WHAT'S IT LIKE? Opened in July 2010, this is a newly built hotel with a stunning glass frontage overlooking Marina Bay. Despite being new it succeeds in combining contemporary and modern design and technology with art and antiques to give a feeling of heritage, not least by its entrance being the old entrance to Clifford Pier, the arrival point to Singapore for many people in times past.
WHERE IS IT? A short distance from its more traditional and iconic sister property The Fullerton Hotel. It’s on the edge of the Central Business District and part of the Fullerton Heritage Precinct between Clifford Pier and Customs House overlooking Marina Bay Sands. The airport is about 25 minutes by car and the nearest MRT station (Raffles Place) is a five-minute walk away.
ROOM FACILITIES I was staying in a Bay view room which, at 50sqm, was very large (suites are 78sqm to 150sqm for the presidential suite). With balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay, there is a real sense of space and light. The room is fitted with natural materials and colours (creams, browns, beige), dark-wood panels, leather, chrome, mirrors and marble. Various historical photos grace the wall, along with some artistic gold apples in frames.
For work there is a large desk with adjustable chair, light and desk height, multi-region power sockets, broadband, video, HDMI, and a computer-to-TV socket. If you want to work in bed the hotel provides a Logitech Comfort Lapdesk.
The bed itself is large with Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down duvet and pillows and a mattress topper. There is a choice of pillows available.
Amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine with 12 choices of coffee, six choices of Gryphon Tea Company teas, a large flat-screen Samsung TV with DVD player opposite the bed, and a Bose iPod dock.
The bathroom is a good size with cream and brown marble, and chrome fittings. There is a window looking into the bedroom, which you can shut off with an electric blind. A range of toiletries are made exclusively for this hotel by Molton Brown, so if you like them buy from the hotel shop as you cannot get them from Molton Brown directly.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS At The Landing Point bar on the ground floor, you can choose to sit inside at the 13-metre-long bar or on the terrace overlooking the waterfront for one of the best views of Marina Bay Sands.
Clifford is the main restaurant – a modern, stylish brasserie with 10-metre-high ceilings and windows, as well as two private rooms. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had a wagyu burger which included foie gras and a choice of blue or cheddar cheese. The burger came with signature truffle French fries. Both were delicious.
Named after the red lanterns that guided people on the bay in years past, Lantern is the rooftop bar surrounding the pool; offering views on three sides of the city and bay, it is simply stunning. There is live music and a variety of chairs, sofas and loungers suitable for business or pleasure.
Residents can also use and sign bills at restaurants in the main Fullerton Hotel.
In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is no business centre, with services being handled by reception. I needed to print a document at 2.30am so I phoned reception, emailed my file and they offered to send it to my room. The service was efficient and when I decided to collect it I was happily surprised when I was told that since it was only a few sheets they offered it complimentary.
There are three meeting rooms, Silk, Silver and Saffron, with windows opening into the Clifford brasserie providing some daylight.
LEISURE FACILITIES A 25-metre infinity pool and two couples Jacuzzis are on the rooftop, open from 8am to 9pm daily. There are plenty of chairs and recliners and numerous areas of landscaped planting to provide peace and privacy. There is also a good size technogym fitness centre that is open 24 hours with a room keycard.
VERDICT A stylish, modern, comfortable hotel in a great location for business or leisure, topped off by great service.
Julian Gregory
FACT FILE
HOW MANY ROOMS? 100 rooms including six suites over six floors.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Large rooms, with lots of light and great views of the bay, and an attention to detail with nice features such as directional reading lights by the bed, bedside power sockets and laptop stand.
PRICE Internet rates for a Bay view room start from S$468 (US$379) in mid-May
CONTACT The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore; tel +65 6333 8388; www.fullertonbayhotel.com
