Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore? (consolidated thread)
Mar 1, 2021, 3:58 pm
#1051
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Does anyone have (or know a source of) guest review photos of the Capella Manor (the Manor is like a villa, above their penthouse/suite) at Capella Club Residences Singapore ?
I can only find some pics on their website. Am curious if there is a review of it somewhere on the net (I have googled everywhere with no success). Specifically the Capella Manor. I managed to find pics and even video of their two smaller Manors (the Contemporary and the Colonial Manor).
Much obliged
I can only find some pics on their website. Am curious if there is a review of it somewhere on the net (I have googled everywhere with no success). Specifically the Capella Manor. I managed to find pics and even video of their two smaller Manors (the Contemporary and the Colonial Manor).
Much obliged
Having said that , the ballroom is extremely popular . One of the top wedding venues with numerous wedding banquets , supposedly the place to be seen . The meals there were passable , not sure if worth whatever the hosts had to fork out though .
( the RC is more convenient and arguably , generally , the priciest minimum charge for banquets )
Mar 1, 2021, 5:02 pm
#1052
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,523
I've only tried the State Room Suite, which is the second lowest price category. They're bigger than the Studios and the Courtyard but are priced lower than the Courtyard because I think they're located in a less desirable wing of the hotel where your wing over-looks public areas as opposed to the tranquil private courtyards. My understanding is that the fit and finish/amenities are the same for these suite categories, so its really about size and location within the building. We liked the State Suite which came with a full-sized living room and the sound-proofing was excellent despite being near the new location of the Long Bar and the main street.
One thing we really didn't like about the Raffles is the welcome/entry experience. Because so many sight-seeing non-residents/tourists try to come into the hotel, they keep the main doors locked (you can open them with a room key) and when you enter the hotel you're more often than not challenged as to your business. It's really an awful welcome back experience for a hotel guest and not at all 5-star. Having to swipe your key card felt like being at the office. Doormen don't open the door and greet you upon return and to be questioned when you walk into the lobby of your own hotel doesn't feel great "Can I help you?" "Where are you going sir/madam?" etc. It's too bad, because being able to return through the lovely main lobby should be one of the highlights of your stay, but by the end we would just use one of their non-descript side entrances to avoid the hassle. I raised it with the hotel manager and he essentially said that they couldn't do anything about it because they try to dissuade tourists from coming in.
One thing we really didn't like about the Raffles is the welcome/entry experience. Because so many sight-seeing non-residents/tourists try to come into the hotel, they keep the main doors locked (you can open them with a room key) and when you enter the hotel you're more often than not challenged as to your business. It's really an awful welcome back experience for a hotel guest and not at all 5-star. Having to swipe your key card felt like being at the office. Doormen don't open the door and greet you upon return and to be questioned when you walk into the lobby of your own hotel doesn't feel great "Can I help you?" "Where are you going sir/madam?" etc. It's too bad, because being able to return through the lovely main lobby should be one of the highlights of your stay, but by the end we would just use one of their non-descript side entrances to avoid the hassle. I raised it with the hotel manager and he essentially said that they couldn't do anything about it because they try to dissuade tourists from coming in.
Jul 27, 2021, 10:27 am
#1053
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Singapore
Posts: 175
Over the past few months I have done staycations at St Regis, W, Intercontinental (Bugis), and Four Seasons. All stays were one night stays on Saturday nights which is the busy night for hotels as demand is almost entirely staycations due to the strict travel restrictions.
I used a 50k Marriott Free Night at St Regis and used a Suite Night Award that confirmed into the Caroline Astor Suite. As a Titanium member I got free breakfast, 4pm late checkout, and two free drinks from a limited menu at Astor Bar for happy hour. The corner suite is very nice with a good view including Botanic Gardens although hard to see much other than trees. My only minor complaints about the room would be the lack of a dining table and the sofa is kinda small for a 90sqm suite. The decor will certainly be for everyone's taste but I enjoyed it for a staycation. I did not use the pool as it is rather small. F&B options options are quite good as well with a 1star sushi restaurant (inside but not affiliated with the hotel), a good Cantonese restaurant and cocktail bar as well as a decent French restaurant where breakfast is served. Unfortunately the service other than elite treatment is quite poor. I forgot my phone charger and they didn't have any to lend. At breakfast which was ala carte buffet after 45 minutes one of the dishes we had ordered had still not arrived and they offered for us to go to our room and they would send it up as room service which was accepted and then it took another 45 minutes. Although I experienced no queues at check-in/out I did see a longish queue to check-in on Saturday afternoon.
