Tried & Tested

Good Stays in the Lion City

30 Mar 2012

There is no shortage of great hotels in Singaporeand they come in all forms and sizes - Margie T Logarta and Reggie Ho check out five of them

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

TYPE OF HOTEL: Luxury serviced apartments are housed in the former Asia Insurance Building, a heritage structure dating from the mid-1950s and once Souteast Asia’s tallest though only 21 storeys high. This Ascott has the distinction of currently being the only serviced residence in Singapore carrying a hotel licence, allowing it to charge on a daily and long-term basis.

THE FEEL: Design maverick Hirsch Bedner Associates restored a wealth of existing unique architectural elements, blending them with contemporary features and furnishings to produce a striking art-deco setting with no lack of visual surprises. Among the original artefacts retained were two Nero Portaro pillars at the entrance, the circular staircase in the lobby, the original James Cutler-designed brass mail chute by the ground floor lifts, and the stainless-steel crown on top of the property, installed to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

THE LOCATION: A walk away from Singapore’s original CBD, Shenton Way, and within view of its newest commercial and leisure hubs, Marina Bay Financial Centre and the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. An MRT station and taxi rank are on the doorstep.

IN THE ROOM: Each unit comes with a fully equipped Gaggenau kitchen and other notable conveniences such as a washing machine/dryer, steam iron and ironing board, Bose Hifi system (incorporating DVD/VCD machines) and flat-screen TV with cable programming. My studio premier apartment showcased a cleverly compact arrangement of king-size bed with the work desk backing it, and behind that, a smart grey sofa against the bathroom wall. A big window, revealing gleaming porcelain fixtures and a mosaic mural of Bizassa tiles, created a sense of spaciousness. Complimentary internet access is part of the package.

FOOD AND DRINK: Breakfast is served in the Living Room resident’s lounge and an intimate bar, off the lobby, provides the last stop if you’re still in high spirits after a night on the town. A new restaurant will be opening soon.

FOR MEETINGS: A meeting room accommodates about 18 people, with video and conferencing services furnished upon request.

FOR FUN: Recreational amenities such as the infinity swimming pool (transparent on one side), gymnasium stocked with the latest hardware and the Living Room are massed on the 19th floor. On the rooftop, a Jacuzzi provides indulgent soaks with a view. Residents are invited to take their pick from a large DVD library.

VERDICT: I may not have spent much time at The Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, but the few hours in my luxurious residence were wonderfully relaxing. The reception desk staff were always alert, answered my questions with satisfaction and cheerfully went about securing a taxi for me even during peak hours.   MTL

FACT FILE

How many residences? There are 146 units, consisting of the studio premier category, measuring from 48 to 50 sqm, one-bedroom from 75 sqm to 108 sqm and the two-bedroom premier category at 120 to 148 sqm.

Room highlights The furnishings which are a modern take on a retro era.

Price Best available rate from the hotel’s website for a mid-May weekday stay in a Studio Premier room is S$390 (US$309).

Contact Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, 2 Finlayson Green, Singapore, tel +65 6577 1688

www.the-ascott.com

 

Mandarin Orchard Singapore by Meritus

TYPE OF HOTEL: For 42 years, this landmark has been the first choice of Lion City visitors eager to be in the heart of one of its most enduring commercial hubs. A major refurbishment in 2008 converted the original lobby facing Orchard Road into a high-end designer arcade and moved reception to the 5th level, resulting in a completely new-look Mandarin Orchard.

THE FEEL: For those familiar with the previous hotel layout, finding your way around can be a bit disconcerting at first. The marbled lobby seems a bit icy with its absence of furnishings except for the central hanging crystal installation and a table and flower arrangement in one corner. Obviously, lingering is not encouraged, although this has not stopped visitors from resting awhile at the Coffee & Crust café, some without placing an order. We sorely missed the enormous and stunning Chinese art piece that once took pride of place in the old lobby, but knew that it did not match the contemporary ethos of the renovated establishment.

THE LOCATION: Sandwiched between two MRT stations, Orchard and Somerset – Somerset is nearer – getting from the property to any part of Singapore, including the airport, is a cinch. However, being in a prominent CBD address, taxis will impose surcharges during peak hours to reach it or depart from it.

IN THE ROOM: I was placed in an Orchard Wing Meritus Club room, which had a great view of Singapore’s eternally frenetic main shopping drag. The generous use of dark, sturdy wood produced a cool sensation that was delightful to experience coming in from the tiring humidity outside, while mirrors on top of the headboard and along the entranceway created a clever illusion of space. No-fuss internet access is complimentary for club and suite room occupants.

FOOD AND DRINK: Chatterbox, home of the unforgettable “Mandarin Chicken Rice”, is still going strong after four decades despite the steep price of S$25 (US$20), while Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant continues to attract a strong lunch crowd eager for the authentic Cantonese fare of Chef Sunny Kong. Triple Three is another popular outlet, offering an international buffet with a best-selling sashimi and sushi corner. Coffee & Crust, meanwhile, provides an array of fresh brews and pastries to accompany any discussion, whether serious or light. Bar on 5 boasts a wide selection of single-malt whiskies from brands like The Macallan, Highland Park and Laphroaig as well as speciality coffees such as Amaretto, Beatrice and Messicano.

