BACKGROUND Carlton Hotel, one of Singapore’s veteran lodging providers, has been occupied these past two years, sprucing itself up to meet increasing competition. Renovation work culiminated in May with the launch of the Premier wing that added 287 units to its inventory, resulting in a 915-room product.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? A previously compact-sized lobby has been expanded tremendously in order to link the main tower and new Premier wing.
A hand-made chandelier, entitled Preciosa, creates a glittering visual point that instantly draws the eye when you enter. A smaller reception desk in the Premier wing handles the affairs of guests booked there.
Wall-to-ceiling windows are a notable feature used throughout the building, from the lobby to the guestroom corridors to the executive lounge, that creates an impression of airiness.
WHERE IS IT? We’ve always recommended this property – even pre-renovation – to friends who like being away from the commercial hubbub and yet want to be conveniently close to it.
Opposite is CHJIMES, the convent school-turned-dining-precinct, and a stroll away is Raffles City Convention Centre and mall that’s above a Mass Rapid Transportation station and the retail link that ends up in the Marina Bay Complex and its latest addition, Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. If culture is more your yen, the Singapore Art Museum is next door and the National Museum of Singapore another few minutes’ walk away.
Foodies don’t have to go far, and while the hotel’s F&B options are excellent, there are some hawker centres nearby you may wish to try – the one on Victoria Street is open round the clock.
ROOM FACILITIES Premier rooms and Premier club rooms are located in the Premier wing, with the latter taking up floors 12 to 19.
They share an identical no-fuss design and 40sqm measurement, but club occupancy comes with buffet breakfast, all-day flow of non-alcoholic drinks and evening cocktails at the lounge on the 19th floor, free broadband (usual charge is S$20 (US$15.41) for 24 hours), two pieces of laundry for washing daily, newspapers and gym entry and 1600 check out subject to availability. You can enjoy these extras if you add about S$50 (US$US$38.62) on top of your Premier room rate.
Both categories, however, supply the necessary basics that business travellers often look for: easy-to-access wifi, a comfortable chair in the form of the iconic black mesh Herman Miller, a glass-topped work desk (that can be swiveled away from the wall to create a breakfast table), a firm bed and a pristine bathroom.
The richly textured red arm chair provided that splash of colour in what was otherwise a staid combination of bleached wood and gray and white furnishings.
RESTAURANTS & BARS We were thrilled that Carlton Hotel retained two popular outlets: Café Mosaic (formerly Café Vic) that continues to offer in refreshed and expanded surroundings Singaporean favourites such as carrot cake, bak kut teh, and Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, whose perennially packed dining room speaks volumes about its cuisine.
The lounge that used to jut out awkwardly into the lobby area and featured a band that would produce bouncy, but sometimes deafening live music in the evenings has been relocated to the new wing.
The facility has been made larger and renamed Gravity Bar. Equator@Poolside serves drinks and snacks in a tropical setting.
BUSINESS FACILITIES The previous Empress Ballroom has been enhanced with the addition of Empress Ballroom 4 and 5. When combined, the entire space can take up to 680 for a sit-down event. For smaller occasions, 19 function rooms fit the bill easily.
LEISURE FACILITIES The outdoor swimming pool is located in the Main Tower, as is the old gym. The Premier Wing, however, features a new fitness centre (open from 6.30am to 11pm) and a spa.
Margie T Logarta
Fact File
HOW MANY ROOMS? The Premier wing has 187 Premier slub rooms and 100 Premier rooms. In the main tower, there are 204 superior rooms, 189 deluxe rooms, 60 Carlton club rooms, 10 executive suites, 4 deluxe suites and 2 presidential suites.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS? Clean design and good wifi connection
PRICE Internet nightly rates for an early December stay in a Premier room starts from S$310 (US$225) and for a Premier club room from S$330 (US$240).
CONTACT 76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189558, tel +65 6338 8333, www.carltonhotel.sg
VERDICT It’s good to see an old friend refreshed and packed with new products. The hotel’s location, close to transport links and leisure attractions, is a true convenience.
