Originally Posted by
demue
I know the OP said he will take a cab, but your MRT suggestion is one option and gets you kind of closest, but also convoluted with all the changes. Much easier to take Green line to City Hall and go out and follow the underground signs to Circle Line Esplanade station which will lead you to the South Beach area with the JW right there (5-10 mins all connected). It can also be walked above ground but may be a bit hot / sweaty.
For
most people who never been in Singapore or that part of the world, exposure to 90F during the day with 80-90% of humidity can be crushing - this was my experience with visitors coming from EU/US, especially with women. First day/arrival experience can influence the rest of your stay.
That's why I would suggest minimizing walking on your day of arrival, especially getting to your place of staying. And for someone who never been there, navigating from Citi Hall to Esplanade with
half million people around you while you rolling your suitcases - I would definitely recommend avoid doing it.