I used 60k points at the W Singapore and used a Suite Night Award that confirmed into a Marvelous Suite. My stay was during a ban on dining in and as a Titanium member I got free breakfast via room service, 4 drink vouchers for happy hour via room service and a 4pm late checkout which required a room change. I was particularly grateful for the late checkout as there is a resort so they were not obligated to give a late checkout as they needed the room for the next night. The suite was very spacious with a huge wraparound balcony with a dining table and cabana and a large separate tub and shower area. The base room we got moved to was more ordinary. The style throughout the property is more contemporary although not particularly distinctive. There is a huge resort like pool with a fun slide. The nearby area in Sentosa Cove was a nice place for a staycation but the location is rather out of the way for most tourists or business travelers. This is not really a luxury property but the location and vibe will certainly appeal to some.
I used an IHG 40k points free night at the IC Bugis. As a platinum non Ambassador I got upgraded to a grand deluxe room and 2pm late checkout. I did not spend as much time in the room but my impression is the grand deluxe and lower category deluxe rooms make fairly efficient use of space with a design that is good blend of modern business hotels and local heritage styles. The pool is not huge but has a decent view. The location is also convenient being connect to mall/MRT interchange. I would classify the Intercontinental as a solid non luxury option.
At the Four Seasons I booked an entry level deluxe room for 430++ SGD via a preferred partner rate. I was given a one category upgrade to a Boulevard room, a 130 SGD credit, option of restaurant or room service breakfast, and a 2pm late checkout. At 49sqm the deluxe/boulevard rooms have a loveseat, dining table, two sinks and separate bath/shower which is an efficient use of space while not feeling cramped. I also liked the decor of the remodeled room. The boulevard room has a view of little known Orchard Boulevard which runs parallel to the famous Orchard Road. Unless the entry level room looked into another building I don't think I would pay anything for this view. I used the hotel credit for drinks at the new garden extension of One-Ninety bar/restaurant which was nice although rather empty on a Saturday night. Service was overall very good as expected.
The clearest comparison is Four Seasons versus St Regis as they are comparable properties in similar locations a few minutes from the business of Orchard. For non Marriott elites I would think Four Seasons is the clear choice due to much much better service while it would be a more complicated decision for Marriott elites. The IC Bugis and W are much less comparable and would be solid choices if the location/vibe appeal to you.
I used a 50k Marriott Free Night at St Regis and used a Suite Night Award that confirmed into the Caroline Astor Suite. As a Titanium member I got free breakfast, 4pm late checkout, and two free drinks from a limited menu at Astor Bar for happy hour. The corner suite is very nice with a good view including Botanic Gardens although hard to see much other than trees. My only minor complaints about the room would be the lack of a dining table and the sofa is kinda small for a 90sqm suite. The decor will certainly be for everyone's taste but I enjoyed it for a staycation. I did not use the pool as it is rather small. F&B options options are quite good as well with a 1star sushi restaurant (inside but not affiliated with the hotel), a good Cantonese restaurant and cocktail bar as well as a decent French restaurant where breakfast is served. Unfortunately the service other than elite treatment is quite poor. I forgot my phone charger and they didn't have any to lend. At breakfast which was ala carte buffet after 45 minutes one of the dishes we had ordered had still not arrived and they offered for us to go to our room and they would send it up as room service which was accepted and then it took another 45 minutes. Although I experienced no queues at check-in/out I did see a longish queue to check-in on Saturday afternoon.
