WHAT’S IT LIKE? A compact and perfectly located five-star hotel in the heart of Singapore, with an accent on serving the needs of the busy corporate traveller.
Royal Plaza on Scotts was the first no-smoking hotel in Singapore. It also has a reputation as one of the safest and most secure properties in the city. In addition to the usual security precautions you would expect from a deluxe hotel, there are 110 discreetly placed controlled circuit televisions dotted throughout the hotel at strategic locations.
WHERE IS IT? Slap bang in the middle of Singapore’s busy shopping and dining district around Orchard Road. The sheer convenience of this hotel for business stays in the Lion City is immediately obvious. Orchard MRT station is only minutes away and the trip to and from Changi Airport can be done in a little over 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Shopping outlets surround the property and if you’re looking for Prada, Bvlgari or other luxury brands, these are all within easy reach at the DFS Galleria located next door. Restaurants and nightlife are all on your doorstep.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 511 guestrooms and suites.
ROOM FACILITIES: If you are in a room on a Royal Club Floor, breakfast can be taken in the lounge or at the lobby-level Carousel Restaurant, which offers a wider selection of food but is often crowded, certainly a vote of confidence in the quality of its cuisine. But since I needed to catch up on morning emails, I chose the quieter Royal Club Lounge to sit with my laptop and enjoy the range of fruit juices, breads and other breakfast items.
Broadband Wi-Fi access is freely available throughout the hotel. Since email connection is surely a business necessity these days, it raises the question of why other deluxe properties make internet connections so complicated and expensive.
Another nice touch is the complimentary minibar. Although the bar is only moderately stocked, it does avoid that frustrating front-desk check to see if you have consumed a cola or chocolate bar overnight before your bill can be prepared.
RESTAURANT: Carousel is the main dining outlet, offering Western and Asian favourites.
BAR: Heat Ultralounge on level two offers a sophisticated setting to sip your martinis or Singapore Slings. There is also a live band here most evenings.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: The hotel has nine meeting and function rooms with a maximum capacity of 150 in the largest space, as well as a fully equipped business centre.
LEISURE FACILITIES: A fitness centre, Sweat@Gym, is open from 6am until 9pm. There is also a rooftop terrace swimming pool on the fifth floor.
PRICE: A Club Deluxe Suite costs around S$1,200 (US$821) per night.
VERDICT: Friendly staff and a great location work very much in the hotel’s favour. The added extras are icing on the cake – a very dependable product delivering a consistently great service.
CONTACT: Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road,?Singapore 228220, tel 65 6737 7966, www.royalplaza.com.sg
Kenny Coyle
