesailcanopyintothesuddenlyhushedanddimly-litlobbythatrunsinalongcatwalkofethnicdesigns,thisisapleasantlyhallucinogenicmixofpop-artvideowalls(minusLedZeppelin'sStairwaytoHeavenorascreamingHendrixcrescendo-themusichereisreassuringlychill-out),art,texture,andzanydesign.JWhasleftmuchofthewhimsyintactbutcreatedatwosectioncheck-inwithasecondgroupentryattherearofthehotel,allowingbreathingspaceinthemainlobbyforleisuretrippersandcorporates.WiFiofcourse,remainsfree.

AlotmoresolidthanMrStarck'sotherboutiqueworks,theplacehasareassuringsoliditytoitwithlotsofstretchspace,intriguingeyecandy,andcomfortablefurniture.Nobumpandgrindricketychairshere(thoughyouwillspotthosesignaturealuminiumperchesandcommunallongbars)orknee-bangingtablessetatthatawkwardheighttotriplimberladsandprovokeachoicephraseortwo.Thisisboutiqueluxurylifestyleatitsbest,alwaysintimate,alwayspersonal,yetwithelbowroomgalore.Wanderintothelobby,watchitunfurl,andfunkily-cladstaffwillsallyforthtoperformcheck-insonthehoofasyoutakeinavisualfeastofrugs,filigreeharemlamps,redlacquerchests,lambskinthrows,texturedcushions,sink-increamsofasandanassortmentofchandeliersallleadingyoutowardsthatbeckoningvanishingpointwhereSingaporedisappearsandfantasybegins.

PhilippeStarck'sdesignsliveonattherebrandedJWMarriottHotelSingaporeSouthBeach(Dec2016)/photo:hotel

Forgetchichiwall-to-wallItalianmarble.TheJWSouthBeachoffersstark(nopunintended)hushedhigh-ceilinginteriorsincrudelypolishedgreyconcretethatlendstheplaceafriendlyunfinishedfeelakintothatofamodernmuseumorahipadvertisingagency.Thosewhoknowthatfeelingwillatoncebeathomewhilethosewhodon't,willgetusedtoitfasterthantheythink.

Themood-litliftswiththeirunderwaterthemedepictintricateoctopusandmarineposesalldaubedinelectricblueormagenta.Asyouentertheaccommodationfloors,thefeelturnsmagicallyplushwithdeepcarpetingunderfootinpalegreywithstripedbeigewalls.A41sqmroomisinvirginalwhite,thebedscreamingtoberumpled,atopablackscribblecarpet.Ifthisisawomen'sfloor(therewerethreeinthebuilding),expectpeachtrimonthequiltandpillowcases,ateddybeartowardoffstalkers,awhitedeskwiththreethree-pinmulti-plugsockets(onemaybeinusealready),socketsoneithersideofthebed,aflat-screentelevisionthatdoesin-roommenuorderstoo,creamleatherdivan,pastelart-perhapsatuftoflostcloud-ladiesslippers,andsmalllampshades.Expectadeepsoakingtubwithspecialtoiletries,arainshowerwithasensiblestooltoparkonduringtherejuvenatingdownpour,plentyoflight,pedicureimplements,steamers,pinkhangers-andfreeWiFi.Ironsareuponrequest.

Atadlargerroomdoesthesameactinstylewithavaletboxneartheentranceforwhisper-smoothlaundrytakeawaysandreturns.Moveupinspaceandstylethroughvariousroomchoicestothepenthousesuitewithitsburstsofcolour,hugevistas,andsilverwoodentableshewnoutoftreetrunks.JWMarriotthasaddedusefulstufflikemoredresserspaceforladiesandavanitytable.Flow18,asthenamesuggests,onthe18thfloorisawraparoundverandahplayandrelaxareawithaninfinitypool,smallbites,abar,loungeareas,apooltable,achrometabletennistable,andimmensevistasthatofferauniqueperspectiveontheheartofdowntownthatincludesacorneroftheF1nightracetrack,albeitfromamodestheight.

TRibutePortfolio'sVagabond/photo:hotel

Thisistheplacefortheincrowd,thecognoscenti,whohaveperhapsfledtheMarinaBaySandstourist-packedskypool.Onthe6thfloorisanotheropenandgreen'breathing'space,Ebb6SkyGarden,whileonthegroundandlowerfloorsyou'llfindtheCourtMartialBar,aredesignedgastropub,andthelobby-loungebar.AlsoexpectAkiraforJapanese,theTonicginbar,andtheMediaBar.

ForMuscleMICEinstylethehoteloffers19corporatemeetingspacesandaballroomfor500(cocktailstyle)or370(banquet)inalaundered-whitecolonialheritageblocknextdoor.TheSouthBeachdevelopmentintegratesanofficetower,190residences,thehotel,andaclub(areworkoftheNon-CommissionedOfficers'club).

ThisisaSingaporeluxuryandlifestylehoteltowatchasitgetsintoitsstride.Itisunique-engaging,withattentivestaffonrails.Markitdowninyourdiary.TheentranceisfromNicollHighway.Whilethehotelissomewhatmaroonedwithinitsownislandenclosedbymajorarterialroads-thereisnofastwalkouttofoodstallsandcitybric-a-brac-itisconnectedbyanairbridgetoSuntecCitywherefunshopping,food,andimmenseconferencevenuesaretobefound.AnditisrightacrosstheroadfromRaffles.Thisis,inanyevent,amini-destinationtobesavoured.

WalkingdistancefromLittleIndiaistheTributePortfolio'sTheVagabondClubSingapore,designedbyJacquesGarcia,andafeatherinthecapofGarchaHotels.VagabondisnowpartofMarriottBonvoysopickupyourpointshere.Itservesupwhimsy,artandstylewithflashesofcrimsonredsofas,chromeartefacts-treesandrhinos-and41roomsandsuites,somewithoutdoorterracesandthrow-openlouvredwindows,againinsignaturerust.Expecttimberfloors,largewhitebeds,darkwoodfurniture,artdisplays,47-inchLEDtelevisions,400-thread-countEgyptiancottonsheets,andbrightredfoldingscreenstoaddadashofChinachictothemix.

OneFarrer'sbreezypool/photo:hotel

Womencanenjoy"in-roomblows"witha"LadyBossPrivateBlow"startingatS$98foranin-roomhair-dowithaglassofchampagne,oroptfora"LadyBossBeauty&Blow"atS$198forin-roomhairwithmake-upand,ofcourse,aglassofchampagne.Thereisa24-hourgym.Findjustenoughwall-mountedphotographcluttertoaddahomeytouchtothings.

ClosetotheendofSerangoonRoadisthenewerOneFarrerHotel(nexttotheFarrerParkHospitaltowhichitisconnectedasamedicialtourismconvenience).Youmightmisstherecessedentrance,mistakingitforacarpark.Roomsaremodern,comfy(somearelofts),withhandicappedtravellertoilets.There'skeycardaccessinthelifts,aspa,decentfitnessarea,nicealfrescopool.modernarteferywhere,andconferencefacilities.JustacrosstheroadisthemodernParkHotelFarrerParkthatalsooffersafewloftrooms.

GrandParkCityHall(theformerParkRoyal)onColemanStreetisasoldworldasitssisterpropertyGrandParkOrchardisfashion-forward.Encompassingsomerestored,century-oldshophousesandmarkedasaheritagebuilding,thequaint336-roompropertyissurprisinglybrightandairy–thankstoaretractablesunroofthatbathesthelobbywithcheery,naturallight.Refurbishedroomsarelessold-fashionedbutthedarkcolourcombinationsfeelabitdreary.

Roomsareneat,withalltheusualamenitiesincludinga32-inchflatscreenTV,safe,hairdryerandmini-bar.Thereisasmallpool,gym,andspa.Don’tmissParkPalaceforitsdelectableCantonesecuisine.Thepluspointofthishotelisthesuperlittlecourtyardthatrunsthroughthemiddleofthebuilding–aperfectspotforacupofteaandscones.ItslocationisalsoconvenientwithRafflesCityShoppingCentreandCityHallMRTstationjustashorthopaway.

SwishFortCanningroom/photo:VijayVerghese

AnotherSingaporeheritagehotelwithseriouspedigreeistheHotelFortCanning,whichopened1November,2010.Constructedin1926fortheBritishFarEastCommand,itwaslateroccupiedbytheJapanese,thentheBritishagain,andthentheSingaporeArmedForces.Thewholepropertyisalovelyblendofhistoryandmodernity,andsetinalushpark.Camouflagejacketsareoutandnowjustcamera-totingtravellersstroll–ratherthanmarch–aroundtheThannSanctuaryandSpa,pastthetwopools(alandscapedpoolforsunbathersanda25mlappoolforswimmers)enjoyingthephotoangles.Theexteriorsarequietlyunderstatedwhiletheinteriorsofferstylishcounterpoint.Whilewaitingtocheck-in,guestscandigintofreedrinksandsnacksandenjoycomplimentaryWiFiattheswankylounge,separatedfromthereceptionbymodlatticescreens.

Youshouldliterallywatchyourstepasyouwheelyourluggagethroughthelobby–14thand19thcenturyartefactsfromarchaeologicaldigsinFortCanningParkitself,areproudlydisplayedunderglasspanelsonthefloor.Roomsserveupmod-conssuchaslargeflatscreenTVs,wirelesskeyboards,iPoddocks,Nespressomachinesandfreehigh-speedWiFi.

PremiumroomsandaboveoffercomplimentaryInternet.The28.7sqmDeluxeRoomsonthegroundfloorofferanopen-planroomwithabathtubrightnexttothebedandapatiotocatchthesun.TheworkdeskisslimbutthelaptopsafeisBIG.The42sqmPremiumRoomsserveupaparquetfloorwithsink-inleatherchairandahugebathroom,perhapswithviewsofthepark.The50sqmPremierLuxetakesthingsupanotchwithasmallfoyer(withTV),marblefloors,andanoutdoorbalcony.

CarltonNewWingPremier/photo:hotel

FortCanningisahandySingaporeconferencehotelschoiceaswellwithseveralfunctionroomsforcorporatemeetingsandtheLegendsBallroomaccommodatingupto500.ComplimentaryshuttlestoShentonWay,nearbyMRTstationsandOrchardRoadarealsoavailable.

InthisvicinitynotfarfromthevenerableRafflesisanestablishmentthathaslongservedtheharriedbusinesstravellerwithquietaplombandcorporatediscretion,the915-roomCarltonHotel.ThelocationiscloseenoughforadiveintoOrchardaswellasastrolluptotheartmuseumorRafflesCityforaspotofshopping.Thehotelre-emergedinmid-2010afterasubstantialrefurbishmentthatusheredinaminimalist,clean,bright,whitemarblelobby(achangefromtheconservativewoodyhuesofyore)andasoaringglass-and-chromeporte-cochere.Walkintospace,light,andthefriendlystreetfacingGravityBar.Roomsinthetowerwingarecontemporarywithpalepinewooddoors.FloponacomfySealymattress,workfromanergonomicHermanMillerchairoffaglass-toptablethatcanberolledabouttosuityourconvenience.Parkonthebaywindow"divan"andpullthedeskacross.

Theroomsarelargelyinpowdergreypastelsoffsetbydeepmarooncushionsandredvelvetchairs.FindWiFiforafee,twomulti-pinsockets,agenerouslyproportionedflat-screenTV,alaptop-friendlysafe,hairdryer,ironandironingboard,andanexcellenttubinalargeglassedsectionwithaHUGErainshowerforthatpost-contractwhoopeedance.

Higherroad-facingnewwingfloorslookoverRaffleshotelwithopenviewsallaround.TheCarltonoffersaswimmingpool,aspa,anditstrademarkPremierClubLounge.Thisisasafebusinesshotelforpin-stripersonthego.AlsolookatthenewerCarltonCityHotelacrosstownontheothersideofthebusinesszoneinTanjongPagar.Thisisacontemporaryconstructwithsmartroomsthatwillappealtobusinesstravellers.

CapitolKempinskiincoloniallaunderedwhite/photo:VijayVerghese

Smackintheheartofdowntownat15StamfordRoad(withadiscreteentranceonHillStreet)withinashortstrolloftheSingaporeArtMuseum,theNationalGallery,theatmosphericChijmesrestaurantcomplex,andStAndrew'sCathedral,istherefinedclassiccolonialconfectionofTheCapitolKempinskiHotelSingapore(1Oct2018),alaunderedwhiteluxuryescapewithsiblingappealintheformoftheCapitolTheatreandadjacentshoppinganddining.ThiswastheformerPatinathatdidnotgetofftheground.Pickfrom157roomsintworestoredbuildingsthatcomprisethehotel-theCapitolBuilding,andStamfordHouse.TheCapitolWing'sDeluxeroomsstartat45sqmwithcomplimentaryWiFi,laptop-friendlysafe,darkwoodyfurniture,flatscreenTVandpillowmenu.Itisaclean,minimalistlookinaneoclassicalstyle.

