Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore? (consolidated thread)
Oct 22, 2017, 8:38 am
#796
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin
Programs: AA, AS, WN
Posts: 503
I don't understand any hype about the club lounge at this one either. The MO PVG club lounge blows this one out of the water. I've had solid rooms there, BCN was ok (even if the room was properly sized for a gerbil), Tokyo, and HKG.
I vow to never step foot in the MO SIN again, lol.
Oct 22, 2017, 8:39 am
#797
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin
Programs: AA, AS, WN
Posts: 503
I really don't either. After having significant issues at my last 4 MO stays in a row, I'm done. For SIN - my go tos moving forward will be FBH (if needing to be closer in) or the Capella.
Oct 22, 2017, 10:52 am
#798
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Confirmation bias: most people are too beholden to a preferred (hotel) brand that makes them feel so special that they too often cannot honestly evaluate the specific examples of that brand in particular locations. Especially where that brand location is a weaker example. That's also why branding is so powerful--people assume the best of the brands they love and tend to ignore weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
Oct 22, 2017, 12:04 pm
#799
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
btw did you demand for a room change or refund?
Oct 22, 2017, 12:35 pm
#800
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Confirmation bias: most people are too beholden to a preferred (hotel) brand that makes them feel so special that they too often cannot honestly evaluate the specific examples of that brand in particular locations. Especially where that brand location is a weaker example. That's also why branding is so powerful--people assume the best of the brands they love and tend to ignore weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
I’m interested in trying the InterContinental heritage wing, and actually the new Westin looks quite nice if one likes views from a high floor. Andaz has yet to open, but could be an option.
The Ritz-Catlton and Mandarin Oriental are just big monstrosities with Marina Bay views. Perfectly okay, I suppose, but not what I call luxury hotels. Club level service helps, but does not make a huge hotel a luxury hotel. I’m not even sure Singapore has a true luxury hotel, so a good four star option with good F&B and service is just fine for me in Singapore.
Oct 22, 2017, 12:38 pm
#801
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
BENLEE , the Duty Manager claimed they were at capacity . It was some complimentary offer from them anyway so we just left after waiting to see if they could do something .
It was many years ago , possibly soon after their last refurbishment and we wondered back then what the hype was about ..
But the restaurants are , thankfully , still decent
It was many years ago , possibly soon after their last refurbishment and we wondered back then what the hype was about ..
But the restaurants are , thankfully , still decent
Oct 22, 2017, 3:34 pm
#802
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Yes agree. And in Singapore none of the high end groups really have great properties, they are merely acceptable.
I’m interested in trying the InterContinental heritage wing, and actually the new Westin looks quite nice if one likes views from a high floor. Andaz has yet to open, but could be an option.
The Ritz-Catlton and Mandarin Oriental are just big monstrosities with Marina Bay views. Perfectly okay, I suppose, but not what I call luxury hotels. Club level service helps, but does not make a huge hotel a luxury hotel. I’m not even sure Singapore has a true luxury hotel, so a good four star option with good F&B and service is just fine for me in Singapore.
I’m interested in trying the InterContinental heritage wing, and actually the new Westin looks quite nice if one likes views from a high floor. Andaz has yet to open, but could be an option.
The Ritz-Catlton and Mandarin Oriental are just big monstrosities with Marina Bay views. Perfectly okay, I suppose, but not what I call luxury hotels. Club level service helps, but does not make a huge hotel a luxury hotel. I’m not even sure Singapore has a true luxury hotel, so a good four star option with good F&B and service is just fine for me in Singapore.
Oct 22, 2017, 3:52 pm
#803
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I agree, nothing really seems all that appealing in SIN. We're headed to Indonesia in late-June for our honeymoon, and stopping in Singapore for a couple of nights on the way. I have (at least preliminarily) decided to skip the luxury circuit in SIN and use points at the Intercontinental. It just doesn't seem worth shelling out $600+ per night for a club room at the R-C or regular room at the FBH. Would rather use that money at Amankila!