I used 60k points at the W Singapore and used a Suite Night Award that confirmed into a Marvelous Suite. My stay was during a ban on dining in and as a Titanium member I got free breakfast via room service, 4 drink vouchers for happy hour via room service and a 4pm late checkout which required a room change. I was particularly grateful for the late checkout as there is a resort so they were not obligated to give a late checkout as they needed the room for the next night. The suite was very spacious with a huge wraparound balcony with a dining table and cabana and a large separate tub and shower area. The base room we got moved to was more ordinary. The style throughout the property is more contemporary although not particularly distinctive. There is a huge resort like pool with a fun slide. The nearby area in Sentosa Cove was a nice place for a staycation but the location is rather out of the way for most tourists or business travelers. This is not really a luxury property but the location and vibe will certainly appeal to some.
I used an IHG 40k points free night at the IC Bugis. As a platinum non Ambassador I got upgraded to a grand deluxe room and 2pm late checkout. I did not spend as much time in the room but my impression is the grand deluxe and lower category deluxe rooms make fairly efficient use of space with a design that is good blend of modern business hotels and local heritage styles. The pool is not huge but has a decent view. The location is also convenient being connect to mall/MRT interchange. I would classify the Intercontinental as a solid non luxury option.
At the Four Seasons I booked an entry level deluxe room for 430++ SGD via a preferred partner rate. I was given a one category upgrade to a Boulevard room, a 130 SGD credit, option of restaurant or room service breakfast, and a 2pm late checkout. At 49sqm the deluxe/boulevard rooms have a loveseat, dining table, two sinks and separate bath/shower which is an efficient use of space while not feeling cramped. I also liked the decor of the remodeled room. The boulevard room has a view of little known Orchard Boulevard which runs parallel to the famous Orchard Road. Unless the entry level room looked into another building I don't think I would pay anything for this view. I used the hotel credit for drinks at the new garden extension of One-Ninety bar/restaurant which was nice although rather empty on a Saturday night. Service was overall very good as expected.
The clearest comparison is Four Seasons versus St Regis as they are comparable properties in similar locations a few minutes from the business of Orchard. For non Marriott elites I would think Four Seasons is the clear choice due to much much better service while it would be a more complicated decision for Marriott elites. The IC Bugis and W are much less comparable and would be solid choices if the location/vibe appeal to you.
Aug 19, 2021, 12:11 pm
#1054
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 15
Hi,
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification
)
Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification
)Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
Aug 19, 2021, 2:50 pm
#1055
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: London, Paris
Programs: LH HON, AF Platinum
Posts: 2,001
Probably Raffles.
Aug 19, 2021, 9:52 pm
#1056
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
Hi,
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification)
Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification
)Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
Not my most exhaustive review but you'll find some details/pics there:
https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/the-...-hotel-review/
Particularly, the pool is nice. It's not new (but also not old!) but maintenance is pretty good. Was particularly impressed with service throughout, including on returns when I wasn't even staying at the hotel just visiting (and because their concierge team has always been extremely helpful even when I just drop by).
Oct 25, 2021, 3:41 am
#1057
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Singapore
Posts: 175
I recently did a one night staycation at the Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa. While it isn't really a luxury property it is the only beachfront hotel in Singapore so that will certainly appeal to some. I booked a luxury circle rate for 455++ SGD for a deluxe sea view room which was upgraded at time of booking to a pool view room although I preferred the sea view so the hotel was able to change the booking to a panoramic sea view room. The room itself is rather basic with a tub with sea views and a nice balcony with excellent beach/sea views by Singapore standards (there are many container ships/oil refineries in the distance). As part of Singapore's rather strict social distancing measures the beach at Sentosa is currently partitioned with part becoming a private beach for the resort. In this private beach section there are water activities and plenty of sun loungers with F&B service from the beach/pool bar. I'm not entirely sure what the current beach situation is for other resorts but most if not all beach clubs are currently fenced off from the beach. The pool is a decent resort pool and has a dedicated adults only section which is appreciated as there are a lot of kids at the resort.
