WHAT’S IT LIKE? Designed like a grand residence with plush furnishings, a large and impressive collection of artworks acquired through auctions and private collectors, cosy corners and seductive mood lighting, it’s easy to think one could easily get used to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Even for a night or two.
Other establishments believe they need to pepper themselves with trendy gewgaws in order to make a statement, but not the Four Seasons Singapore, which exudes timeless and impeccable taste, thanks to the guidance of Hirsch Bedner and Associates, iconic hotel interior designers as well as the generosity of its owners who are well-known art connoisseurs.
WHERE IS IT? Off the shopping mecca, Orchard Road, and yet connected to it via an air-conditioned arcade lined with exclusive international designer boutiques and an art space.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 225 newly refurbished guestrooms, including 40 suites, marked with a strong Asian influence noticeable in the carpets embossed with plum blossom motifs and Chinoiserie objets d’art and furniture. A calming ambience is created with the use of earth tones and polished woods. The 58-square-metre Premier Rooms – the category before the suites – are all corner located and come with large bay windows.
ROOM FACILITIES: A heap of techno-facilities that are seamlessly integrated into the room layout. These include high-speed internet access, Wi-Fi connectivity allowing the simultaneous usage of two laptops, international multi-pin electrical sockets by the bedside and desk, MP3 player connection and audio speakers, VGA port allowing connection of computer to the 42-inch LCD TV, a DVD/CD/VCD player and cordless phone with two lines and teleconferencing feature.
While the new Four Seasons posturepedic bed with a plush top, which allows the body contours to be supported comfortably, gives an added softness, it isn’t for everyone. I had difficulty changing positions as every move made me feel I was sinking in quicksand. I had to exert extra effort in the morning to get up. When I requested for a firmer mattress, the front desk executive did her best to sell me on the benefits of the product, however, I stood my ground and soon after, housekeeping was at the door with an “old mattress” as they described it. But it suited me just fine and my night’s rest couldn’t have been more ideal.
RESTAURANTS: One-Ninety has an extensive daily breakfast spread and a Sunday Champagne brunch (11am to 3pm, from S$138/US$97) that has been attracting crowds for items such as foie gras, served grilled or lightly pan-seared and the dessert line-up. The Oriental Brunch at Jiang-Nan Chun offers over 100 items of dim sum, appetisers, soups, main course and desserts (11.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 2.30am on Sunday, from S$29/US$20).
BARS: I treated a group of gal pals to after-dinner drinks at clubby Bar and Alfresco and since there was so much to catch up, we closed the place down. We weren’t alone though – the people at the next table seemed to be holding a meeting as they had their laptops open, which was unusual at 1.30am.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: Two ballrooms, the day-lit Four Seasons (320 for banquets) and the smaller Crescent (150 for banquets), both with foyers. Function rooms are available for all sizes of meetings. A business centre has all the required services, and after office hours, the concierge can fill in.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Due to a close relationship with the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan in Ubud, Bali, the Four Seasons Singapore (they share the same owner) enjoys the skills of Indonesian therapists in its spa. It was Tini who gave me my relaxing aromatic massage in a room that brought me back to the “Island of the Gods”. In fact, the entire spa is Balinese inspired.
Those keen on a serious work out have a choice of the 20-metre lap pool, two indoor and two outdoor tennis courts (available for night games) and a 24-hour gym.
PRICE: An internet rate for a stay in early November starts from US$361 nightly without breakfast.
VERDICT: Still the last word in timeless elegance.
CONTACT: 190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248646, tel 65 6734 1110, www.fourseasons.com/singapore
Margie T Logarta