TheStamfordWingservesupasmalldark-woodbalustradedatriumwithnaturallightspillinginthroughaskylightonthebeigespeckledcarpetingandcreamplaster.Entera45sqmGrandDeluxe(whichmightsetyoubackjustatriflingS$650)intoacreamymarblefoyerwiththebathinganddressingareaoneitherside.Thinksoakingtub(withLCDTVscreen),rainshower,pressurejet,Ferragamotoiletries,twinvanitiesforhimandher,weighingscales,andapoliterear-upJapanesepottytodoyourmostintimatebidding.Thebedroomfeaturesrichwoodenflooring,aroomy3.6m-highceiling,alargemahoganydeskwithtwothree-pinmulti-plugsockets,ahairdryerandapull-outvanitymirrorwithlighting.AhumungousSamsungsmartTVfacestheplumpbed(withonethree-pinmulti-plugsocketoneitherside)andtuck-awayreadinglights.Completingthehomeyset-uparealongdivanalongtheFrenchwindows(tripleglazedtokeepourstreetsounds),longdrapesandgoldyblinds,matchedwithreasuringlyfamiliarbookshelvesandmirrors.Sinkinandgetyourbearings.Thereare49differentconfigurationsforfurnishings,so...

CapitolKempinskisuite/photo:VijayVerghese

A137sqmHeritageSuiteintheStamfordWingservesuptimberfloorsandasimilarmixofcolonialwhiteandreassuringwoodyhuespairedwithlongcreamsetteesandcomfycushions.Expecthighthreadcountlinenforpamperedbacks,complimentaryWiFi,24-hourbutlersandastudyareajustafterthefoyerandbeforethemainbedroom.AlocalTigerBeerinthemini-barisS$15and,asintheGrandDeluxe,non-alcoholicdrinksarefreeandreplenisheddaily.

Theprivatediningroomsandfunctionspacesareavailableforeightto220personswithmodernconferencingsolutions.AdjacentistheCapitolTheatreforclassyeventsandmore,whileapres-workthere'stheaddeddistractionofapool,fitnesscentreandspa.ThisisaSingaporeluxuryheritagehoteltokeepinmindifyouacheforthosedaysofyoreandpossessasturdywallet.Thisluxuryaddresswillcertainlyimpresswithsmallflourishesofattentiveserviceandthesumptuoussurrounds.Asanintimateretreat,TheCapitolKempinskiHotelSingaporecompareswellvsTheFullertonorHotelFortCanning.ItisfarmoreluxuriousandwithbetterqualityaccommodationthanatTheFullertonHotelSingaporethatservesupoodlesofhistorybutsomewhatPlainJanebedrooms.

OnBrasBasah,notfarfromBugis,istheRendezvousHotelSingapore,withacolonialfeelatnone-too-pinchingprice,brightroomsandafocusonART(Attitude,Retroelements,andTransformationthroughTechnology).FreeWiFihelpsandthelocationisusefulforbusinesssuitsaswellasleisuretrippers.

AcrossBeachRoadistheMarinaCentre,onreclaimedlandwithseveralfive-starhotelsofferingviewsouttosea.TheCircleLineextension(opened2012)makesthetrektothisformerlyout-of-the-waycornermucheasier.TheneighbouringMarinaisbeingredevelopedwiththefulcrumofentertainmentmovingthereandnotjustonaccountofthecasino.

MandarinOrientalnewlook2023harbourviewroom/photo:hotel

Thisiswhatwesaidaboutthepropertypre-overhaul:Thepropertylooksoutonthebay.It’sdarkinthere,andexciting.Thebuildingisahalf-domeinthestyleoftheMandarinOrientallogofanandbacklit.There’sdarkcarpet,thickdrapes,richcolours,blackmarble,grey-slatetextures,leatherseating,acircularpavilionbar,andbubbleliftsmovingupanddowntheatrium.Thereisahum.Itresemblesanextraterrestrialspaceship.

Eightypercentoftheroomshavewaterviewsandthedécorislightandbrightwithan“allelementsofnature”themeincludingmother-of-pearlcolouring,polishedhardwoodfloors,JimThompsonsilkbedcoversandevengeckodoorhandles.RoomshavesurroundsoundthatconnectstoyourMP3player,butWiFiwillcostyouawhoppingS$30perday,plussevenpercenttax–unlessyou’reonaClubfloor,whereit’scomplimentary.

There’safulltechnologykitavailable,andarangeofadaptorsthatwillfindafitevenifyou’refromBurkinaFaso.Allroomshavelaptop-sizesafeswithchargingsockets.Sensorsaltertemperatureslightlyaccordingtoactivitylevelintheroom.Thingsgettingalittlehot

Rooms(excludingthesuites)rangefrom33sqmto53sqm.Harbourviewroomsaremoreexpensivethanthoseoverlookingthecitybutthefloor-to-ceilingwindows,offeringviewsoftheMarinaBaySands,makethementirelyworthwhile.Ifyoucanextendtoamodestsuite,theCitySuitedoesn’tfusswithadividingwall:ahugeandusefuldeskseparatesbedfromsofa.TheOrientalSuiterachetsuptheluxuryandevenoffershandicappedfacilitiesbutnotonaccountofthefactyourwalletwilltakeaserioushit.Ontheedgeoftheviewfromseveralroomsistheexpressway.Apparentlybusinessmenlikethesightofthetraffic.Itgivesthemabuzz.Theclublevelisonthenineteenthfloorandofferscomplimentarybenefitssuchasaclothespressingservice,useofmeetingrooms(dependingonavailability)anddailychampagnebreakfast.Addingfreshzestforsun-seekersistheredone.

TheRitz-Carlton:blondwood/photo:hotel

Level5pooldeckwithabreezyresortfeel.StepoutintoBali,orLangkawi.Thereisakids'poolfortoddlerswhileadultscanstretchoutinloungerssetinshallowwateror,ifyou’relucky,stakeyourclaimtoaprivatecabanacompletewithiPoddock.ThereisayogapavilionandlotsofeventspacewithsweepingviewsoverEsplanadeandthecoast.OnhandisalsoacomplimentaryshuttleservicetoMarinaBaySands.Thisisacrispbusinesshotelwithsharpserviceandattentiontodetail.

TheRitz-Carlton,MilleniaSingaporeat7RafflesAvenue,isanavantgardeStarWarsmeetsAndyWarholconfectionwithitsveryownStarGate-twohugecircularwindows,representingfeng-shui-friendlydragoneyes.LookupandyouaretransportedtotheSistineChapelinthethirddimensionwithcolourfulblownglasscreationsreachingoutfromthewalls;lookdownandyouarebackinthehummingall-businessrealworld.Jaw-droppingwelcomedone,thehotelisinvigoratinginbrightearthtones,fawnandgold,withbriskservice.Whilethearchitectureisimpressive,it'sthisintangiblecan-doservicewithalotofsnapthathasearnedTheRitz-CarltonitspositionasoneofthebestbusinesshotelsinSingaporeand,indeed,Asia.

Renovatedin2012,roomsfeaturecontemporaryfurnishings,freshfabrics,aflushedwall-mounted46-inchLEDTV,electricalblackoutcurtains,daytimeromanblindsandplentyofplugpoints–thoughnonenearthemirrorsformanetaming.Woodenflooringanddeep,sink-incarpetsfill51sqmofstandardroomspace,oneofthelargestinthecitycentre.

Thespeckledblondwooddisperseslightefficientlycreatingabrightandairyfeel.BedsfacethewindowandplumpSealymattressespromisedeepsleep.Theall-marblebathroomcompletesthepicture,withrainshowers,micro-fibrePlohbathrobesandanti-fogmirrors.Butthebestparthastobethebathtub,withocean-viewsthroughstunningoctagonalwindowsearningitthe“sexiestbathrooms”titlefromatleastonemagazine.TheRitz-Carltonlaysonabutler-drawnbathandroomsstockAspreyPurpleWatertoiletries.Allhavecomplimentaryhigh-speedWiFiconnectionsandawalk-aboutphone.

PanPacific/photo:VijayVerghese

Thehotelhasa4,200-piececontemporaryartandsculpturecollection,oftenincongruouswiththeplainlightwoodfurnishings,buteye-catchingnonetheless.Evenifyouaren’tstaying,itisworthvisitingfortheiPodarttour.LookforworksbythelikesofFrankStella,AndyWarholandDaleChihuly.ClosebytheSuntecexhibitionspace,thisisamongtheslickerchoicesamongSingaporeconferencehotelsand,evenifyou’rewanderingaboutlikeadorkwithaWidgetsAnonymousnamebadge,youcanpretendtoabsorbtheartandimpressafriendortwo.

OneoftheoriginalMarinaatrium-stylepropertiesisthe37-floor790-roomPanPacificSingaporethathasemergedfromaseriesofprogressiverenovationswithajauntystrideborderingonhallucinogeniccool.Thelobbyismuchlivelier,withchicbirdcageloungeseating,thefuchsia-lit22m-longAtriumbarrunningalongtheside,andaresidentDJcrankingoutahousemix.Glassbubbleelevatorssoarupthecentralvertiginousatriumpastapublicartgallerythatfeatureslocalandinternationalartists.Fromabove,thelobby’sseatingpodslookslikeislandsfloatingintheocean.

AsecondrankofelevatorsglideuptheexteriorofthebuildingpresentingstaggeringcityviewsenroutetotheexclusivePacificFloors.ThebrightandfunctionalPacificFloorroomsoccupythe33rdand34thfloors,featuringanin-roomDVD-and-videoplayer,LCDInternetTV,Nespressocoffeemachine,asmartworkdeskwithanergonomicHermanMillerchair,twopressingsperday,complimentarysoftdrinksfromtheminibar,ironingboardandiron,laptop-sizedsafeandgenerouslylargebottlesofcomplimentarywater.

Stepintheshowerandletthemassagejetsdotheirwork.Ifallthisdoesn'tsendyoutosleep,checkouttheextensivepillowmenuandpickfrombuckwheathullorganic,contourfoam,coil,orpolyester.Thereisauseful,single,“ServiceOne”buttonthatyoucanpressforanyandeveryneed,andanelectronicfinger-touchbedsidepanelforactivatingprettymuchanythingintheroomthatmovesorcanbeswitchedon.TwoloungesonthePacificFloorscaterforbreakfast,cocktailsandasteadystreamofrefreshmentwhilestaffbrisklyattendstoanyrequestwithalarmingeagernessanddisarmingsmiles.

Sportingeveryshadeofgrayimaginable,thepolishedDeluxeRoomsdon’thavequitethesamesetofamenities,butdofeaturetheHermanMillerchairs,bigwindows,a32-inchinternetTVandaHansGroherainshower.AndunlikemostupscalehotelsinSingapore,WiFiisfreethroughout.

MarinaBaySands/photo:hotel

TheConradCentennialSingaporeatTemasekBoulevardhasratherlessofamarineviewbutadirectlineontheFountainofWealthconnectedtotheSunteccomplex(thestorygoesthatyoushouldwetyourhandsinit,returntoSingapore,andgetinstantwealth).ThisisacrispchoiceamongSingaporebusinesshotels,inaprimeofficearea.Thelobbyisblack,goldandsilverwiththecompulsorytsarandtsarinadescendingstaircase,buttheguestroomsconjureupfruitjuice:thecolourschemeisalightmango,allover.Roomsareadecent40sqmto63sqm,allwithagenerous46″LCDTV.WiFiischargedperdayatS$20,plustax.Therearetwodirectphonelines,abigdesk,in-roomteaandcoffee,safeandironingboard,aswellasagratifyinglybigwalk-inshower.

AsatallConradsbusinesstravellerswillfind,perhapsforlateeveningcompany,arubberduckandateddybearthatIneverquiteknowwhattodowith.ThehotelhasanextensiveAsianartcollectionandsupportstheSingaporeSymphonyOrchestra.

TheIR(IntegratedResort)MarinaBaySandsResort(10BayfrontAvenue)openedmid2010andhasrolledouttheredcarpetforbigspenders.GamingistightlyregulatedandSingaporenationalsandpermanentresidentsneedtopayS$100foradaypass(S$2,000forayear)toaccesstherarefiedenvironsoftheclatteringroulettewheelsandgreenfelttables.Whilegamingwilldeliveragenerouswhackofhotelproceeds(thoughthecasinofamouslyoccupiesjustthreepercentofthebuiltarea),"gambling"isawordmentionedinhushedtoneshere.Tomakeiteasierforcash-hungrytrippers,anairlineCityCheck-incounterhasopenedatthecomplex(forSIA,Qantas,AirChina,ChinaEasternAirlines,ChinaSouthernAirlines,andEVAAir).Spruced-upgolfbuggies(playfullymimickingluxurybrands)ferryguestsfromoneendoftheconcoursetotheother.

Thehotelisbustling,thescalestaggering.Itisacavernousaffair,soaringupseveralfloorswithanatriumlobbyreminiscentattimesofanairportwithlongmetalgirdersandlargeglasswindowpanelsthroughwhichsunlightstreamsin.Theplaceechoeswiththesoundofchildren’slaughterandtheclatterofbreakfastcutlery–expectlongqueuesforamorningtea.ConvivialClamorousTakeyourpick.Thescaleoftheplacemeansthatservicewhileefficient,isnotthemostpersonalised,thoughbigspenderswillbeaccordedaspecialwelcome.Thebrightcasinolightsareonandthe200mrooftopSandsSkyParkwithitsthreeOlympic-sizeinfinityswimmingpools,fancyrestaurants–includingaKudeTa–andobservationdeck,breezilybeckons.Youcanenjoypanoramicviewsofthecityasyoupaddleleisurelyinthepoolorsuntanonstarchedwhitedaybedsandloungechairs.Alternatively,simplyogle.