F&B at the resort is much more family friendly than luxury with prices fairly typical for Singapore. During our stay we had cocktails and coconut juices by the beach, cocktails and dessert via room service as well as dinner and breakfast at the Silver Shell restaurant. I thought most things were fine although not great with efficient but not luxury service. Service was generally friendly although not at all personalized. There are some queues at check-in due to a rather lengthly check-in process because of the covid protocols which require health/travel declarations and booking of facilities which is currently the norm in Singapore.
Overall, few tourists will want to visit a Singapore beach resort especially with the current restrictions but for Singapore based residents this is a decent option given that current travel restrictions eliminate all nearby beach destinations.
F&B at the resort is much more family friendly than luxury with prices fairly typical for Singapore. During our stay we had cocktails and coconut juices by the beach, cocktails and dessert via room service as well as dinner and breakfast at the Silver Shell restaurant. I thought most things were fine although not great with efficient but not luxury service. Service was generally friendly although not at all personalized. There are some queues at check-in due to a rather lengthly check-in process because of the covid protocols which require health/travel declarations and booking of facilities which is currently the norm in Singapore.
Overall, few tourists will want to visit a Singapore beach resort especially with the current restrictions but for Singapore based residents this is a decent option given that current travel restrictions eliminate all nearby beach destinations.
Oct 25, 2021, 1:54 pm
#1058
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: SQ *Gold
Posts: 871
Hi,
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification)
Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
looking for a recommendation for a nice 5* hotel in Singapore. I've read through the thread but didn't really come to a conclusion yet.
Ideally looking for something like the Rosewood in HK:
- Luxurious, but not old fashioned, no pomp
- Recently opened or renovated
- Really great breakfast
- Outstanding service
- Nice pool with a view, don't need a massive pool landscape, though
- Ideally a gym with a view
- (Not located on Sentosa, just for clarification
)Would be very grateful for your suggestions!
(BTW, just realized that this was a review for the Rosewood in HK as it ticks all of those boxes above. Best stay in a long time).
Other options I would suggest include the Fullerton Bay (rooftop pool overlooking Marina Bay) and the new Kempinski which might seem less stuffy than the Raffles, though the pool is small. Generally, the Fullerton Bay, Kempinski and Raffles are newer than the Four Seasons, St Regis, Shangri-La and Ritz Carlton.
Nov 20, 2021, 12:55 am
#1059
Join Date: May 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: Hyatt Glob, *G, Bonvoy Platinum, Honors Diamond, SkyTeam ElitePlus, GHA Titanium
Posts: 56
Going to Singapore for New Years and I just found a rate for the Fullerton Hotel (not Fullerton Bay) which would ultimately be roughly USD $100 cheaper than the hotel I've already booked (Conrad Centennial.) Anyone have any thoughts on whether or not I should swap them out for each other? From reading this thread, I'm gathering that the Fullerton Hotel might be overhyped...
Nov 20, 2021, 10:19 am
#1060
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: La Jolla, California
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, SWA CP
Posts: 1,124
Going to Singapore for New Years and I just found a rate for the Fullerton Hotel (not Fullerton Bay) which would ultimately be roughly USD $100 cheaper than the hotel I've already booked (Conrad Centennial.) Anyone have any thoughts on whether or not I should swap them out for each other? From reading this thread, I'm gathering that the Fullerton Hotel might be overhyped...
Nov 21, 2021, 12:17 pm
#1061
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Love the Fullerton - it’s so elegant and makes me feel like I’m living an earlier era (though the rooms are fully updated). Great location too walking distance from the restaurants (if they are open). Can’t speak to the Hilton.
Dec 8, 2021, 4:28 pm
#1062
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Raffles Hotel , Advent 2021
Raffles Singapore
1 Review
|
100% Recommended
Raffles Singapore
1 Beach Road Singapore, SG 189673
RecommendedLiked: LocationServiceFoodAmenitiesRoom
Raffles Hotel , Advent 2021 (20 Photos)
Raffles Singapore
Preamble
It has been almost 2 years , short by a month , since writing a review .. longest period in recent times since my last flight ( must be more than 60 years ago with no flying or hotel stay when this possibly might have occurred ) ! So rusty that this has taken awhile to put together ..