FOR MEETINGS: Three ballrooms – the Grange, Mandarin and Imperial – suit small (150-250) and very large (1,200) cocktail affairs, and 10 venues can be given various set-ups to fit the function. All are supplied with state-of-the-art AV systems, intelligent lighting technology and high-speed wifi connectivity.

FOR FUN: An outdoor swimming pool and tennis court help the fitness-minded stick to their regimen on the road, and the Mandarin Gallery, spread out over the first four floors of the building, provides another type of exercise – flashing the credit card to pick up goodies from designers like Armani, Ashley Isham, Maboussin and the like. A DJ spins the latest hits nightly at Bar on 5, from 8:30pm to closing.

VERDICT: The location remains unbeatable, while the restaurants offer authentic local fare – although at a price. MTL

FACT FILE

How many rooms? Two tower blocks house a total of 1,051 guestrooms and suites, comprising the following categories: deluxe, premier, Meritus Club, junior suite, executive suite, regency suite and presidential suite.

Room highlights Free internet access and the excellent view of Orchard Road from a high floor of the building.

Price Best available rate from the hotel’s website for a mid-May weekday stay in a Meritus Club room is S$419 (US$332).

Contact Mandarin Orchard Singapore by Meritus, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore, tel +65 6737 4411

www.meritushotels.com

 
 

Hotel Michael

TYPE OF HOTEL: As one of Resorts World Sentosa’s six accommodation options – including the just introduced Equarius Hotel and Beach Villas – Hotel Michael enjoys the myriad benefits of being located in a wildly popular theme park such as Universal Studios and being adjacent to the behemoth Resorts World Convention Centre. Thrilling rides, five-star cuisine and great spaces to network are on the doorstep or a short buggy ride away.

THE FEEL: The world-renowned contemporary designer Michael Graves has put his stamp on this hotel, which fittingly bears his name. From unique architectural details to quirky lamps, colourful crockery to lively carpets, Graves catches our eye at every turn. This is actually a gallery, a haven for the design-oriented, and not just a place to stay for the night.

THE LOCATION: Walking from the Convention Centre, it is the last hotel after passing through Festive Hotel and the Galleria. Its dedicated drop-off point is at the Rotunda where the Botero Adam & Eve sculptures are situated. If getting off at the casino entrance, you have to pass by the Lake of Dreams and World Square, which forms part of Festive Walk where most of the celebrity chefs have their restaurants.

IN THE ROOM: Honey-coloured maple is very much the maestro’s material of choice in the guestrooms, complemented by uncluttered spaces, heightening the focus on his murals that endlessly interpret colonnades, loggias and the like, as well as on the rather dizzying carpet prints. The various areas in the suites – sitting, dining and sleeping – are well defined, with the bathroom extraordinarily large and comfortable.

FOOD AND DRINK: Palio, specialising in the flavours of Tuscany, buzzes throughout the day but especially during lunchtime. Other options to consider are Chinois by Susur Lee and the Joël Robuchon Restaurant, as well as his more casual L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. At the rooftop Skybar, Graves allowed himself more opulent hues than those he assigned to the lower floor public areas and guestrooms. Alfresco areas here afford a series of refreshing, unobstructed city views.

FOR MEETINGS: No dedicated facilities are found onsite as the Convention Centre with its pillarless 30,000 sqm ballroom (fitting 6,500 people theatre style), 30 function spaces and open-air Coliseum are just a few minutes’ walk away.

FOR FUN: The pool and gym on the third level provide welcome pockets of tranquillity from the non-stop din in the lobby or the sounds of exuberant crowds milling about the Park.

VERDICT: The best choice to stay if attending a conference at the Convention Centre for its location away from the hustle and bustle of pedestrian traffic and shopping arcade activity.  MTL

FACT FILE

How many rooms? There are 470 rooms in the following categories: Deluxe, Club, Deluxe Suite and Presidential Suite.

Room highlights Michael Graves’ whimsical “archaic landscapes” and abstract paintings. And in the bathroom, the gaily flowered mosaic mural and circular mosaic shower cubicle, said to be a replica of the designer’s own facility.

Price Best available rate from the hotel’s website for a mid-May weekday stay in a Deluxe Suite is S$960 (US$758).

Contact Hotel Michael, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore, tel +65 6577 8899, www.rwsentosa.com

 


Hotel Fort Canning

TYPE OF HOTEL: Restored from the former British Military Administration Building, the structure of this property dates back to the early 20th century. The hotel opened in November 2010 and is connected to The Legends Fort Canning Park, a private clubhouse by the same developer. Right next to the building is Fort Canning Park, a lush green public space that is the former private garden of the Majapahit kings and British colonial governors including Sir Stamford Raffles.

THE FEEL: Instead of a big, busy reception desk, however, you check in at one of the two small greeting desks, each manned by a friendly member of staff – they also serve as concierges. While your check-in is being processed you can spend the time musing over the glass-covered display on the floor of archaeological artefacts unearthed from the park. The texturally decorated lobby is also a hangout area where complimentary evening drinks are served, with many styles of seating including plush armchairs, a long sofa and two giant leather cushion seats wrapped in leather nets.