Westinpool/photo:hotel

Theobservationdeckisopentopublic,notthepools.Tickets(pricedatS$20foradultsand$14forchildren)aresoldatthegroundfloorofTower3.Directtaxidriverstothedrop-offpointtheretoavoidhavingtowalkallthewayfromthemainhotelentranceatTower1.

Staffofferwelcomingsmilesastheydealwithguestsstreamingthroughthissoaringlandmarkonthebayskylinewithitsthreecurvingtowerscapped,andconnected,bytheSkyPark.

ApedestrianbridgeleadingtotheIR,TheHelix,isa3.5kmcreationoffrittedglassandsteelmesh.Takingastrollthroughwillbeakintobeinginasci-fimoviewithneonlightsdancingamongflashesofsteel.Thehotelisthebiggestinthecity–with2,650roomsandsuites.Consistingofthreereflectiveglasstowerssoaring55levelsoverthebay,warmshadesofcreamandbrowndominatethehushedinteriors.Thethreetowersareconnectedseamlesslyandthehoteliseasytonavigate:shopsandliftsontheleft,diningareasontheright.

ThestandardDeluxeroomsareclassy,spacious,modernandatadarty,thankstothewhimsicalpatternedcarpetingandfunkybedlamps.Thestandardsuiteissomewhatsimilar,exceptthatitcomeswithaseparatelivingroomarea.

RoomseitheroverlookMarinaBayandthecityskyline,ortheGardensbytheBayandthesea.ExpectthenormalamenitiesincludingflatscreenTV,laptop-sizesafe,ironandironingboard,in-roomcoffeeandtea.Thesuitesoffertheadditionallureofcomplimentaryrooftopbreakfast,afreedailypressing,iPoddocks,twinvanities,aseparateglass-wallroomforthebathtub,andlargeflat-screenTVsinjustabouteverysittingspace.AllguestsenjoyfreeWiFi.

TheFullerton,theformerGPO/photo:VijayVerghese

Juststepsfromthehotel,guestscanexplorecelebritychefrestaurantsaswellashigh-endretailintheMarinaBayShoppes–liketheLouisVuittonstoreinoneoftheCrystalPavilions,connectedtotheretailmallandconferencecentrebyunderwatertunnels.ThesecondpavilionishometotwonightclubsaimedattheSingaporeelite.AndthefuturisticbuildingshapedlikeahandThat’stheArtSciencemuseum.

AlsoalongMarinaBay,TheWestinSingapore(openNovember2013)bringsbusinesspanacheandahostoffacilitiesrightnexttodowntownoffices,shoppingandthecasinoatMarinaBaySands.Expectthreerestaurants,abreezyoutdoorpodium-topinfinitypool,aHeavenlySpabyWestinandtheusualworkoutextrasforfitnessbuffs.The305roomsserveupopenviewsinthecontemporaryWestinstylewiththatsignaturestaple,theHeavenlyBed.

Thetriangular-shapedbuildingwascraftedinto400roomsandsuites,conferencefacilities,fourrestaurantsandabar.SavourexquisitewasabiprawnattheChineseretreatJade,gazeoutattheriverfromTheCourtyard,orpopuptothereincarnatedLighthouseRestaurant&RooftopBar.SportsboffinswillrevelintheroarofF1racingcarsroaringpastandthehealthinclinedwillenjoyTheFullertonSpawithitsarsenalofunguentsandpotions.

Fullertonelegance,newlookroom,unfussyandcolonial/photo:hotel

Notworoomshaveexactlythesameshape.TheformerSingaporeClub’spoolroomhasbeenkeptintactandthecavernousinnercourtyard,theformerpostinghall,issolargethatsomeroomslookoutintoit.Thebetterviews,ofcourse,areoutwardfacing,lookingacrosstherivertowardsBoatQuayandthedurianoftheEsplanade.QuayRoomsaretall,brightandimperial.Therealdelightisthe26sqmbathroom,whichisasbigastheroomitself,withMoltonBrowntoiletriesinClubroomsandBVLGARIinSuites.Ashoeshinenicheaddstotheeclecticmixandcolonialthrowbackvibe.BehindtheDoriccolumnsandimpossiblyhighwindows,somespaceshavebeensplitintoLoftSuiteduplexeswithspiralstaircases.Thedoublesetsofcurtainsarefuntoplaywith–allroomcurtainsaremotor-controlled.

Thehotelisunstuffyandapopulargatheringpoint,notjustforneighbourhoodpin-stripers.GenerationsofordinarySingaporeanshaveworkedtheirwaythroughthebuildingascivilservantsanditisnotunusualforindividuals(includinggovernmentministers)topopinandaskwhattheiroldofficeslooklikenow.Themanagementsaysitalwaystriestooblige.AlreadywidelyregardedasoneofthebestSingaporeconferencehotels,TheFullertonhasadditionalactsupitselegantsleeveforbusinesstravellersandCEOsinsearchofsmallcorporatemeetings.

Boutiquesister-propertyTheFullertonBayHotelarrivedJuly2010atCliffordPier,justacrosstheroadfromTheFullerton.The100-room,seven-storeydevelopmentissleekandultra-modern.Corridorsrunninginstraightlinesskirtingtheangularwaterfrontarereminiscentofasharpcrosswordpuzzle,thedouble-heightreflectiveglasswelcomingoflightandbigviews.Nopuzzleinside.It'sanelegantblendofclassical,modandfaux-European.Vintagenauticalmapsandassortednostalgiarubshoulderswithedgycontemporaryartwhiledeep-seatingfurnitureexudesavelvetsheenindeep,mutedtones.Staffwillgreetyouwithgenuinewarmthateveryturn.CliffordPierwherehopefulimmigrantsoncelandeddoublesupasthemainlobby–TheLandingPoint.Thefloormosaicleadsintothelobbywithasoaringchandelier.

FullertonBaythemesuite/photo:hotel

Stealamomentattherooftoppoolandbarthatoverlooksthebay.Colourfulsofasandcushionssetthemoodherewhilethelook-inglassaquariumpooloffersusefuldistraction.Allrooms,suites,andthefivethemesuites-namedafterformergovernors-havewaterviews.Thesuitesoccupytheupperthreelevelsofthebuilding.In-roomexpectatleast45sqmofstretchspace,flat-screenTV,mini-screennexttothebathtub(separatedfromthebedroombyaglasspartition),MoltonBrowntoiletries,Nespressomachineandamplecoffeeshots,iPoddock,freeWi-Fi,anddataportswithmulti-pinsockets.

Thetexturesaredarkandwoodybutrich.Thepastelcarpetleadsontoageneroustimber-floorbalcony,anicetouchinacityhotel.Theleatherstraphandlesondrawers,mimickingclassicluggageofyore,arechicandtactile.Pullopenadrawertofindtheflatin-roomsafe,largeenoughtomanagealaptop.ThisSingaporeboutiquehotelhasthepotentialtobeaplushprivategetawaydespitebeingjustastone’sthrowawayfromtheCentralBusinessDistrict.Rollupyoursleevesandgetyourfingersandsensesworking.Thisisatouchy-feelyplacewithtexturesateveryturn.Startwiththefish-skinlifts.Lookslikecrocodilebut…

Ashortstrollfromhereisthehead-turningartdecoAscottRafflesPlaceSingapore,oncethetallestbuildinginAsia,nowanelegantlongstayresidentialoptionintheLionCity.Whilecatering,withconsiderableclass,forhigh-endtravellersinneedofalong-stayhotelinSingapore,theplacehasoomphasabusinesshoteltoo.In-roomfittingsaresmartandmodernwithalotofgeneroustouches.ExpectGaggenaukitchensystems,fridge,dishwasher,washingmachine,enoughcutlerytoinvitethequeen,parquetwoodflooringandwindowswelcomingoflightwithlongslatblinds.

Coloursarecorporateandtoneddownwithdominantgreysandmutedtoneswithsplashesofbrightcarpetprovidingsubtlecounterpoint.Split-levelstudiosmightbejusttheticketforpin-striperswithattitude.

SilverbulldogattheformerSoSofitel,nowHotelTelegraph/photo:VijayVerghese

Theleather-topworkdeskisanotherexampleofthecleanandthoughtfulfinish.Guestswillfindthreemulti-pinelectricsockets,cables,multi-mediasockets,highspeedWiFiandBroadband,andalargelaptop-sizesafecompletewithcharger.Keepsafeandpoweredup.HirschBedner,whodidtheinteriors,hasleftuntouchedtheoriginalbrassmailchute.StudioPremiersstartat50sqmwithone-bedroomunitsat75-108sqm.

Thedistinctivered-tiledrooftoppedbythreespiresmarkedParkHotelClarkeQuay’sarrivalonSingapore’sskyline.Earthytonesrunthroughoutthe336roomsandsuites,whicharemodernwithafewAsianflourisheslikesilkdrapes.StandardamenitiesincludeWiFi,32-inchLCDTV,dataport,IDDtelephone,safe,minibarandrainshowerinthemarblebathroom.ViewsareofthecityorSingaporeRiver.

Thebaroffersmixedseating-wireframechairswithpurplestripestolongsetteeswithlipstickredcushions-aroundanopenkitchentothebackwhereacobaltbluekingbed'sofa'-slicedinhalf-presidesoveradarklyintriguingdiningareaflankedbyaprivate'high'table.It'saboutfourrestaurantsinone.

Allthisunderthepulsinglightsofwallmountedcrystalhexagonsthatriseupthenarrowmini-atriumoftheformerSoSofitelSingaporethatseparatestheheritagewingfromthenew.Thelightsbrightenanddim,likesomeprimordialpulse,intimetochill-outbeatsplayedatagoodlyvolume.You'llbeexcusedifyoustoptotakeitallin.

SofitelSo,Parisianstyle/photo:hotel

Callandtellyourmumyou'reokayandheadforthereceptionwheretallwomenintightwhitesuits-withepaulettesandslimblackcoatlapels-willexplainitall,withahintofMichael-Jackson-heads-to-Parisflourish.Thedoll's-housewashroombehindhereisinBarbiepinkwithwhitetrim.

HotelTelegraphSingaporehasleftmostoftheoldtouchesintact.TeamingupwiththeFrenchMiajaDesignGroup,the134-room,10-suitehotelrestoredaheritagebuildingdatingbackto1927withKarlLagerfeld'lionseal'motifsturningupinthemostunexpectedplaces.Theneo-classicalfacadehasbeenleftuntouched.It’saone-of-a-kindlook.Thinkroyalistpopartandbeehivehoneycomb.Thehexagonsareeverywhere,fromthecreamandgreypatternedmarblelobbyfloorstothewallsandonmirrors.

RoomsoozeParisiandecadence-withouttheriskofaguillotine.Instead,yourheadwillbecoddledonfinelinenandsilkatopaplumpbedfromwhereyoucangazeatalightboxceilingdomeandvelvetfittingsasyoutapyouriPadminitogetthingsdone.Aregal80sqm'SoLofty'offersgrey,blueandpinkinteriorswithwoodparquetflooringinthefoyerandroom,andgreymarbleinthespaciousbathingareasetbehindslidingfrostedglasspartitions.Therectanglesoakingtubisbigenoughforacoupleandrestsontaperedblacklegsnexttotheglassentrancewall.Adrapecanbepulledacrosstoofferprivacyifneeded.Expectalargedresserspacewithredhangers,twinvanities,hugemirrors,andabigrainshowerinthebathingareawithitscustommadetoiletries-includingafter-shavecologne.

Theimposingbedisthecentrepiecewithhalf-drapespulledbacktoeithersideoftheheadboardwithitscentralcrystalflowermirror.AbemusedNapoleonlooksdownfromawallportraitattheornamentalgilt-edgeddeskuponwhichsitsatinysilverEiffelTower(alsowithtinyhexagonsworkedinifyoupeercloselyenough).WiFiisfree,there'salaptop-friendlytoploadingsafe,alargeflat-screenTV,andthemini-barisanythingbut-it'saveritablewallcabinetpackedwithgoodiesanddistractingtriviamarkedclearly'payasyougo'or'ohsofree'.AnAsianversionofthoseiconicRussiandollsisavailablehereaswell.Lightswitchesarethankfullylargeandtactileandathree-pinmulti-plugsocketistobefoundateithersideofthebedandnearthedesk.

The302-keyMondranatDuxton(June2023)meldsshophousegeneswithabusinessspirit/photo:hotel

Theextrahighceilingmarriedwiththewhitesculptedskirtingsandcornicesoffersastatelyfeeltotheroomsandaliberatingsenseofspace-whichcomesinhandyasthewallscloseintoanose-scrunching25sqminthenewwing(withnobathtubbutthesameconfigurationandasmallerNapoleon).Itfeelseerilylikesomeonepushedthewallsinbutnothingwasdisturbed.Thesesmallerroomsworkwellforbusinesssuitsonthegothoughthepricewillpinchevenluxewallets.WhiletheSoLoftyoffersthedelightsofabalconyformorningteaflankedbyDoriccolumns-butalasoverlookedbyseveralotherbalconiesimmediatelyadjacentandseparatedonlybyknee-highglasspartitions-theclubroomoffersanarrowandlongversionofthestayexperiencewithasmallertub;andtheexcellent55sqmstudioroomoffersacurved,andcosyroomwithstudyandsetteethatwillappealtowomenandmetrosexuals.Thestudiomakesforaveryattractivelodging.Finally,forsomebreezyopenviews,headtotherooftopsixth-floorforatippleandaplungeintothegold-tiledinfinitypool.Sothereitis.