Oct 22, 2017, 8:29 pm
#804
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Confirmation bias: most people are too beholden to a preferred (hotel) brand that makes them feel so special that they too often cannot honestly evaluate the specific examples of that brand in particular locations. Especially where that brand location is a weaker example. That's also why branding is so powerful--people assume the best of the brands they love and tend to ignore weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
In the example of MO, I think so many people love the MO in Bangkok and Tokyo that they cannot imagine it won't be as wonderful in a place like SIN. And the ignore the obvious weaknesses of the SIN property. Confirmation bias strikes again.
I think the other luxury chain where this confirmation bias is most prevalent is Four Seasons, followed by Ritz Carlton. There are way too many who blindly assume that every FS or RC is somehow the best in any market...even when it is blatantly obvious that isn't the case. It is obvious when confirmation bias strikes for these because the adherents too often cannot accept that theirs is not the absolute best but is only one of several or even many that are considered the best.
I love the StR brand as everyone knows, but that didn't preclude me from honestly dismissing the Washington, DC, and Dubai StR (and Houston) properties as being too dated and/or with too many service issues for me to return for the time being. I don't blindly assume that my beloved StR is the best in every market or even most markets. I think the StR is one of the best in many, if not most, markets...but a bit weaker in some markets, too.
I love the PH brand, too, but that didn't preclude me from honestly critiquing the Vienna property as lacking any sense of place and having some intrinsic service weaknesses.
Oct 23, 2017, 7:02 am
#805
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I love the essential, classic properties from both groups. As well as the contemporary classics as well. But a lot of the new property that sprout up here and there are totally uninteresting, as are the decidedly mediocre city hotels that manage to rest on the laurels of the Manadrin Oriental name and command premium rates as a result of their MO branding.
There are only a half a dozen or so great Mandarin Oriental properties in my opinion, and there are other locations where they are honestly the best in town. On the other hand there are quite a few that are neither objectively great, not the best in town, but are simply overpriced and overrated.
Nov 8, 2017, 10:58 pm
#806
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,081
Greetings, folks. Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts offers the following choices for Singapore:
Capella Resort
Four Seasons
Raffles
Fullerton Bay
Ritz-Carlton
I'm hoping to be within walking distance of lively parts of town, especially night life. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Capella Resort
Four Seasons
Raffles
Fullerton Bay
Ritz-Carlton
I'm hoping to be within walking distance of lively parts of town, especially night life. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Nov 9, 2017, 4:22 am
#807
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
I'd certainly remove Ritz Carlton and Raffles...Fullerton Bay will be a better location and hotel than the two. Also, as FYI...Virtuoso Agents can provide an upgrade at booking (in addition to the same other amenities as Amex) for Fullerton Bay. And many Virtuoso TAs are FSPP Advisors may also be able to do the same at FS.
Last edited by BESVISOR; Nov 9, 2017 at 4:29 am
Nov 18, 2017, 12:58 pm
#808
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
Not a lot of talk about the Fairmont on here. Any reason? We're strongly considering it, as we have suite upgrade certs and Fairmont Platinum status. Additionally, they offer complimentary bicycles, which is our favorite way to explore a city. The bikes would be our main reason to choose this hotel. (yes, we are millenials), but we also have great memories at many Fairmonts in Canada.
Last edited by JNelson113; Mar 5, 2022 at 6:19 am
Nov 18, 2017, 1:50 pm
#809
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Any experience at the Capella Singapore? particularly for visiting Singapore? Thinking about 4 nights; want something a little more laid back with space and relaxation built in... from what I understand it's still possible to be into Singpore in about 20 mints. Looking at the villas here... thanks!
FDW
FDW
Nov 19, 2017, 12:38 pm
#810
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,393
Any experience at the Capella Singapore? particularly for visiting Singapore? Thinking about 4 nights; want something a little more laid back with space and relaxation built in... from what I understand it's still possible to be into Singpore in about 20 mints. Looking at the villas here... thanks!
FDW
FDW
The villas offer very little improvement over the base rooms, I prefer the main building for proximity to the common spaces, particularly during rain