THE LOCATION: It might feel like a world away here, but this property is only a few minutes’ drive up Fort Canning Road from its intersection with Orchard Road. And once you have learned your way round, it only takes about 10 minutes to walk down the hill to Park Hall, whose elevators take you straight down to Orchard Road.

IN THE ROOM: I stayed in one of the deluxe rooms, the standard category. It is the perfect size for one person, but I took some time getting used to the fact that the only window is in the marble bathroom, accessible through a pair of large wooden doors. Luckily, with the doors open plenty of light comes through to the bedroom area. The contemporary furniture by Italian design house Poltrona Frau, which also provides seating for luxury cars including those of Ferrari, gives the space a really sophisticated feel, as do the padded and patterned walls and wall-mounted flat-screen TV. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Nespresso machine – though housekeeping did not replenish the capsules and “half and half”, and I had to call for them. A housekeeper later showed up with all the capsules held against her stomach; after my half-hearted signal of approval, she simply scattered them onto my desk.

FOOD AND DRINK: The Glass House, located in a separate structure joined to the main building by a wooden deck, is an all-day dining Asian bistro, and also where breakfast is served. Next to it is the Glass House Bar. Other outlets, located in the main wing, are Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizza Bar, and Tisettanta Lounge, where great cocktails are served. These two are separately managed operations so you cannot sign the bill to your room here.

FOR MEETINGS: In the main building are the 460-seat Legends Ballroom and 230-seat Lavender Ballroom, which can be partitioned into smaller function spaces. There are also three smaller function rooms – Jasmine 1 and 2, and The Living Room – that share the same building as the Glass House and feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to lush greenery.

FOR FUN: There are two full-sized swimming pools and a gym.

VERDICT: It is certainly an experience to stay here, but service was at times inconsistent, especially with the coffee capsule incident and having to pay upfront at the bar.   RH

FACT FILE

How many rooms? There are 86 units divided into five categories: deluxe, deluxe garden, premium, premium luxe
and suites.

Room highlights The decadent marble bathroom with monsoon rain shower and big bathtub. Some of the larger rooms have their own private garden fitted with a Jacuzzi and cabana.

Price Best available rate from the hotel’s website for a mid-May weekday stay in a Deluxe room is S$350 (US$278).

Contact 11 Canning Walk, Singapore, tel +65 6559 6770, www.hfcsingapore.com

 

Grand Park Orchard

TYPE OF HOTEL: Looking like a glowing jewellery box on Orchard Road, with its exterior herringbone-design glass façade and eye-catching media wall, this 308-unit property is most suitable for those who like to be in the midst of the action. Underneath the hotel is a four-storey retail podium called Knightsbridge.

THE FEEL: The lobby is on Level 4 and takes an elevator ride to reach. The interior design consists of a lot of linear elements; it is neutrally toned in the main, except for occasional splashes of bold colour such as the red “tree lamps”, eye-catching cushioned stools and the rainbow-coloured carpeting in the restaurant. Across the hall from the reception desk, through the window you can see the yellow-hued Bar Canary and the pool on the outdoor terrace. It is definitely in the style of a city hotel.

THE LOCATION: The building’s entrance is on Bideford Road, just off one of the busiest sections of Orchard Road.

IN THE ROOM: I stayed in one of the Crystal Club rooms that are well equipped to care for business travellers’ needs, with free access to the business centre and the Crystal Club Lounge where breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails are served. The space is bright and airy – perfect for hanging out. The room is furnished in the property’s signature muted gold and dark wood, with a stylish photo mural featuring a blonde model in a flowing gown. The marble-clad bathroom also feels posh. The Crystal Club premier rooms, ranging from 29 sqm to 32 sqm are compact but without feeling claustrophobic, with well-sized work desks and mounted flat-screen TVs. These units also look out to bustling Orchard Road.

FOOD AND DRINK: F&B outlets include Open House, the all-day dining restaurant, Onyx Bar with its stylish backlit wall behind the bar counter, and the outdoor Bar Canary by the pool. The latter was my favourite, although I wouldn’t want to be one of the swimmers strutting around in swimwear in front of a drinking crowd.

FOR MEETINGS: There are three “Orchard” function spaces, the largest holding up to 120 people in cocktail setting.

FOR FUN: There is a compact gym that looks out to the small swimming pool, as well as a spa. 

VERDICT: My stay here was brief, but I enjoyed it a lot, especially when hanging out at the Crystal Club Lounge where the staff were always friendly and warm.    RH

FACT FILE

How many rooms? The 308 units are categorised thus: deluxe, premier, Crystal Club deluxe, Crystal Club premier, Park suite and the 115 sqm presidential suite.

Room highlights The photo mural is unique, giving the room a sophisticated flair. Though relatively small, the rooms are fitted with everything a modern traveller needs.

Price Best available rate from the hotel’s website for a mid-May weekday stay in a Crystal Room premier king is S$500 (US$397).

Contact 270 Orchard Road, Singapore, tel+ 65 6603 8888, www.parkhotelgroup.com/orchard


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