MSocial'Bigger'room/photo:hotel

AddingtotheconvivialhubbubatRobertsonQuayistheStudioMHotelSingapore(fromMillenniumHotels&Resorts),a365-roomofferingthatopenedMarch,2010.Despiteitsseemingsize,thisisamoddesignerproductwithunclutteredpastel-tone,split-level"loft"roomsfeaturingthree-metre-highceilings,andcomplimentaryWi-Fiandplug-inBroadband.The22sqmStudioLoftshaveaseparatesleepingareaandworkarea.LikewoodenstairsHere'syourchance.

Theunitscomeintwoprimaryconfigurations.Choosetohaveyourworkplaceattheentrancelevel(whichisalsowherethesupersnugtoiletandwashbasinare)andbedupintheloftortheotherwayaround.Thoughtheblondwoodfixturesarestartingtoshowsomewearandtear,thelimitedspaceiswellutilisedandtheroomshaveafriendly,informalairaboutthem,enlivenedbylargeblack-and-whitephotosandcolourfulcushions.

Walkintoan"egg"lobbyreceptioncounterandsaunteruptoabreezyoutdoorpoolwithtimber-decksandcasualalfrescoseating.Theriverisastone'sthrowfromhereandthereisloadsofdiningatyourdoorstepatRobertsonQuayandashortstrolldownatClarkQuay.

AlsofromMillenniumHotelsonRobertsonisthedesignerchic-andverysnug-MSocialSingapore(June2016)byPhilippeStarckwhohasproducedacharminglofthideawaybytheriverinwoodytones,withhissignaturealuminiumbitsandpieces,flashesofcolourandaverymodappeal.AlongwithPashminathrowsandrugsand'Handy'phoneyou'llspotaselfcheck-inkioskatthelobby.Pickfroma'Bigger'room(duplexloftwithterrace)ora'Nicer'roominwhitepastels,alsowithaterrace.Plentyofminglingareafortheyoungandrestless.GrabacooldrinkfrommixologistsatBeast&ButterfliesbeforeheadingoutintotheSingaporenight-withyourHandyphonewithitsunlimiteddata,ofcourse...

InterConRobertsonQuayisamakeoverofTheGalleryHotel/photo:hotel

ThefunkyGalleryHotelatRobertsonQuay(onceanEvason)wassoldandredevelopedtore-emergeastheInterContinentalSingaporeRobertsonQuayinlate2017,withanewblackglassfacadeandcontemoraryinteriorsfeaturing225well-litstudioroomsandsuiteswithfloor-to-ceilingwindows,fivevenuesforsmallerevents,apool,andfitnesscentre.

NovotelSingaporeClarkeQuayofferseasyaccesstoOrchardRoad,RafflesPlaceand,ofcourse,ClarkeQuay.Thisfour-starchoicehas403roomsincluding19suites,a25-metreoutdoorpool,andafull-servicebusinesscentreandmeetingfacilities.Therearethreerestaurants(Indian,CantoneseandInternational),abarandcomplimentaryshuttleservicetoRafflesPlaceandCityHall.

AnotheroptionforthosetrawlingSingaporebusinesshotelsisthenewParkRegisSingaporeonMerchantRoad.The203-roomhotelisjustacrossthestreetfromClarkeQuayandwhilebriskandfuss-free,generousdosesofwarmthcanbefoundintheserviceandbreezy,resort-likeinteriors.Open-conceptdesignrulesthedayhere.Thereceptionareaisseamlesslyconnectedtothelobby–completewithchic,laid-backcabanasandin-houserestaurant.Ajungleofleafyplantsandasoothingwaterfallmakeiteasytoforgetyou’resmackbanginthemiddleofthecity.

Thoughabitsnugat20sqm,theParkRoomsarecontemporaryandboastanearthypaletteofgreen,orangeandyellow.Thesleepingquartersaresmartlydividedfromtheshowerandtoiletbythevanitycounter-cum-sink.Expecta42-inchflatscreenIPTV,workdesk,safe,ironandboard,andhairdryer.Don’tpanicifyoucan’tfindthemini-barandcoffee-makingfacilities–theyarestoredneatlyincompartmentsunderthevanitytable.Unwindafteralongdaywithacuppaonthecomfydaybedbythewindow.

Splashoutalittlemoretoenjoythedirect-accesspoolrooms–asmallpatiowillleadyoustraighttothe25mlappoolandwetdeck.Goon–divein.BroadbandInternetisfreeatthebusinesscentre,whileWiFicostsS$30aday.Findawell-equippedgymandmeetingrooms.Sentosapick-upsareavailable.Thisisanon-smokinghotelsobepreparedtostepoutsideifyoucraveapuff.

ParkRoyalonPickeringSuperior/photo:hotel

Aboutablockawayistheimpossibletomiss,367-roomPARKROYALonPickering(openedJanuary2013).ReminiscentofBalinesericeterraces,thearchitectureiseye-catchinginitsscopeandintricacy,withslategreytiers,tallcolumnsandgardensspillingeffusivelyalloverthe16-storeybuildinginalatter-daythrowbacktoAngkor.Naturally,thethemeisgreen.Wonderfultolookatanddevilishlydifficulttomaintain.Timewilltell.ThefreeWiFiwillhelpaswillthecoolfeaturesandthepopularstreet-frontingcafeLimewithbigbuffetspreads.Morethan15,000sqmoflushgardens,waterfallsand“LivingWalls”packedwithplantsblanketthesurrounds.Targetingbusinesstravellers,breakfast(includedinrates)atLimeisaversatileaffair,withanassortmentofcouches,highstoolsandcircularnooks.

Thebusinesscentreisfarfromdrab,thankstobrightpinkcushionsandprivatemultimediacubbyholes.Fromthere,thedesignmoveswellawayfromthecorporatestaple.There’splentyofflexiblespaceforeventstoowithmorethan700sqmavailableinvariousvenueslikeapillarlessballroomthatcanaccommodateupto800.

TheOrchidClubloungehasaresidentialfeel,withbookshelves,naturallight,acommunaltable,Vietnamesetilesandslategreyfurniture.Onthefifthfloor,theresort-likeinfinitypooldrawsanappreciativecrowd.Thespaciousdeckhasanicebreezerunningacrossit,andbrightlycoloured,cushionedbirdcagesforreflectivelounging.Rightbelowisa300mjoggingcourseforsportytypes.

Roomsstartfrom28sqm,butfeellargerthankstoanopenplan.There’saminimalist,Japanesevibethankstotheearthypaletteandwoodandstonefinish.Inthebathroom,findasink-in-and-soaktubwithalogicalreclineandseparateshower.Recyclingisamust,androomsofferwell-markedbinstomakesureyougetthehint.Viewsfromfloor-to-ceilingwindowsoverlookgardens,HongLimParkortheChinatownneighbourhood.Oh,andWiFiisfree.

Dorsett,simple,neat/photo:hotel

AnewcomerintheChinatownneighbourhoodisthesparkyandbrightDorsettSingapore(March2013).SittingatoptheOutramParkMRT,the10-storeyhotelhasareflectivefacadeandartisticinteriors.Crystaldistractionsandboldpatternsinthelobbygreetvisitors,whilethe285contemporaryroomslendaplayfulvibewithfundetailslikecolourfulcamerasmountedonthewallsandshimmeringbathroomtiles.Startingat22sqm,roomscomewithfreeWiFi,40-inchLEDTVs,acordlessphone,iPhonedockandtherestoftheusualbitsandbobs.MoveupscaleforaSplashroomwithstandalonetubandpoolviews.Thehotelhasseveraldiningoutlets,agym,businesscentreandkoipond,butthe30mrooftoppoolisthemostinviting,withmanicuredtreesandenoughbreezetosurvivetheSingaporesteam.Expectsharpservicewithasmile.

Akilometreaway,offHavelockRoadonastretchoftheSingaporeriveryettobeclaimedbygroovywininganddining,arehalfadozenfourtofive-starhotels,includingtheRiverView,theNovotelApollo,TheMirimar,theConcordeandtwoCopthornehotels.Itisanup-and-comingprecinctandiswellplacedforthebusinessdistrictandindustrialplacestotheeastandsouth.ThehardywalkuptoOrchardRoad.ProminentonthejunctionwithKimSengRoadandwithaterracedcoffeeshoprightontheriveristhe574-roomGrandCopthorneWaterfrontHotelSingapore.

Thehotelisofthegrand-lobby-and-forecourt-fountainschool.Withlargeconferencefacilities,itisverymuchtunedtobusinessandthemeetingsbusinessaswellasleisuretravellers,incrispandcourteousstyle.Thesuperiorroomisperfectlyadequatebutforafewdollarsextrathedeluxeprovidesmorespaceanddoublewindows.There’sashuttleservicetoallmajortowncentresandyoucanalwaystakea“bumboat”ridedowntheriver.

ParkRoyalPickeringroom/photo:hotel

MillenniumHotels&ResortsownsasmallempireofhotelsinSingapore,includingtheMHotel.Thispropertyat81AnsonRoad,atthesouthendofthebusinessdistrict,wastheregionalleaderincreatingasortofwrap-aroundbusinesshotel.“Wedon’thaveabusinesscentre.Weareone”,wasthecatchphrase.Itopenedwithallcyberbellsandwhistlesintherooms,BosesoundflatscreenTVs,ergonomicdesign,retrofurniture,andpublicareaWirelessaccesswhenthesefeaturesweremeretwinklesintheeyesofothers.Gimmicksincludedamirrorwallbetweenbedroomandbathroomthatturnedopaqueatabuttonpush.Allright,that’sbeencopiedsince,too.

TheHolidayInnSingaporeAtriumisawell-knownpropertyhousedinagreyreflective-glass27-storeytowerwithanatrium-styleset-upinside.TheHolidayInnAtriumisat317OutramRoadatthejunctionwithHavelockRoad.Expecthigh-speedInternetandenjoyanoutdoorpool.

Ifyouwanttoturnyourbackonthecity,crossovertheCausewayBridge,payasmallfee(ifstayinginaSentosahotelthefeeiswaived)andenterSentosaIsland,mindingthecrossingmonkeysasthesignsbidyou.PrivatecarsarechargedS$6weekdaysandS$7onweekendsperentrywhiletaxisarechargedS$5onweekdaysandS$6onweekends.YoucanwalkinonanewfootpathfromVivoCityrightuptoResortsWorld.

Setin30verdantacresofSentosaIsland,CapellaSingaporeisanexhilaratingfallthroughthelookingglassintoafantasylostworldofstarchedwhitebarracks,primasever,withcloselycroppedlawnsandfloweringhedgerowswhereyoumightspotJaneEyreofaneveningafteroneG&Ttoomany.Itisworldawayfromthebustlingcity,aretreatforthediscerning,bathedinoceanbreezesandaperfectspotforagoodbook,aheart-racingconversationinvolving,"Ido!"orapost-prandialprowlthroughmanicuredtropicalgroundssurrenderingtotheurgeofbotany.ThisaddresswasinthenewsmorerecentlywhenNorthKorea'sKimJongUnandUSPresidentDonaldTrumpmetfortalksinJune2018.

Thisheritagepropertywaspreviouslyusedbytheoccupyingmilitaryforgalaevents.Itremainssuitablyaloofinstyleandsubstance.Acolonialwhitefaadeandlowredroofissurroundedbyverdure.Staffareattentivebutnotinvasive–thereisplentyofspaceforabsoluteprivacyhere.

CapellaSingapore/photo:VijayVerghese

Fromthewhitemarbleanddarkwoodofthemainbuilding,roomsextendoutwardsintwosweepingcurvesofmodernyetcomplimentarywings.Both“arms”remainattheoriginalbuilding’sheightandremainhiddenfromthefront.Roomsarelarge,startingat77sqm,withhighceilingsandaneatsidebalcony.Arrangedinresortstyle,twinvanitiesanda“walk-through”wardrobesitbehindthebed,whichfacesfloor-to-ceilingwindowsandviewsovertheocean.Décorismodernwithanyawkwardnecessitieshiddenbysmoothcurvesofdarkfurniture.Expecttouchpadlighting(withregulareverydayswitchesfortheuninitiated),swivel46-inchLCDtelevision,iPoddockingstation,freeWiFi,Nespressomachine,andcomplimentarydaily-replenishedsoftdrinkminibar.Bedsidecontrolledlighting,drapesandroomtemperature.

Capella’ssignatureAurigaSpahascarvedoutanicheforitself,offeringanorganicpharmacyandlunarcycletherapies.Capella’sgroundsincludeseveralwaterfallsaswellasthreeoutdoorpoolsforguests–alargeorganicpoolbuiltaroundthetrees,aquietlappoolandashallowpoolforyoungsters.LargesunloungersareatemptingofferinoroutofthesteamySingaporesun,andsportytypescanbreakasweatonthetenniscourt.SentosaIslandfeaturestwochampionshipgolfcoursesandaUniversalStudiosthemepark.TourallthisandmoreinthecomfortofCapella’sMercedesfleetoroneofitsRollsRoycePhantoms.

BehindCapellaisthecolonial-styleAmaraSanctuaryResortSentosa,whichhas140roomsandissetin3.8hectaresofhillygardensandtropicalrainforest.Floor-to-ceilingglasswallsandalargedisc-shapedskylightfloodthelobbywithpoolsoflightandthescentoflemongrassaddsfreshnesstotheair.Thestaff,cladinmocha-and-creamuniformsthatmatchtheearthyaccentsofthedécor,arefriendlyandattentive.

