Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa [Master Thread] [LEFT Marriott October 2020]
The rooms were much like what everywhereexlax described. Furnishing was a bit tired looking, more like what I'd expect of a Sheraton. The walls of some of the buildings also looked kinda old and had cracked white painting, again not in a classic old kind of way but just tired looking. The actual room was small but the outdoor reading/onsen area was aesthetically pleasing, but unsuitable for use during the hours around noon as it's too hot.
Front desk was run mainly by Koreans who were polite but a bit stiff. I was told about check out at noon, and when I requested for 4pm the staff checked and told me as Gold I could only do 2pm. Guess you can't fault them for knowing details of the program, though perhaps as a resort they could have not offered late check out in the first place.
Breakfast is from 7-1030, and we had to queue for about 25 mins when we went at 930. Food was so so, and you're not asked if you want coffee or tea when shown seating. The two coffee machines kept running out of beans or showing some error message about the chaff needing to be cleared. I'd suggest that they free up the restaurant opposite the breakfast restaurant for use during peak mornings as the queue and wait were the longest I've experienced at any SPG hotel throughout my five-year membership career as mainly Plat/Gold, even worse than at the Sheraton Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui.
I had the weird phone ringing once thing too every 15mins past noon, which was a pretty low way of reminding guests to check out on time. The maid did ring the bell to offer water but only once, but as I thanked her and smiled she didn't come back. I think it was meant to be a wake up call?
Overall OK, but the oldness of the place makes it not on par with most of the other Meridiens I've stayed at. Off the cuff LM Paris was probably the one worse one I can recall.
On a separate note I'm not sure why the launch press release mentioned LM launching its first hotel soon in Taiwan. I remember having stayed at the fantastic one in Taipei some years ago, or was that deflagged?
Thanks for the report on LM Sentosa! Looking sorta forward to my stay.
Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa
23 Beach View Singapore, SG 098679
Le Meridien, Sentosa, Singapore (former Movenpick Hotel) (0 Photo)
Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa
I just completed a one night stay in a Heritage suite with my wife and two young kids, booked into their opening special room rate (nowhere as good as some of the BRGs other FT members have found, but oh well!)
Room
Room was better than I expected; certainly more up-to-date than the Sheraton in Singapore (which is definitely tired!) with modern fittings and a separate sitting room - though many of the amenities were leftovers from its days as the Movenpick (e.g. the pens had the Movenpick's name on them, and apart from in the front of the hotel and the menus I don't recall seeing anything with Le Meridien on it!)
Check In
We arrived at 9am having requested an early check-in and were told that the room wasn't ready; was eventually called back at 1.30pm. I requested a 4pm late check-out but was told they could only manage 3pm at the latest.
Service
Staff were generally attentive; there was a Filipino at front desk while checking in and out who was helpful and pleasant, and who clearly arranged for extra bathroom amenities when she realised we were staying with our kids. In the evening when we returned to our room, the sofa bed had been made up and extra dental kits provided. Not that we needed them, but the I appreciated the thought. The staff also sent up a plate of chocolates and a fruit basket (with 3 fruits) as the standard SPG Gold amenity.
Dining
Breakfast: we arrived early (at around 8am) and had no problem getting a table but by the time we finished there was indeed a long line of people waiting outside. Selection was a bit limited, but the quality was decent (read: unexceptional, but quite edible). Can't compare to the StR on either count, but very much acceptable.
Location
The main strength of LM Sentosa is its proximity to attractions and restaurants. Resorts World Sentosa is a 3-5 minute stroll, with its Universal Studios theme park 4 Michelin starred restaurants (they're very slightly overrated, but still very good). Meanwhile, the rest of Sentosa is easily accessible through the monorail and cable car stations literally across the road from the hotel. If you're up for a day or two on Sentosa, I can't think of a better location for it (though it remains a bit difficult to get to the rest of the city).
