Hey 1k-all-the-way, noticed that you started another thread on the same topic in the Asia forum too, but i'll consolidate everything for you...
Originally Posted by 1k-all-the-way
i'd prefer to pay $100- 175 US
This rate can get you pretty much anywhere in Singapore, including the Oriental, Conrad, Ritz Carlton, u name it (not sure if it would get you the grand dame, Raffles Hotel though).
but since a pool/gym is important it puts me into a certain catagory, no?
With the rate you are willing to pay, most hotels that fit into this category have decent fitness facilities. RC has an olympic sized pool, Oriental, Conrad have lap pools, not very sure about Raffles, but they offer private tennis lessons to guests, so that says something.
But if you are looking to stay in the newly refurbished and reopened Marina Mandarin (MM), their pool is still under refurbishment.
see older parts of town - china town, little india style, etc.
The most central location for that is actually City Hall, which is where Raffles the Plaza, Swissotel the Stamford, and Raffles Hotel are. However, having said that, the hotels based in Marina Centre (ie. RC, Conrad, MM, Oriental) are all within 10 minutes walk from City Hall station which would bring you directly to both Chinatown and Little India. Cabs are plenty and there are also direct buses.
As for the zoo (mentioned in the other thread started in the Asia forum), the zoo is located in Northern part of Singapore, there are no hotels near it, hence your best way there is via cab. I think most people would recommend the Night Safari over the zoo, but I have not been there for eons, so I'm sure someone else in this forum would be able to tell you more.
Any thoughts about the Oriental? Particularly it's location.
(mentioned in the other thread)
The Oriental juz reopened, hence everything is very new. So far, I have only heard good things about it, some have even said that it is better than the RC nearby. Location wise, like I mentioned above, it's 10 minutes walk to the subway, and is within easy access of the highway to and from the airport.
A Review of the Oriental Singapore (after refurbishment):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442223
We all do!!!
But considering that Newton Food Centre would be closed from October, Lau Pa Sat and Glutton Square are your best bets (though i like Chomp Chomp, but that's too far out). Lau Pa Sat is a short bus ride away and Glutton Squre is at the Esplanade, opposite Marina Centre. However, they are also more touristy than the hawker centres locals go to. I personally like Maxwell Food Centre, not too far from Chinatown. Loads of "critically acclaimed" hawker stalls here.
Hope this helps!!!
1 day is too short to eat all the food there is, and see all the sights there are!!!