Housedinaseparatebuildingisaballroomthatcanaccommodateupto500peopleandfunctionroomsthatcanmorethancatertoMICEneeds.ThosetyingtheknotshouldconsiderexchangingtheirvowsinthestylishGlassPavilion,whichstandsamidlushgreenery,exudingatranquilyetromanticallure.TransparentPhilippeStarckchairsaddflamboyanceandatouchofdesignerflair.

WSentosa/photo:Verghese

SanctuaryDeluxeRoomsaregardenorsea-facing,slightlyspartanbutneat,andsimplyadornedwithdarkwoodandnaturalelements.Thetop-tiercategoryistheLarkhillMansionthatboastsaminimumof185sqmofindoorandoutdoorspace,garden,plungepoolandoutdoorshowerandbath.

ComplimentaryWiFiinthelobbydoesn’treachtherooms,butfreeplug-ininternetaccessisavailableinallrooms.Recreationalfacilitiesincludetwopools,ajoggingtrack,gymandtenniscourt.DiningoptionsmorethansufficewiththerenownedThairestaurantThanyingonsiteandShutters(modernSingaporean),plusBraise(French)andSilkRoadoftheSea(Chinese)onlyashortstrollawayonthebeach.Flagdownoneofthehotelbuggiesifyouaretoolazyortiredtomakethetriptothebeachonfoot.

Aglitzyadditiontotheislandscene,the240-roomWSingapore-SentosaCove(September2012)isanythingbutstandard.Assoonasyouenterthebrightwhitelobby,youcanfeelthe‘cool’oozingfromsequinnedpillows,vividcoloursandtouch-metextures.IntheWOOBAR,bespokebeveragesareontapandhighteaisservedinbirdcages.Swingawaytheafternooninaneggshellseat,orheadouttothepool,wheremusicplaysunderwaterandcelebritypartiesbopintothenight.

Apopularspotforstaycationers,theWSingaporeisasquietorrowdyasyouwish.UnwindintheAWAYSpaorgoall-outintheGreatRoom,afantasy-inspiredballroomthatcanaccommodateupto700forcocktails.Inthe40-42sqmWonderfulRooms,expectmoreplayfulandtech-friendlytouches,suchasmustache-motifmirrors,chargersforallyourdevicesandthoseyettobeinvented,fuchsiaworkspaces,aFrenchpress,iPoddock,40inLEDTV,rainshower,moodlighting,freeWiFi,andBlissSpatoiletries.

Woodenbenchesandrock-shapedcouchesateveryturnbalanceouttheultramoderntouches.Withthehyperatmosphere,thelobbycangetabitnoisy.But,nottoworry,check-inwithlovedonesat“WhisperBooths”—hanginghatsblockoutanyevidenceofhowmuchfunyou’rehaving.

HardRockonSentosa/photo:VijayVerghese

Anearly2010arrivaltothisformerlysleepyislandwasResortsWorldSentosa,whichhostssixhotelsandaSpaVilla.Theby-invitation-onlyCrockfordsTowerisanall-suitehotelwithsuites,mansionsandvillaaccommodation.HotelMichael,positionedasaSingaporeboutiquehotel,thoughitislargerthanthatcachetwouldsuggest,isaimedatartloverswithtrendydecor.Expectlotsofblondewood,brightcoloursandconcealedlighting.HardRockHotelSingaporeprovidesitssignatureblendofmusicandmodmanagingtoappearthemostcheerfulandfriendlyofthelot,setinahorseshoeshaperinginganimitation-beachsandedpoolareaanda"coliseum".HardRockisclearlyaimingtosetthebenchmarkwhenitcomestoSingaporefamily-friendlyhotels.

TheFestiveHotelisagainamorerelaxedholidayescapeforthewholefamily.Thisisachild-friendlyhotelwithnoveltypacksforkidsandtailoredbathrobes.Theseven-storey,172-roomEquariusHotelissurroundedbyrainforestbotholdandnew(ResortsWorldclaimstohaveplanted4,000trees)andisaimedatfamiliesandnatureboffins.TheDeluxeRoomsconnecttoalongandwindingswimmingpool,andtheepictwo-storeyOceanSuiteshaveafrontrowseattotheMarineLifePark.Awallofwindowsonthefirstfloorletsyouwatchfishandeelsswimbyfromyoursubterraneanbedorbathtub.LastbutnotleastistheBeachVillas,22privatevillasnestledingreeneryandfrontingafree-flowpool.Allroomshavewoodendecks,privateJacuzzis,Nespressomachines,PlasmaTVs,bathroomTVs,andiHomeDockingStation.Alas,nobeachinsight.TheBeachVillasandEquariusshareagymandoutdoorpoolandarenearthespa.

AsSingaporecorrespondentLydiaSohsays,"BesidespredictingthattheHardRockbaroozespotentialtobethenextchichangout(thinkwhiteunclutteredspacestrewnwithminimalisticdesignerfurniture),twothingsmadeanimpression.ThesebeingtheVictoria'sSecretboutiqueatFestivalHotelthatwillsurelybringonstampedesofeagerlovelies,andthesmileymandarin-collaredbouncerattheentrancetoCrockfords,thepriciestestablishmentontheblock.Entrywasbyinvitationonly,heinformedus.HewasfaultlesslypoliteandsogenuinelyapologeticthatIleftmoreamusedthanoffended."

Equarius/photo:hotel

LookforwardtocasinosandgaminggaloreatResortsWorldCasino,ahostofconstantlychangingshowsandevents,aMarineLifePark,FestiveWalkfordiningandshopping,aKidsClub,wellnesstreatmentsbyESPA,andthemuch-toutedUniversalStudiosSingapore.Whilethisallsoundsgrand,thehotelcomplexmaybeatadtoocompactandcheek-by-jowlforsomeandlackingindifferentiation.TheresortsarealongonecircularroadaroundUniversalonaless-than-perfectstretchofSentosa.Nobeachtospeakofinthisparticularpatchandnotthebestviews.RoomswilllookoutatthecausewaylinkingtheislandtoSingapore,andotherhotels,albeitlow-rise.Forbeachandoceanviewsyou'llneedtohuntelsewhereonSentosa,perhapsatCapellaorBeaufort.Butforawildtimeandmaybeevenaduffelbagstackedwithwinnings,thiscouldbetheticketasSingaporecasinosfinallytakeoff.KeepaneyeonResortsWorldthoughastheaddedlureofUniversalStudiosandacasinocertainlylendmuscle.Andasthehotelsgetintotheirstridethereshouldbegrowingbuzz.

TheSofitelSingaporeSentosaResort&Spa(formerlytheBeaufortTheSentosaSingapore)movedtotheACCORstableandre-emergedearly2016flyingafreshflag.Ithasaround215rooms,suitesandgardenvillas,chicrestaurants,apoolandconferencefacilitiesforupto400spreadacross27acresoftropicalwoodlands.DineatKweeZenforaninteractivefare,dotheRotisseriebuffetorpopinforalavishSundaychampagnebrunch.Alobbyentrancedividessuitebedroomandsittingareas,whichissplendidifyouhaveanoisyfamilygatheringyouwanttoescapefrom.

Infact,forfamily-friendlySingaporeresorts,SentosaIslandisagoodhuntingground–youcouldeasilybeinachaletuptheMalaycoast.Shuttlestoandfromthecitycentrerunregularly.

ButthehighlightofthehotelistheSoSpa,10amto9pm.Setin6,000sqmofgardens,theretreathaseverythingfromprivatepoolstomudbaths,andcopperbathtubstofreshgingertea.Headnextdoortothetop-notchgym,completewithgroupclassessuchasaerobics,taichiandyoga.

SofitelSentosa/photo:hotel

Ifyou’reintownforwork,notplay,thehotelcaterseffortlesslytotheMICEcrowdwithatwo-storeyConferenceCentreandmorethan1,300sqmofspace.Thepillarlessballroomfitsupto140forasit-downfunction,whilesixsmallerroomsareavailableformoreintimategatherings.Floor-to-ceilingwindowsandoutdoorterracesarearefreshingtouch.LookingforSingaporeconferencehotelsforacorporatemeetingoraplacewithadifferenceforafamilygetawayThisretreatisforyou.

Nearbyisthe454-roomShangri-La’sRasaSentosaResort,setonSilosoBeach,averyrelaxedfamilychoicewithafunambienceandaRasaSpa.Inthebrightmorningsunthisconfectionpresentsafreshly-launderedall-whiteimagecontrastingwithgreengardensandbluepoolsfrontingtheseaandanartificiallagoon.Uponarrivalsmartly-dressedstaffappearseeminglyfromnowhere,withcheerygreetingsandhelpful,butnotoverbearing,assistance.Handoverthoseheavybagsandpreparetogetintheholidaygroove.Escapetheheatandheadintothecoollobbywhereloungemusicandgentlebreezeswaftbeneaththedistinctivewave-patternedceiling.

Arefurbishmenthasresultedinfivefewerroomsbutlotsmorefun,especiallyforthekids.Aswellaswaterslidesatthechildren’spool,there’salsoapoolsideice-creambarthatisfabulouslyequippedwithapopcornmachineandasodafountainthatwouldn’tlookoutofplaceinaWillyWonka’schocolatefactory.SplashintothelargefreeformpoolorpartthebubblesattwooutdoorJacuzzis.Ifthebeachseemsjusttoofaraway(it’safive-secondstroll)thenplonkyourlazybottomononeofthesunloungersplacedonsandbythepool.

Motherslistenup.ThisisaverychildfriendlySingaporehotelwithitsveryownTootsClubfortinytykes.YoucanenjoyfreeInternetaccessinthehospitalityloungeorhangoutonamountainofplumpcushionsscatteredtemptinglyinonecorner.Therearecomplimentarymealsforchildrenagedbetweenfiveand12.Roomsareunfussywithwarmtonesandfeatureindividualbalconiestocatchtheseabreeze.

Shangri-La'sRasaSentosa/photo:hotel

AllroomshavecomplimentaryWiFi,flat-screenTVsandmini-bars,andsomecategoriesalsohaveiPoddocks,NespressomachinesandDVDplayers.BookyourselfasuiteontheseventhfloorandyoucanwateryourprivategardenwithsplashesfromtheoutdoorJacuzzi,ortakeupacornerterracesuiteforlovelywraparoundviewsofthesandandsea.Thesafecanmanagealaptopandthereisanironandironingboard.

RestaurantsoffereverythingfromCantonesetoMoroccanand,walletwilling,youcanenjoysomeexcellentseafoodattheveryclassywaterfrontBarnacles.TheMICEmarketisalsowellcateredforwithnumerousfunctionroomsandballrooms,andyes,thisisafavouritevenueforromanticweddings.ItmaynotbeBali,butwiththesandbetweenyourtoesandablushingsunsetoverhead,howcouldyoupossiblysayanythingbut“Ido”AnotheroffbeatchoiceontheSingaporeconferencehotelslist.

TheoldworldcharmoftheLeMeridienSingapore,Sentosa(June2016)-whichtookoverfromM?venpickHeritageHotelSentosathatthrewopenitsdoorsApril2011-provedtoomuchofanattractionforFarEastHospitality,whichtookoverthepropertyandclosedLeMeridien1November2020.Itreopensinlate2021likelyasanOasiaResortSentosa.Theoldhotelservedup191modernroomswithsomesuitesservingupaprivate'onsen'Japaneseoutdoorpool-anicetouchfromJapanesedesignstudio,SuperPotato.Therewas239sqmofspaceforallmanneroffunctionsandeventswhilea198sqmpillar-lessballroomwasfloodedwithnaturallightthroughfloor-to-ceilingwindows.

Theheritagefeelwilllikeberetainedthankstoelementsoftheoriginal1940sarchitecture-thebuildingservedasabarracksforaMalayartilleryunit.Whatthesoldierslackedthencertainly,wasthecomfortofapenthousesuiteinaduplexset-upwithrooftopgardenandinfinitypool.

LeMeridien,Sentosaclosed1Nov2020andwastakenoverbyFarEastHospitality/photo:hotel

Deluxeroomsarequietandrelativelyunadornedsaveforstreakyrustcarpets,Ferrari-redNespressomachineswithfourshots,amoddigitalclock,andaslidingdoorleadingtothebathroomwhereasimplehand-showercubicleawaits.Theworking"ledge"islongandnarrowwithtwomulti-pinsocketsandadataportwithUSBandHDMIaccess.Thehairdryerinthebottomdrawerofthebathroomisungenerously,andpermanently,secured,featuringacablejustlongenoughtoblowyourstrandsinfrontofthemainmirror.

Asmentioned,guestscansoakupsomesuninthesignatureOnsensuites,eachboastingoutdoorspacewithatraditionalJapanesehottub.Viewsfromthecontemporarywingareopenandsea-facing,butlookacrossthebuspark.Setdeepbetweenthetwowingsisaninfinitypoolthatmiraculouslycatchesthesunandprovidesasemi-privateescape.

AlsoontheSilosostripistheenvironmentallyconsciousSilosoBeachResort.RoomscomewithSealyPosturepedicmattressesandstartat22sqm,andhavemostlybeachviews,ifnottheforestorgarden.Thefeelisrustic,andthehighlightmaybethe95mlongpoolthatoffersfunforthekidsandseveralintimatenooks.Hipnightlifeisnevertoofarawaywiththeisland’scoolestbarsrightinfrontoftheproperty.

