There are countless hotels in Singapore, a small fraction of which we have either experienced first-hand or heard about. Here are the ones we recommend:
The Fairmont – Posh, downtown, within walking distance of the major museums, and there is a metro/underground/subway station (City Hall Station) more or less in the basement. If you stay there or any other Fairmont in the world, by all means join their President’s Club, which is free and provides free internet access and other valuable perks. If you can, spring for an Executive Club Room, which, aside from offering an even more comfortable room, grants access to the exclusive Executive Club Lounge, boasting stunning views of the city and exceptional service. Whether you decide to upgrade, breakfast at Prego, on the ground floor, is outstanding. Their juice bar is our favorite of many wonderful features.
The Regent – Also elegant, walking into the Regent’s lobby is like receiving a luxurious hug. It’s everything you would expect from a Four Seasons property. And you can’t go wrong with the location. The hotel is situated near the Botanic Gardens (a must-see) and the shops of Orchard Road, Singapore’s answer to Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive. The Orchard Road metro/underground/subway station is a short walk away. If possible, opt for a Club Room, which entitles you to access the Regent’s Club Lounge, where scrumptious canapés and an wide selection of aperitifs is available for happy hour. Other times, it’s a pleasant oasis of tranquility, with time-appropriate, delectable morsels on an exquisitely presented buffet.
Raffles – No visit to Singapore could be complete without at least a visit to Raffles Hotel. Having not yet stayed in the hotel, we can only vouch for its public areas, which are every bit those of a grand dame, heritage hotel. This is of course where the Singapore Sling was invented. A glass of the sweet, potent concoction in the hotel’s famed Long Bar will set you back about $20. The main floor is often very crowded; upstairs is quieter.
The Ritz Carlton – Somewhat isolated, but beautiful. If you like Dale Chihuly’s colorful, undulating glass art, you’re in luck. It’s everywhere, though tasteful. The Ritz is perfectly located for those who love the performing arts. The durian-shaped Esplanade complex is right across the street. Museums are a bit of a hike, however, and there is no easily-accessible metro station nearby. You’ll mostly have to take cabs, which are fine and not terribly expensive, unless it’s rush hour. And there may be a wait for taxis – they’re not always lined up in front of the hotel. So you’ll have to queue, or call. Either way, be prepared to wait, and perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Marina Bay Sands – We’ve heard mixed reviews of this recently-opened mega hotel complex offering hundreds of guest rooms, a casino, shopping (it is Singapore, after all) and restaurants. Whether you stay at the hotel, we’re told a visit to its roof-top SkyPark is a must.
Capella – Located on Sentosa Island, Capella is perhaps among the least accessible properties in Singapore. We’re told it is the paragon of luxury.
No comments:
Post a Comment