Route taken to Raffles , arrived by car .. sorry forgot how to re arrange photos
View of the wing where the suite is and Raffles Courtyard enroute to the lobby
Lobby
Was looking forward to the annual huge live traditional CHRISTmas tree in the centre of the lobby but it was not to be . Shipment of all tall trees has been delayed , wonder if the containers will arrive by mid December . Will post photos then .
Instead the lobby area was set up as usual for afternoon tea . One walks past to get to the residents area to the suites .
Room
Entry to suite opens to a small living area to the left and a table with the minibar along with TV on the right
The minibar is like a trunk , nice touch of how it was like to travel especially aeons ago , decently stocked
Bedroom
The bed is very comfortable
Bathroom
A comfortable size but not generous AMANs or MOHK suites
Deep bathtub for a comfortable soak , beyond is the door behind the tub opening to the ' WC ' room
Note the bathroom floor tiles
Service
Every suite has a dedicated butler and this helps . With quite a number of hotel F & B outlets as well as others on site along with those in the area including Raffles City ( Fairmont & Swisshotel too ) across the street , one is spoilt for choice too where dining , shopping and other attractions distract / tempt .
Decisions , decisions , decisions .. butler suggestions and thoughts come in handy .
Service throughout was pleasantly attentive .
Dining
As hinted / mentioned above , dining at Raffles is a joy , even though missing some options before this recent renovations .
Some of the meals we had have been posted in Dining Buzz while figuring out how to write here again . Going to take a break to see if this shows up alright and resume the review later .
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33786793-post8331.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33788235-post8334.html
We were in the Lobby Lounge for Festive Afternoon Tea on Sunday . Also the Long Bar , Butchers Block . Popped into non hotel outlets but onsite in the Raffles Arcade area like Singapore Coffee , Burger and Lobster
The Fairmont and Swisshotel looming above the shopping arcade .. the Long Bar , Butchers Block and Singapore Coffee are located in the wing you catch a glimpse of on the right . As you can well imagine , it can be quite a trek to reach some of the dining options . As an example , Burger and Lobster , is at the far end . The walkways are all al fresco ..
While the standard of the fare at the hotel are high , the prices are correspondingly so . Perhaps they reflect her iconic status being a Grande Dame . For instance , did not realise that the Festive Afternoon Tea cost the same as the FS 190 CHRISTmas set dinner ! The Four Seasons CHRISTmas tea is also about half it ! That said , the atmosphere at Raffles has a different cheery vibe .
Amenities
2 iPads are provided in the suite . These are quite handy to manage lighting and such .
If one is driving , the covered carpark is ample and provides easy parking .
Classical music is usually played , even in the public washrooms .
These happen to provide respite from the open air walkways being sufficiently air conditioned too .
Do note that because of the current situation , one has to reserve times for swims in the rooftop pool or the gym .
This can be considered a boon as it becomes like your private gym or pool
Dec 9, 2021, 4:06 pm
#1063
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,754
@FlyerEC, it was a treat to read this and to see the pictures. It looks lovely. It was my never realized dream to stay here. We stayed at some hotels of the same vintage such as E&O Penang and loved the colonial stories. But I had feared that Raffles was now only for casual tourists. Your pictures lead me to rethink it.
Dec 12, 2021, 2:18 pm
#1064
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Found some patience to continue with The Raffles review .. does anyone know why it keeps scrolling when one is editing or at least trying to edit ⁉️ .. gave up many times trying . Some of what was typed disappeared too !
Very frustrating .. hope to get the review done by mid Advent 🤞🏻, in the meantime , enjoy what has been added / changed or will be added in bits at this rate .
Very frustrating .. hope to get the review done by mid Advent 🤞🏻, in the meantime , enjoy what has been added / changed or will be added in bits at this rate .
Dec 19, 2021, 7:44 pm
#1065
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: SQ *Gold
Posts: 871
@FlyerEC, it was a treat to read this and to see the pictures. It looks lovely. It was my never realized dream to stay here. We stayed at some hotels of the same vintage such as E&O Penang and loved the colonial stories. But I had feared that Raffles was now only for casual tourists. Your pictures lead me to rethink it.