Ifyou’reintransitinSingaporeandneedtobeclosetotheairportforanearlymorningred-eye,likewatchingaeroplanes,orsimplyenjoythenoveltyoflivinginaplacethatresemblesahalf-unwrappedchocolatebox,CrownePlazaChangiAirportisanoption.ItisadjacenttotheairportandlinkedtoTerminal3bySkyTrain.Theplayfullymodernexteriorishardtomiss,aconstructmeanttoresembleconfetti,withabittornoffacrossthemiddle.It’seye-catching,avant-garde,andodd.The320roomsfeaturesatelliteTVs,WiFiandBroadbandaccess(chargedperday),two-linephones,workdesks,coffeeandtea-makingfacilities,andmini-bar.Thereareseparateshowersandtubsinbathrooms.

FuturisticDusitThaniLaguna/artist'sillustration:hotel

Familiesarewelllookedafterwithcribsandcotsavailableonrequest.Thehotelhasastrongbusinesssuitewithworkfacilitiesincluding10meetingroomswiththelatestAVequipmentandaballroomforlargereventsorconferences.GuestsintheExecutiveClubroomsgetaccesstotheClubLounge,overlookingthepool.TheloungeofferscomplimentaryInternetaccess,breakfast,eveningcocktails,businessservices,andpersonalisedcheck-in.Towineanddine,tryoneofthetworestaurantsorthelivelybar'75–the30-metreswimmingpooland24-hourfitnesscentremightjusthelptoburnoffdessert.

Ifyou’relookingforsomepeaceandquietawayfromtherumbleofjetenginesbutstillwanttobeneartheairport,VillageHotelChangiisasafebet.Hiddenawayinanidyllicspotbythesea,youcanseethesunrisefromitsrooftopspaorpoolside.Orstrollalongthebeachboardwalkandenjoythesaltyair.Roomsaresimplyadornedwithblondwoodandcomeequippedwithbathtubsandrainshowers,freeWiFi,mini-bar,teaandcoffeefacilities,safeandhairdryer.

VillaSamadhionLabradorRoadisacolonialgetawaywithjust20rooms/photo:hotel

Boutiquehotelsaremainlyhiddenawayinculturaldistrictsthatdoubleastouristhotspots.TherearealsoafewonthefringeoftheCentralBusinessDistrict.Ratesaregenerallylowerthanthoseatfive-starhotelsbuttop-tierinnschargetopdollar.

ASingaporeboutiquehotelspickfromoureditorsisVillaSamadhi(early2017),ablack-and-whiterestoredformerarmybarracksonLabradorRoadontheeastcoastofthemainislandfacingthepleasureparkofSentosa.Whilenotinanyconventionalroomingdistrict,thepropertyhasitsownheritageappealandsenseofhistoryanddecor.

Thinktimberfloors,spaciousbathrooms,somefourposterbeds,oldcabinetsandacharmingsetting.Withjust20rooms,serviceispersonalandattentive.Thehotelisabouta400mstrollfromtheLabradorParkMRTStation.ExpectWiFi,Bluetoothspeakers,cableTV,andrainshowers.

AJanuary2017entrantmakingbigwavesandpunchingwellaboveitsclassisthesmallbutspaciousandrusticchicTheWarehouseHotelwith37keysin,whatelse,butawarehouse,datingbackto1895ontheSingaporeRiveratRobertsonQuay.Thebuilding,nowcarefullyrestored,willhavewitnessedscenesofmerrydebauchery-illicitdistilleriesandopiumtrade-oncerifeintheareaalongwithitsmerchants,secretsocietiesandprostitutescashinginonthe'international'action.Thespacioustimber-floorroomsarewoody,minimalistandstarkbutnotspartan,neat,andkittedoutwithsee-throughbathrooms,flat-screentelevisions,freeWiFi,Ashley&CobathamenitiesandBang&OlufsenBluetoothspeakers.

TheWarehouseHotelroom-smart,minimalist/photo:hotel

Thelobbyisacavernousshedwithdeepleathersofasandauniqueboutique-meets-businessappeal.Andforapres-work,there'saSingaporeanspecialityrestaurantandarooftopfishtankglass-sidepooltoseeandbeseen.

ChinatownproperisapreserveofshophousesanditisherewheresomeSingaporeboutiquehotelsthrive.AmongthepioneersareHotel1929andthedoll'shouseboutiquestyleDuxton(backafteramajorfaceliftlate2018-formerlyBerjayaSingaporeHotel,thenSixSenses,andsubsequentlyoperatedasDuxtonClubbyGarchaHotelstilllate2017).EarlyFebruary2021thehotelhadrebrandedyetagainunderMarriottastheDuxtonReserveSingapore-AutographCollection.ThissmallandquaintaddressonDuxtonRoad,TanjongPagar,hasashophouseexteriorandcolonial-styleinterior.Endearingly,notworoomsarethesamealthoughallsportdarkwoodsagainstpastelwalls.Theplaceissmall,welcomingandcosy.

Popularearlierwerethedarklyelegant27sqmfour-posterbedredandblackOpiumRoom,andthebright,white-laundered,andairyPearlSuitethatoffered36sqmoftidystretchroomwithBoseBluetoothspeakers,flat-screenTVandspoilingtoiletries.Yestherearesoakingtubs.Expectartytouch-upsandoldworldcharminthenewAutographCollectiondecor.

Attheotherendofthescale,Hotel1929hasagreatsenseoftheunconventionalinaverystraightcity.Thelobbyisclutter-freeandcheerfullyquirky.Achandeliercomprisingexposedbulbsdanglesoverthewaitingareaandsofasinboldprimaryshadesclashbecominglywithfurryanimal-skinrugs.Andthereistheubiquitousvintagebarberchairthatisalsofoundatsisterproperties,NewMajesticHotelandWanderlust.Theowneralsocollectsdesignerchairsandyou’llfindatleastonesittingineveryroom.HallwaysarelinedwithframedphotographsofSingaporeinthe1900s.

SixSenses,OpiumRoomreds/photo:hotel

Ifyouhaveasenseofhumouraboutskylights,adistinctlackofwardrobesandashoweroverthetoilet,the32oddlyshapedroomsandgreatlocationwillsuityou–particularlyifyouaretravellinglightandstayingonlyanightortwo.In-roomamenitiesincludeaflatscreenTV,PhilipsstereowithiPoddock,amini-mefridge(morelikeacooler),workdesk,hairdryerhungbedsideandyou’llfindthesafeinthedrawersunderthebed.

Formorelegroom,trytheTerraceSuite.Morelikeapseudo-bachelorpad,ithasaverandahwithacast-ironbathtubandaneattable.Expectextraslikearainshower,Nepressomachine,Kiehl’stoiletries,morefunkydesignerarmchairsandthankheavens,agood-sizedmini-bar.ThereisfreeWiFiandinternetaccessinallroomsanditemsinthemini-fridge/bararealsoonthehouse.RestaurantEmberhasareputationfordishingoutgreatEuropeanfaresopullupachairandtuckin.NextdooristheGHotelthatextendsfunctional,fuss-freestays.

OppositeonKeongSaikRoadtheformerNaumiLiora(originallyTheSaff),occupyingarestoredcome-hithershophousewithbeckoningwhitelouvredwindowsandradianttangerinepaintwassoldbytheHindgroupin2017,endingitshotelcareer.

AshortwalkawayistheNewMajesticonBukitPasohRoad,whicheveryhipdudeistalkingabout.Itwasonceaneighbourhoodcinemaandtheopenwhitelobbyisstrewnwithyetmoreoftheowner’senviablestashofdesignerchairs.Takeaseatandgazeupattheoriginalexposedceilingasnudebronzemalestatueswatchyoureverymove.

IndustrialchicHotelYan/photo:hotel

Therearejust30roomsandthepropertyhastheonlyshophouseswimmingpoolintown.Dinersintherestaurantcanrateswimmers’Speedosastheyglidebyviathreeportholesthatrevealtheunderwateraction.Therearefourbasicroomtypes,wheredesignconceptsareletrip:“Mirror”(watchandbewatchedisthecatchphrase),“HangingBed”(thefourposterisactuallysuspendedoverthefloor),“Loft”(wherethesleepingchamberiselevatedabovethelivingspace)andthecontroversial“Aquarium”(wherethecentrepieceisthebath).

Fiveoftheroomsweregiventolocaldesignerstohaveago.Themesrangefrom“Fluid”and“Work”totherathernaughty“ThePussyParlour”,withFrenchchandelier,neonlightsandmirrors.

PremierGardenRooms,withbathsoutsideinlittlegardenswithinterconnectingdoors,catertopartieswherethebathsareusedforstashingtheboozeonice.Allroomshaveacustom-mademusicalbox,complimentaryWiFi,LCDTVs,Nepressomachines,Kiehl’samenities,BosestereoswithiPoddocks,andafreemini-bar(softdrinksonly).Itisarelaxedandbrightproperty.OutramMRTstationisjustashortstrollaway.

SantaGrandhasachainofthreeproperties(downfromseven)inBugisandalongtheeastandwestcoast.Rateswillbereasonableduringlowtrafficperiods.Roomsarecompact,cleanandfairlybasic,withfauxvintageheadboardsandcabinets,andmoreelaboratewallpaperorplumwalls.ExpectanLCDtelevision,safe,hairdryer,ironandironingboard,andcomplimentarytea/coffeeandWiFi.Does11sqmdothetrickwithlaundryareasandasmallswimmingpoolADeluxeroomis15sqmwithanicefinish,andtheFamilyroomweighsinat25sqmwithadoublebedandasinglebedaswellasaworkdesk.

ClosebyLittleIndiaonJalanBesarisHotelYan(opened2017),whichdescribesitselfasanindustrialchicboutiquehotel,anditmayhavegotthatright.ThehotelisashortstrollfromtheFarrerParkMRTstation.Expectwarehouse-stylehighceilings,palewoodfloors,smartcementblockcountersforthereception,andlongwoodentablesandbenches,creatinganindustrialchicescapewithroughtouchesandcasualflourishes.

HotelClover769BridgeRdlobbyspace/photo:VijayVerghese

WiFiisfast,andtherearehandicappedtravellerfacilities-butthehotel'smainhandicapcouldbethatitisopenonlytoadultsover18years.Roomsserveupacomplimentarymini-bar,Sealymattress,LEDtelevision,electrickettle,toiletries,rainshowerandbidet.OptforaDeluxeDoublewithbalconyviewtogetabright,functional,Zenroomwithsee-throughbathroomglasswall.Hairdryersareavailableonrequest-anotheroddniggle,butnotadealbreaker.ThereareLuxurysuitestoo-butagainsanshairdryer.Askforone.

AroundthecornerisHotelClover769NorthBridgeRoad,adelightfullyunderstatedshophouseboutiqueinaheritagesettingthatarrivedin2012.Itisclosedforrenovationandexpansiontillmid-2016.Anunassumingtwo-storeywhitewashedfacadeleadsintoagenerouslobbywithwoodenflooringandasmallbutresponsiveandwelcomingreceptioncounter.

Alongnarrowwoodendeskreachesacrossthelengthoftheroomwithcasualseatingonbothsidesandtwoleather-upholsteredbarberchairsateitherend.Thiswhimsicalloungeorworkspace(WiFiisfree)alsoincludesabrass-horngramophone,ancienttypewriters,anoldround-dialphoneandaburstoforchids.

Elsewhereinthisareaarecasuallyarrayedvintageleathersuitcases,abellowscameraonawoodentripod,andaSingersewingmachineinasidealcovewheremoreformalworkcanbeconducted.AsmallservingareatoonesidewithrusticwoodentablesandchairsfunctionsasthebreakfastzonewithwesternorAsiansets.Itisacheerfulsettingwithsmilesaplenty.

HotelClover769BridgeRdsimplebutcompyPlushroom/photo:VijayVerghese

Aglassliftwillponderouslyopenandcrawlup,onefloor,towheresomeofthehotel's27roomsarearrayed.Thestreetlevelroomsrunalongwoodencorridorsandcreamwallsthatconvergeonacentralopen-topskylight'courtyard'withtwowovenrattanhangingchairsandacoupleofsmallerstoolsandbrightcushions.It'satiny,butverdant,focalpoint.Upstairs,corridorszigzagunpredictablywithhalf-stepsupanddown,eachroomofferingaslightlydifferentshapethoughtheDNAissimilar-palewoodenfloorswithlow-setbend-downwoodendrawers,acomfybed,aflat-screenLCDtelevisionwithseveralsatellitechannelsandsmallworkdeskwithanoldfashioned'oil'lanternkittedoutwithanenergy-savingbulb.Placethelampanywhereintheroomandplugitintoread,orsimplyforfun.Aflip-downwoodenpaneloffersmoreworking-orunpacking-roomatwaistheight.