Overall
Overall, it exceeded by (admittedly modest) expectations - reasonably competent, though unexceptional, and with a great location (if you only want to visit Sentosa for a couple of days). My only gripe was that the front entrance had no apparent pram/wheelchair access ramp, and the staff there could have been more helpful when we wanted to come through that way with a stroller. Other than that - no major complaints. Not perfect, but would stay again.
I have tried to reach out to the hotel via the Platinum Concierge twice, and it has been over a week, and yet no one from the hotel has dropped me an email.
I am starting to wonder if the hotel is actually interested.
Has anyone tried to communicate with this hotel and received any prompt replies via emails?
A. The Hotel
The hotel is in the middle of Sentosa Island, Singapore. Starting life as an army barracks from WW2, it was leased and converted into a hotel/social club (Sijori Resort Club) in 1994. Subsequently sold and rebranded as the Treasure Resort, the second wing of the hotel was then constructed, following which it joined the Movenpick stable in ~ 2012, and has now been re-flagged as a Le Meridien. The story of the hotel's developement and the financial woes and legal proceedings are easily found on the web and make for somewhat entertaining reading.
The 191-room hotel comprises two rectangular blocks connected by a short "galleria". The original barracks block houses the "Heritage" rooms and suites, and the lounge and restaurant. The new wing is where the standard rooms and the Onsen suites are, as well as the actual lobby and meeting rooms. The large pool is between the two blocks.
B. Location
This is the best and THE selling point for this hotel. It's central. It's 5 mins walk to Resorts World and the casino, restaurants and Universal Studios. 5 mins in the other direction leads you to the beach area. Directly opposite is a Sentosa Express monorail station (Imbiah), and a cable car station (Merlion), and a major Sentosa Bus stop.
If you arrive by mass transport, you'll probably enter from the front of the hotel which is the Heritage wing. You'll need to go through to the back/new wing where the lobby is. Didn't seem to be any doormen at the main entrance the few times I went through. If you drive or take a cab they'll stop you off directly at the lobby.
Parking is in the basement of the new wing, and is poorly-signposted - it seemed more like a shared delivery/staff/public carpark.
There are in effect two lobbies - the first one named the "Galleria Walk" at the old wing is much nicer than than the one in the new wing where the actual front desk is situated. There's a very nice pay-for-use lounge off to one side and Latest Recipe on the other.
I was given to understand that refurbishment to meet Le Meridien standards is underway, and I hope they convert the lounge into an official club lounge. There's a smaller one at the end of the hall which looks like a smoking room - hopefully it won't be that one.
I had no issues with check-in, and the staff were locals and a few from PRC. The hotel was fairly full (some big accounting firm was having a retreat), but my SNA cleared 5 days out. I didn't receive an upgrade beyond that selected by SNA. My room was ready at standard check-in time, and I was allowed to view a Heritage Suite before deciding on the Onsen Suite.
Plat Experience:
. usual upgrade is up to the Heritage Suite
. received an Onsen Suite by using an SNA (you can select either)
. 500 points, or breakfast
. late check-out till 4 offered w/o asking (I just checked the resort/convention list and it's not there, though the list was last updated in Nov 2015)
. did not check what the local gift was
. no MAGC
. no Plat "happy hour", no free drink coupons
D. Pool & Gym
Both are situated in the area between the two wings. The pool is huge but surrounded by walls... no "view" to speak of. The gym looks well-equipped and entry is by keycard. I used neither this stay.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Oct 1, 2016 at 11:13 pm
The Onsen Suites are on level 2 of the new wing, all facing outwards towards the beach. On the whole I liked this room. I'd seen pictures and read reviews and it was clear that this was basically a standard room with a big garden and outdoor jacuzzi, and not a suite in the traditional sense, so expectations were tempered accordingly.
The bedroom is sized and laid out like a standard room, starting with small entry way with space for luggage and shoes. Flooring is mostly wood/parquet. A small bathroom leads off from the entryway and access can be controlled with a full sliding wooden door, for those who require privacy. The main bedroom area is mostly occupied by the king or two super-single sized beds. There is no desk per se, but a long counter takes up most of the opposite wall. TV is wall-mounted. There is no space for a roll-away IMO.
