BACKGROUND This is the only hotel in Singapore where guests can arrive by yacht at any of its seven berths built especially for this purpose. It is also the only W Hotel in the country, a luxury lifestyle brand by Marriott International that opened in September 2012. The hotel chain is often associated with fun, and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove tries to live up to that reputation.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It exudes a somewhat formal persona in comparison to the otherwise laid-back party vibe exuded by W Hotel properties worldwide. Stairs lead from the entrance to the lobby that is spacious with a cluster of sofa sets in the middle, reception desk to the left, WOOBAR to the far right and a large window with views of the pool area and South China Sea. I was particularly surprised to find a closed bar on my return from dinner (a little after midnight) for the brand is known to have parties spill over from its lobby bar into the reception area. However, quirks of the W brand reveal themselves as you walk around the building. Music follows you throughout the property. Describing the decor would be hard with its unusual shapes and complex hues. Also, dressing the property are vibrant works of art that liven the space. One exceptional aspect of the decor is the whisper booths. Unless explained, they’re pentagon-shaped suspended “helmets”. In reality, when pulled over the head, the padding within prevents your voice from travelling outside the helmet.

While the common areas are brightly lit, the rooms and corridors have muted lighting.

WHERE IS IT? It is a 30-minute drive from Changi Airport.

ROOM FACILITIES The room categories have interesting names beginning with Wonderful, graduating to Spectacular, Fabulous, AWAY, and Spectacular AWAY; and suite categories are upwards from Marvellous to AWAY, Fantastic, WOW, and Extreme WOW.

The accommodation looks like private rooms at a lounge bar with dim, neon lighting, patterned carpets, contemporary light fixtures, colourful sofas, cushions with fun messages, floral motifs on the bed’s elongated headrest, and the random hand holding a feathered “torch” that greets you at the mirror by the entrance. While the decor was pleasing to the eye, brighter lights would have helped me dress at a quicker pace. The large balcony of my Fabulous room threw in just enough daylight to make up for the lack of bulbs, but in the evenings, it gets a little hard.

All rooms have a minibar, munchie box that has more than snacks (interestingly, a condom too), free wifi, tea/coffee maker, LCD television, and separate rain shower and bathtub. The handy phone available to all guests allows free internet data, free local calls, and free international calls to Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

A knob in the bathroom allows you to control the volume of music that runs throughout the property, and into your room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Visit Skirt for grilled meats and seafood; the kitchen table serves buffet breakfast and international cuisines; WOOBAR at the lobby level says: “Mix, mingle and linger”; WET Bar by the pool offers cocktails, snacks and healthy treats.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Spread over 1,500 sqm, the meeting rooms too have interesting names: Great Room, Strategy, Studio (1 to 4), Connect (1 and 2), and W Lawn. They are divided as per requirements, and for casual gatherings, they offer beanbags and lounge chairs.

LEISURE FACILITIES Start with cardio and weights at FIT, the 24-hour gym, followed by an outdoor yoga session, and finally unwind at the AWAY Spa that has a herbal bath, steam and sauna amongst others. The 24-hour pool, together with the adjoining deck area is known to be one of Singapore’s largest resort outdoor pools at 1,338 sqm, with underwater speakers pumping music through the day.

VERDICT A fun place to be at where there isn’t a dull minute, even when visiting on business.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March started from S$340/₹16,275.

CONTACT 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374; tel: +65 68087288; wsingaporesentosacove.com