APlushroommayserveupanamplewalk-throughdressingareawithopenhangers,atop-loadingnotebooksafe,andacomplimentaryminibarwithacoupleofsoftdrinksandsnacks.Alsospotanelectrickettleforcoffeeorteaandaplugged-inhairdryerwhosecordwillneedtobefullyextendedtoreachthebathroommirror.Thespaciousbathroomoffersanenormousshowercubicleattheendwhereasatisfyinglypowerfulhand-jetproducesinstanthotwaterwhilearainshoweratopimitatesaticklingdrizzle.Findtoiletriesfromsoaptoshampooandlotion.Theensembleiscomfortablewiththereassuranceofanelectronicaccessroomkey.Lightingisataddim,andyoumaystraintoshaveorpowderyournoseinthebathroom,butputitdowntosquintingcolonialcharm.Twothree-pinmultiplugsononesideofthebedwillservetorechargeyourgadgetswhileasmallandfiddlypush-buttonlightingarrayontheothersidegetsthejobdonewithafewrandomthumpsofthepalm.

HotelClover33JalanSultan,upscaledigs/photo:hotel

ThesoleLavishSuiteofferstheaddedpamperingofanoutdoorJazuzziwithverticalgardenonatimberpatiowithglassroof.And,everywhere,you'llspotthecoppercloverleafmotifonwallsandcorridors.HotelCloveronNorthBridgeRoadisawonderfulwelcomingandunfussyretreatclosetoSultanMasjidandtheArabStreetareapackedwithsheeshabars,TurkishkebabsArabicfoodandPakistanibiryanis.Explorefragranceshops,fancydressshops,spas,massageparlours,antiquestoresandmore.Whilemorealeisureretreat,atapinchit'lldoforbusinesstravellerstooandtaxiscanalwaysbebookedifit'sabusytimeofday.

Aroundthecorneristheupscale88-roomHotelClover33JalanSultan(lateJuly2014),aremodelledwhite-with-brown-trimcollectionof17connectedshophouses.Thinktimberfloors,lavishcarpetingandgardencourtyardsforprivilegedrooms.Thespaceismoredetailedandbrighterwithsilkbedrunnersingreen,purpleormetallicrust,hanginglampsforreadinginsomerooms,gleamingdark-woodfloors,workdeskswithcomfortablechairs,frostedglasspartitionbathroomsandplumpbedswithpriceywhitelinen.Stretchedalongtheroad,closertotheBeachRoadintersection,thisaddressisintheheartofthebustlingstreetfoodaction,spas,footmassageshopsandmore.Walkintoaquietandsmallreceptionwithcosyseatinginasidealcove.Friendlystaffwillpointyoutoyourroomortobreakfastcafewhereabeamingcrewserveupheartyandtastymorselseachmorning.

A'loft'styleroomonthesecondfloor,againaccessedbyaliftratherthanstairs,istheprimeofferingwithasplitleveldesign.Thetimber-flooredfoyerandstudy'downstairs'iswhereyou'llfindaverycompacthandshowercubicleandbathroom.Itisallneatlycompressedwithabidethoseforthefastidious.Onthislevelyou'llspotalongworktablewiththree-pinsquareelectricsocketsandadecentLCDtelevision.WiFiisfree.

HotelCloverTheArts/photo:hotel

Acreakingstaircaseleadsuptothe'attic'bedroomwhereaplumpwhite-linenmattressawaitsonaraisedplinthjustundertheslopingroofbeams.Thereisanothertelevisionhereandacabinetforclothes(thatmightbetterworkdownstairsbythetoilet).gainthereisanabundanceofthree-pinplugpointsandtheroomswitchesjustbehindtheheadboardarelargeandcomfortablytactile.Themasterswitchwilldousealllightsatonepress.AsatotherClovers,you'llspotlittlewoodenartefacts,wire-meshbirdsandotheradornments.Thehotelhascharacterandclassbutinaveryquietandhomeymanner.Thisisnotabrashboutiquebutaquietandwelcominghideaway.

Fussytravellersorthosewithtwoleftfeetmayoptforaregulargroundfloorcompactroomwherethespacehasbeenwellused.Fromthebedyouwillbemasterofallyoursurvey.TheTVisinfrontandtooneside,dependingonroomformat,isalongglass-partitionbathroom.Themoregenerousbathingspacemaytipthebalanceforsomewhileothersmayprefertosquirrelthemselvesinadarkenedloftwithnotenoughlighttoreadbutasufficientglowtosoakinyourday'sreminiscences.Taxisarenormallyaplentysaveforrushhoursandthehotelcaneasilybookacab.Markthisboutiqueofferingdownforalook-see.

AlsoonJalanSultan(No.101)istheimmaculatelylaunderedandcrispshophouseheritageretreat,TheSultan.With64roomsrangingfrom17sqmandup,itoffersagleamingceramicblack-and-white-tile-floorlobby,theFrenchTootsBrasserie,andasecond-floorjazzclubandbar.AJuniorSuitecomeswithwoodenparquetfloor,aqueenbed,freeWiFiandlocalcalls,flat-screenTV,aworkdeskwithonethree-pinmulti-plugsocket.

TheSultanshophouseboutiquehotel/photo:Verghese

Themini-barisfreeforone-timeconsumptionandabiglaptop-friendlysafeandaTizianocoffeemachineareonhandforsuitschasingalate-nightdeadline.Alsofindaniron,hairdryer,andatile-floorrainshower.ASultanroomissimilarbutsmallerwithlongnarrowdark-wooddesk,andacoffeepercolator.APlatformroomservesuparaisedbedwithparquetflooring,aTizianocoffeemachine,longworkingdesk,and'closed'wardrobes(thatareararityinshophousehotels).Andalongcorridors,fadedoldphotosofcelebritiesofyorelookdownimpassivelyonshufflingguestsandbusyroomattendants.

TheScarletonErskineRoad(nearChinatown)isprobablythemostdelightfullycampandlush.Somehow,80roomsandsuites,tworestaurantsandamoodylifthavebeenfittedin.Edwardianhousesofboudoirpleasurenevercamemorerouged,velvetyandbrocadedthanthis,butyoucanstilltakethekids–justabout.Standardroomsarethemed,withdarkwoodsandwroughtiron,buttheyareonthesmallside.Afewonlyhaveskylights.

Executiveandpremiumroomsaremoreelaborateandfullywired.Opulent,LavishandPassionsuitesareriotous,withcombinationslike“purple,aubergineandmauve”,“emeraldgreen,goldandrustwithgoldsunburstbed-set”and“jetblack,mattegoldandcardinalred”.Menmightcringebutsomeladieswilllovetheprincessinteriors,cutepostersofhandbagsandshoesonthewallsandtheJacuzziontheverandahofthePassionsuite.TheLavishsuitemightsuitmenbetterwithitsmutedambertones,slinkyblackbarcounterandNepressomachine.Baritemsarefree.ThereisalsoaHastensbedstuffedwithhorsehair.FoodattheScarletisreallyratherfineandhasaloyalfollowingamongtheClubStreetcrowd.Thereisn’tapool,butforguestswantingaquicksoak,anoutdoorJacuzzionthesecondfloorbubblyawaits.AshortstrollawayisMaxwellRoadFoodCentre,alocalfavouriteforhawkerfare.ThisistoprunnerintheSingaporeboutiquehotelssweepstakes.

TheScarlet:Baroquetouches/photo:hotel

UpthehillonAnnSiangRoadisthemonochromaticAnnSiangHouse(formerlyTheClubHotel),whichatfirstglanceexudesthatmembers-onlyvibe.Itspristinewhiteshophousefa?adehasanairofoldmoneyandhushedexclusivity,asharpcontrastthoughtothewelcomingsmilesthatgreetyouatreception.Itsinteriorsareameshofvintageglamandcontemporarysharp.Inthelobbyandloungewhitewashedwallsandtheblack-and-whitetiledfloorarejuxtaposedwithswatchesofcrimson,glitzystardustchairs,old-fashionedlanterns,velvetsofasandsequinnedcushions.You’llalsoencounterahugestatueofSirStanfordRaffles,Singapore’sfoundingfather.Gofigure.

Roomsaresurprisinglyspaciouswithaminimalistblack-and-whitetheme.Expecthintsofgrey,flatscreenTV,iPoddock,safe,hairdryer,mini-bar,moodlighting,coffeeandteafacilities,rainshowerandasittingareaperfectforworkorplay.Likemanyboutiqueofferings,clothesstoragespaceisbasicallyoutintheopencomprisinghangersonmetalrods.UpgradetoaWellbeingSuiteforevenmorelivingspace,completewithplushsofas.Thispropertyoozesunderstatedcoolfromeverycorner.Findarooftopbarandfinenibbles.WiFiiscomplimentarythroughout.

StraddledbetweenChinatownandtheTiongBahrudistrict,andatthebaseofPearl’sHillliesHotelRe!–apsychedelichootofapropertyburstingwith’80sflavour.Taxitip:instructthedrivertoenterviaChinSweeRoadoryouriskhavingtoenduredizzyingU-turns.The12-storeycandy-colouredpropertywasonceaprimaryschoolandispopularwithlocalsseekingweekendgetaways.You’llbehard-pressednottoblinkwhenyoucheckinatthehotpinkreceptionarea,complementedbyswathesofmetallicsilverandgoldaroundthemainlobby.

Wangz:grabaWii/photo:hotel

Everylevelhasadesignatedcolourthemeandwesawasuperiorroomonthepinkfloor.GailygreetingmewereswathesofhotfuchsiaandsilhouettesofMarilynMonroecaughtinthethroesofherinfamousskirt-flyingmoment.Thankfully,thesilverbeddingandcushioncovers,whiteworkdeskandswivelchaircreateawelcomediversionfromalltheeye-poppingpink.NosuchluckinthebathroomthoughassparklingpinktilesdazzledmeasIinspectedtheshower.A37-inchflatscreenTV,safe,freeWiFi,mini-barandhairdryerroundupthein-roomfacilitiesprovided.Allroomsfaceeitherthecityorneighbouringpark.

Themesuiteslocatedattheendofthequietestcorridorsareahitwithlovebirds.Forthefortunatefew,theking-sizedcircularwaterbedhastobethehighlight.TheJacuzzibathtubisaclosesecond.Aroundthehotel,you’llfindagym,spa,restaurant,barandvariousmeetingspaces.Ratesaresurprisinglyaffordable.

TiongBahruisyetanotherlocalemushroomingwithboutiqueproperties.Thisareaismostlyresidentialandsomeofthebestlocalfoodcanbefoundinthemarketsandeatinghouseshere.Standingslightlytallerthanitscounterpartsandlookingalittlelikeanoutsideristhe41-roomWangz.Itscylindricalmeshaluminiumfa?adeisruggedlysleekandfuturisticandadirectcontrasttoitsmoretraditionalsurrounds.Ifyou’reinahurry,youmightjustbreezepastthenondescriptmainentrance(whichIdid)andenduppressingyournoseagainsttheglasswindowsofthein-houserestaurantinconfusion.Thelobbyisnexttotherestaurant,withthelatteroccupyingmuchofthefloorspace.Worksbylocalartistsdottheinteriorswhilesomeunusualnaturephotographyaddsfaunaandfloratothewallsofeveryroom.

Thesuperiorroomsarespaciousandcomfy,withviewsofthecityorgreenery.Deckedoutinasoothingpaletteofbrownandgreen,expectfreeWiFi,37-inchflatscreenTV,DVDplayer,iPoddock,rainshower,MoltonBrowntoiletries,safe,ironandboard,hairdryerandcoffeeandtea.Selecteddrinksfromthemini-barareonthehouseaswellasbreakfast.SplurgeontheSoakRoom–thatcomeswithafreestandingbathtubbythewindow–orthechic,expansive47sqmDeepSuitewithmulti-functionallivingspaceandNespressomachine.Thereisasmallgymandarooftopbarforfurtherrelaxation.GuestscancallreceptiontoborrowaWiiorXbox,subjecttoavailability.Forservicedapartments,trysisterpropertyTheForestbyWangzinNovena.

FuturisticKlapsons/photo:hotel

NextdooristheLinkHotelconvertedfromoldresidentialapartments,comprising288roomshousedintwowings(namedOrchidandLotus)connectedbyapedestrianbridgeonthethirdfloor.Roomshavefourthemes:Chinese,Indian,MalayandContemporarywiththestandardonesbeingneatandfuss-free.You’llfindaflatscreenTV,shower,safe,mini-bar,coffeeandteafacilitiesandfreeWiFiandBroadband.Whatyouwon’tfindarewardrobes.HangandstoreyourclothesonthestandingrackorusethesmallcabinetbelowtheTV.

Businesstravellersmightwanttoconsidertakinguponeofthe18SmallOffice/HomeOffice(SOHO)unitsavailable,whichcomeequippedwithseparatelivingroomandsleepingquarters,andprinting/scanning/faxmachines.Thereisn’tagymorpool,butmeetingsandeventscanbeheldintherooftopgardenandthefunctionrooms.CatchthefreeshuttlestoSuntecCity,ShentonWay,ClarkeQuayandnearbyMRTstations.

Acrossthestreetisthequaint50-roomNostalgia.Oldworldcharmabounds:fromthechandelierandbaroquesetteetotheopulentPersiancarpets.InspiredbySingaporeinthe1940s,historicalimagesofTiongBahruaredisplayedthroughoutthehotel.Roomsaredecoratedinamixofmodernandcolonialstyles,withorientaltouchesinpredominantlyredandgold.It’salittlecrampedbutthevintageknick-knackshelpaddacosyambience.