Bottled water is provided though tap water in Singapore is potable. A coffee maker is provided, as well as an electric kettle, and bar fridge below.
HVAC is controlled in-room and worked fairly well, as long as you're patient. Singapore is hot, and it takes time for the room to cool down. There did not seem to be auto-shutoff switches linked to the sliding door which seems to be an oversight.
There are only blackout shades, and these are motorised. However they are extremely noisy so if your partner is still asleep...
I received a fruit plate and a chocolate plate. My Plat friend received one set too. Not sure if it is standard for all guests or just suites...
The bathroom area has one sink, one shower stall and one toilet (closed off from each other). I was pleasantly surprised to find controls for a steam bath, and they worked. So if you want the sauna experience, it's in-room!
The closet is built-in on the side of the passage to the bedroom, and is small but sufficient. There is NO door here, and the "view" from the bedroom is direct to the toilet stall. Good thing the door is frosted glass. Another surprise - TOTO warmed toilet seat with auto-bidet! How Japanese. I guess it's because this is the Onsen suite...
Toiletries were... disappointing. I was initially glad to have non-stock LeM products, but these left me glad I had brought some of my own.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Oct 1, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Another negative is the view - there isn't any. First the view is only from the bedroom level; secondly there is a high wall at the end of the courtyard for privacy and security but which blocks the view; thirdly they're buidling something out there so all you can see are cranes and hoardings. I suppose at higher levels you can see the beach and sea but not from level two.
Despite these, the small jacuzzi is quite fun... options for hot or cold water (though I couldn't get it as hot as in a real japanese onsen), jets, lights, all in a black brick jacuzzi with granite decor. There's a large outdoor sofa bed which is king-sized.
Sound travels easily in this outdoor courtyard. I could hear everything my neighbours were saying. There's a large sliding door that allows connection with the neighbouring room (as well as one in the bedroom itself). There are no exit doors otherwise.
Rubber slippers are provided which is a nice touch, but being paranoid about fungii and the like I didn't use them.
F. Wifi and Electrics
There were ample power points and an upgraded AV panel. Lighting was adequate in-room but less so outdoors once it got dark.
Wifi was by unique code per room, and I had no issues with speed or login. I didn't check if there was a maximum number of devices.
TV channels as shown below:
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Oct 1, 2016 at 10:58 pm
I was very happy with breakfast. No exotic dishes like foie gras or even breakfast steak, but definitely decent. Live egg station. Large selection of fruits. Choice of indoor or ala carte dining. Quality of local food good for a buffet and a hotel.
I also had the dinner buffet which was good too though pricey. SPG members have a discount, 25% IIRC.
H. The Heritage Suite and Final Thoughts
I viewed a Heritage Suite which is the standard Plat upgrade. This is laid out in the more typical suite fashion, with bedroom, living room and bath with free-standing tub. Some would probably prefer the size, but I didn't like the floor-to-ceiling windows which form part of the facade of the old wing. People walking about anywhere near the hotel can look directly into your room. Even riders on the monorail.
Unless you have your shades down. But in that case, what's the point?
I can see that they tried to make the Onsen suite experience special. And IMO to a fair extent they have succeeded, working with what they have and the location they're in. The hotel is starting to show it's age, but a light refurb will take care of that.
The Plat experience is average; once they have a proper club lounge and happy hour, I would upgrade it to good.
I wouldn't mind coming again, but not for some of the more ridiculous prices I've seen ($400-500 SGD).
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Oct 1, 2016 at 11:10 pm
I would say both are good in their own way, with Onsen Suite slightly more unique (but the room itself is tiny). And a hidden benefit in the Onsen Suite room - the shower room in the room itself has steam bath function! A private steam bath! ^
The Heritage Suite is good size, and pretty nice in my opinion.
Other Plat benefits are slightly more limited (no happy hour, etc), and give up 500 points for breakfast.
Le Meridien Singapore is within walking distance to Resort World Sentosa, so that is another plus. (Lots of food and play options in Resort World Sentosa)