ExpectfreeWiFiandwiredInternetaccess,flatscreenTV,iPoddock,hairdryer,ironandboardandcoffeeandteafacilities.ThealfrescorestaurantonthegroundfloorletsyouenjoythelivelyTiongBahrustreetsceneasyoudrinkanddine.Ifyoufancyaquickdip,headtotheoutdoorlappoolorrelaxwithagoodbookontheloungechairsandsofas.Therearepublicbusesthattakeyoudirectly(fromthebusstopnexttothehotel)toOrchardRoad,TiongBahruMRTstation,ClarkeQuayandShentonWay.

OntheothersideofRafflesHotel,acrossasmallsidestreet,the73-roomNaumiSingaporewasbacklate2013afteradramaticfacelift.It'splayfulhumourremainsindesignflourishesaswellaspackagestermed"WTF"-wine,travelandfood.BrightroomsarekittedinwoodyearthtoneswiththeaddedluxuryofAppleTVsand400thread-countEgyptiancottontocoddletiredbacksatopprincess-and-the-peasevenlayerbedding.AccommodationherefeelsmorelikeasnazzystudioapartmentthanhotelresidenceandthedecorissmartwithsplashesofassortedkitschandasprinklingofSingaporeanart.PlaygamesonaMicrosoftXbox360oraNintendo.Clearly,it'sallaboutchoice.

SnazzyNaumisuite/photo:hotel

Upgradetoaluxesuite"inspired"byCocoChanelorAndyWarhol,likethechicandmod43sqmEden&Nirwanawithteakfloors,colourfulthrows,hallucinogeniccandy-stripechairsandopen-plansoakingtubs.In-roomamenitiesareplentifulforworkandplay.Asinthepreviousiteration,thereisadedicatedladiesfloorwithspecialamenitiesandsecurity.Yes,there'sWiFithroughout.AnutritionisthandlescalibratedNaumibreakfastsbutIndianrestaurantTablebyRangMahalservesupunrestrainedcurrycalories.Guestscanburnitallofflaterattherooftopinfinitypoolwithopencityviews.

The17-roomKlapsons,ontheotherhand,islocatedinthebusyCentralBusinessDistrictofTanjongPagar,annexedtoanofficetower.Theinitialimpressionisratherotherworldlywithitsstark,silverdécorandwhatlookslikeahalf-openspacecapsulestandinginwaterinthereceptionarea.Thenthere’sthesoaringceilingwithitsever-changingneonlighting.Butthevibrantpaisleyandwhimsicalpatternedcushionsscatteredacrossthelobbyinjectwarmthandlight-heartednesstotheotherwisecoolandcollectedatmosphere.Buttheroomstelladifferentstory.

Warmandglowing(thankstotheadjustablemoodlighting),theexecutiveroomisfarfromclinicalwithitsrichhues,plushcarpet,darkwoodtonesandchicfurniture.Expectshoweringtobeanexperiencewithsee-throughcylindricalshowercubiclesinthemiddleofsomeroomswhileotherroomsofferrainshowerswithmoodlightingandradioondemand.AlmosteverythingiscontrolledbyremoteandexpectaflatscreenTV,Nepressomachine,Chopardtoiletriesandapillowmenuonrequest.In-roomfreebiesincludeWiFiandamini-bar.Fabrika,therooftopbar,servesexclusiveChivascocktails.Ratesareinclusiveofdailybreakfast.

AmongthemoreeccentricSingapore’sboutiquehotelswereviewed,isWanderlustinLittleIndia.Thegreyandwhiteshophousefa?adeappearstame,butwhenyoustepinside,awholenewworldbeckons.Amodern,ultra-coolwonderlandofsorts.The29-roomhotelisspreadoverfourthematicfloors,thecreationoflocaldesignagencies.Thelobbyiscreatedoutofallsortsoffunkyjunk.ThewallmontageismadefromthepackagingofproductssoldinLittleIndiaandthechairshavebeenassembledfromrecycledroadsignsandsupermarkettrolleys.Themostnormaliteminthisindustrial-soupensembleisthetablesoccergame.

Wanderlustfantasy/photo:hotel

Thecapsule-likePatoneroomsonthesecondlevelarebathedindifferentcolouredlightdependingonwhichsongtitleorbandnameislitupbehindthebed,forexample“YellowSubmarine”byTheBeatles,orU2’s“RedLight”.Onthenextfloor,ablackcorridorleadstothelarger,pristinewhiteMonorooms,decoratedwithorigamiandpopart.It’sakintosteppingintoyourveryowncartoonhome.Disabled-friendlyroomsareavailableonthisleveltoo.

ThefourthstoreyhousestheWhimsicalrooms,whicharethebiggestandfeatureloftbedroomsandlongtubsencroachingintothelivingroomspace.AluminiumstairstakeyouuptoyourbedroomequippedwithaflatscreenTV.Friendlymonstersappearineveryroomintheformofstuffedcushions,furnitureorwallart.

TheSpaceroomsarethestuffofboyhoodfantasiesandaredefinitelynotforbusinesstravellers.Wallsandceilingsarepitch-blackanddustedwithlittleLEDlightsformaximumstarryeffect.Evenwithallthelampsswitchedon,you’llonlygetaneerilydimglow.

ExpectflatscreenTV(twoineachWhimsicalroom),laptop-sizesafe,Nepressomachine,Kiehl’stoiletries,andfreebieslikein-roomWiFiandminibar.Someoftheroomsoverlookthevertical,hanginggardeninthemiddleofthebuildingandratesareinclusiveofbreakfast.ThereisanoutdoorJacuzzionthesecondfloor.

JoiningtheboutiquebandwagonisMoon@23Dickson,an80-roompropertyafewpacesfromWanderlust.Thefive-storey,contemporaryglassfa?adesetsitapartfromitslow-riseshophouseneighbours.Asmallflightofstepsleadsuptotheentrance.Theminimalistyetclassiccolourschemeincludeswhite,brownandblackwithhintsofblushingpinkandviolet.Thestandardroomkicksoffat16sqmandspace,thoughconstrained,iswellutilised.Thesinkisoutsidethebathroomalongthenarrowpassagewayleadingtothesleepingquartersandglassyelementshelpconjureanillusionofmorewidth.

Heavypackersbeware–thereisn’tmuchwardrobespacetoplayaroundwith.Allroomshaveplatformbedswithbuilt-inworkdesks,flatscreenHDMITVs,Slumberlandmattresses,iPoddocks,Grohebathroomfittings,complimentarymini-bars,safesandhairdryers.Someofthelowercategoryroomsdon’thavewindows.TheMoonlightSuiteattheotherendofthespectrumis30sqmandcomeswithabreezybalconyandbubblyoutdoorJacuzzi.Ratesincludebreakfast,cocktails(5.30-7.00pm)andfree-flowofcoffee,teaandsnacksatthecommondiningarea.

CleanpastelHiltonGardenInninLittleIndia/photo:hotel

Inthebudgethotelor"affordablehotel"rangearelativenewcomeristhe328-roomHiltonGardenInnSingaporeSerangooninthethickoftheLittleIndiabustleclosetoshoppingandeats.ThehoteliscloseenoughtotheCBD.Roomsarecontemporaryincleanpastelswithlittleclutter.Alsoexpect21sqm'accessibility'roomsforhandicappedtravellerswhocan'rollin'tothebathroomandmanagethingswithease.Alsoexpect43-inchHDTVsandcomplimentaryWiFi.ExpectratesfromS$155.Notexactlyburgetbutgreatvaluewiththedesignandservicestandardsofaninternationalchain.

ForSingaporebudgethotelchoicesyoumightconsidertheBoatQuayarea,walkingdistancefromseveralofficesandattractionsaswellasnightlife.Oneoptionhere-nowundertheIBISBurdgetbrand-isthesimple101-roomFragranceHotel–Riverside,at20HongKongstreet.Thegrouphas14optionsaroundtownincludingMiddleRoad,UpperSerangoonRoadandSelegieRoad.Thisisaveryunassumingmedium-risebuildingwithcompactroomsandevenmorecompacttoilets,butitservesitspurpose.Thesmallhairdryerinthedeskdrawerisamightybeastbutperhapsnotenoughforwomenwithlongflowinglocks.ThereisanLCDTVthathasafewchannelsbutnotBBCorCNN.WiFiisavailable.

JustdownthelaneisthenewerandmodestlychicHotelClover5HongKongStreet(withahandicappedlifttoaccesstheraisedlobby).Thisopenedlate2013.Staffisattentiveandfriendly.Expectsmart,cleanandawfullycompactroomsfrom15sqmto17sqm.Theroomsarewelldesignedsoyoudonotfeelthepinchunduly.Thebathroomsareprettymod,ifcompact,withbathtoiletriesandahairdryer.Expectamulti-channelflat-screenTV,tiledwalls,andapleasantambience.It’sasmartstepupfromFragrancenextdoorandtheBoatQuayareaislivelyafterdarkwithwall-to-wallrestaurantsandbars.IftheweatheriskindyoucanwalkuptoRafflesPlaceandthebankingdistrict,orthegrandFullertonHotel.NewerHotelCloverTheArtsjustaroundthecorneronSouthBridgeRoadishighendandartsywhiletheflagshipHotelClover769NorthBridgeRoad(see"boutique"hotelssection)andHotelClover33JalanSultan(openedJuly2014)areheritageshophouseescapes.

FlymetotheMoon/photo:hotel

TheHolidayInnExpressSingaporeClarkeQuayisaspaceagecharcoalbuildingwithanintriguinglytiltingdesignandmodernrooms.Ithasmorphedfromabudgethotel-itsoriginalroots-intoapriceylodging,yetonethatisnotwithoutmerit.Itisaimedatbusinesstravellers,andwouldhavetobewithapricetagataroundS$190andup.HolidayInnExpressSingaporeOrchardRoad(formerlyWellingtonBuilding),ispricierstill,fromS$225andup.

Quiteasqueezeandhardtofind,isthetrendyThePOD(arrivedmid2013)at289BeachRoad(neartheJalanSultanintersectionnotfarfromArabStreet).Expectspartangreycementinteriors-thisafteryouhavebuzzedyourselfintoaminimalistshoeboxlowriseandtakentheliftuptothethirdfloor'lobby'whereasinglereceptionistdealsefficientlywithtousle-hairedbackpackers.Thisisaself-styled'boutiqueSingaporecapsulehotel'thoughthebeddingarrangementismorelikeatrainwithtwo-tierbunkbedsratherthanasealedcoffinwithTV.Anditisthisthatwillhelpallaythefearsofclaustrophobictravellers.Betteryet,theblindsareaffixedtothesideofthebed(notatthefeet)sothere'salotofpotentialopenspace,light(andofcoursewhisperedphonecalls).

TheminimalistgreyopensintoNordicpalepinewoodspaceswithbeddingneatlyarrayedintocategorieslikeFrontEntry,SideEntry,FemaleOnly,andQueen.TheQueenPodwillfittwoandyougettwopersonallockers.IfyouneedelbowroomaskforaSinglePod(sideorfrontentry).Blackladdersrunuptoupperdecks.EachPODservesupaprivatereadinglight,flip-downtableforwork,powersocket,clothesrack,hangers,comfyduvet,and,remarkably,300threadcountcottonsheets.

ThePOD,smartbunkbeds/photo:hotel

Thereare83bedsinall(10-12perroom,designatedmale-only,female-only,ormixed)withpull-downblindsforprivacy.Asharedlobby-levelpantrywithlongtable,television,sidesetteeandhighchairsprovidesaself-servecommonareawithNespresso,andWiFi.Complimentarybreakfastisservedhere.

Guestsgetshoelockers,key-cardaccesstorooms,freelaundry(selfservice),freedry-cleaning(oneitemperday),freelocalcalls,mineralwater,towelsandtoiletries.Thetoiletisupscaletoo.Asharedwashroomwithblackmarblebasinssetagainstalongmirroredwalloffersacommonspaceforshavingandteethbrushingwhiletheself-containedcompactprivatemodernbathroomsarewellfeatured,withvanity,flushandglass-partitionedshower.Yes,there'sahairdryer.Itcan'tgetbetterthanthisifyouwantanottoopinchingleisurespininatrendyhookah-puffingkebabneighbourhoodorevenifyou'reasuitinsearchofvaluedigs.RackratesstartatS$89butseasonalvariationscouldhaveyouinbedforjustS$40mid-week.

Sothereyouhaveit,ourA-ZofSingaporebusinesshotels,asmatteringofboutiqueservingsandevensomechild-friendlyresorts.Takeyourpickanddon’tforgettodriveahardbargain.There'sahotelforeveryone.

TheexchangerateisUS$1=S$1.32.Allroomrateshavea10percentservicechargeandsevenpercentgoodsandservicestax,aswellasonepercentgovernmenttaxaddedon.

TheCUBEBoutiqueCapsuleHotelKampongGlambringsafreshvibetothedistrict/photo:hotel

Taxifareshavecomplicatedadd-ons.Thereisanextrachargefortravellingatpeaktimes,andanotheradd-onforthecentralbusinessdistrict.TheremayalsobefurtherElectronicRoadPricing(ERP)charges.Ifyoutravelaftermidnightthereisa50percentsurchargeonthelot.CallacabandyoucouldstartatS$5orallthewayuptoS$20foraChrysler.(Smokingisstrictlyforbiddeninhoteltaxiqueues.)

IfyoubuyaMassRailwayTransit(MRT)journeycardfromamachineatastation,thereisasmalldepositonthecard,whichisreturnedifyouputthecardbackinamachineatjourney’send.

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GetoffOrchardRoadtoscoutbackalleydealsinethnicneighbourhoods