Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore? (consolidated thread)
Dec 18, 2018, 3:19 pm
#931
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: On the beach
Programs: QF P1 (OWE) LTG (OWS)
Posts: 822
I am one such FS fanboy, and am proud to be such. I think the difference in opinion about this property may have to do with whether one chooses hotels primarily based on the physical plant, or if service is more important. It is by no means a particularly exciting hotel, but Four Seasons service standards and smaller size (relative to larger competition) do give it an advantage among the other similarly unexcitng hotels in Singapore. I do, however, draw the line at FS Sydney. It is perhaps the only FS I have zero interest in. Like Singapore, Sydney for some reason is full of rather lackluster hotels. The Park Hyatt is acceptable in my opinion, although its view is about the best thing it has going for it.
A casino owned by a local lad is currently building a new hotel at Barangaroo, allegedly 6 stars. Sydney needs another casino like a hole in the head, but a new glitzy hotel is something well overdue.
Last edited by amaroo; Dec 18, 2018 at 5:48 pm
Dec 18, 2018, 5:58 pm
#932
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 839
I’m staying at the Ritz again right now. We are on the 30 th floor in the club marina view premier corner suite where I have stayed many times. Other than a mix up on our airport pick up ( they sent two cars instead of one in error ) service has been excellent. I do think it makes a huge difference staying on a club floor and the hotel is not full right now. They say it will go to full capacity on Friday so we will see if we notice a difference however we are leaving on Saturday so not sure we will get the full picture. Things I like about the hotel - the views, the exec lounge ( and I’m not always a lounge person), the pool, and Summer Pavillion Cantonese restaurant. Location I like as well as easy to get to CBD and other places I like to visit. Room is spacious but closet small and furniture looks a bit worn. But love the bath tub with a view, the corner, and the views in general. having said all of this I’d only stay here on a club floor with marina high floor view. Lobby can be very hectic and hotel bigger than I normally like so if what I like isn’t important to you there are other options.
Although this is where I’ve stayed the most, over the years I’ve also stayed at FS ( before renovation) not wild about location or hard product but very good service, Shangri la Valley Wing - used to love but location wasn’t as convenient for my purposes, no view and haven’t stayed for a number of years, MO - did not like at all, Fullerton Bay - had bad experience with noise but could try again, and Raffles long ago - do want to try once renovation completed despite no view as love the building.
So so for now it’s Ritz, but can’t wait fir Raffles and maybe try Fullerton Bay again.
Although this is where I’ve stayed the most, over the years I’ve also stayed at FS ( before renovation) not wild about location or hard product but very good service, Shangri la Valley Wing - used to love but location wasn’t as convenient for my purposes, no view and haven’t stayed for a number of years, MO - did not like at all, Fullerton Bay - had bad experience with noise but could try again, and Raffles long ago - do want to try once renovation completed despite no view as love the building.
So so for now it’s Ritz, but can’t wait fir Raffles and maybe try Fullerton Bay again.
Dec 19, 2018, 5:19 pm
#934
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
I am presented with four options by my corp travel agent, all virtually equal in price:
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
- Andaz
- Intercontinental Singapore (not Robertson)
- Fullerton
- Grand Hyatt
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
Dec 19, 2018, 10:41 pm
#935
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 404
I am presented with four options by my corp travel agent, all virtually equal in price:
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
- Andaz
- Intercontinental Singapore (not Robertson)
- Fullerton
- Grand Hyatt
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
You also have Haji Lane nearby (5 minute walk) which has loads of nightlife as well.
Dec 22, 2018, 4:51 am
#936
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Phuket
Posts: 69
Just returned from 4 nights at the Shangri La Valley Wing even though I said I would not return after the last stay. Allocated our usual room with balcony on the top floor and they managed to remember that we have stayed many times before with a welcome back greeting. Check in was quick and late check was arranged without asking, luggage taken up and champagne delivered.
Room perfect as usual.
Breakfast was excellent and service has drastically improved, there are now two French managers wandering around with Ipads.
After a few hours shopping we made it back in time for Afternoon Tea which unfortunately was a disaster. Although they have brought in more staff we had to get up 4 times to get anything and what they served was not good. One of the managers came to apologise at breakfast the next day and said they are still having staff problems and on explaining to him what should be served for an Afternoon Tea he informed us that he previously worked at The Peninsular in Hong Kong.....obviously not in The Lobby! Service did improve and finally on the last day everything was perfect.
They have now decided to put up a large sign stating the dress code which has become stricter and it was not pleasant watching the staff send families off the canteen style restaurant in the other wing when they arrived in casual clothing for breakfast. You can also see them looking you up and down as you walk up which I find extremely annoying.
Finally on check out we were told that we would be receiving an email stating that anyone booking through a third party agent would no longer get any of the normal inclusions, just the room. As yet no email received.
Overall this is still the best hotel for us in Singapore, the location is good for shopping and getting to the restaurants we like plus the free flow champagne all day cannot be beaten, the staff they have are very good, the management just need to employ more and get rid of the chef who changed the afternoon tea.
Room perfect as usual.
Breakfast was excellent and service has drastically improved, there are now two French managers wandering around with Ipads.
After a few hours shopping we made it back in time for Afternoon Tea which unfortunately was a disaster. Although they have brought in more staff we had to get up 4 times to get anything and what they served was not good. One of the managers came to apologise at breakfast the next day and said they are still having staff problems and on explaining to him what should be served for an Afternoon Tea he informed us that he previously worked at The Peninsular in Hong Kong.....obviously not in The Lobby! Service did improve and finally on the last day everything was perfect.
They have now decided to put up a large sign stating the dress code which has become stricter and it was not pleasant watching the staff send families off the canteen style restaurant in the other wing when they arrived in casual clothing for breakfast. You can also see them looking you up and down as you walk up which I find extremely annoying.
Finally on check out we were told that we would be receiving an email stating that anyone booking through a third party agent would no longer get any of the normal inclusions, just the room. As yet no email received.
Overall this is still the best hotel for us in Singapore, the location is good for shopping and getting to the restaurants we like plus the free flow champagne all day cannot be beaten, the staff they have are very good, the management just need to employ more and get rid of the chef who changed the afternoon tea.
Dec 22, 2018, 2:12 pm
#937
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: NY
Posts: 226
Is a third part agent a reservation through expedia or a regular travel agent? You need to make reservations yourself?
Dec 22, 2018, 3:18 pm
#938
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,217
Just returned from 4 nights at the Shangri La Valley Wing even though I said I would not return after the last stay. Allocated our usual room with balcony on the top floor and they managed to remember that we have stayed many times before with a welcome back greeting. Check in was quick and late check was arranged without asking, luggage taken up and champagne delivered.
Room perfect as usual.
Breakfast was excellent and service has drastically improved, there are now two French managers wandering around with Ipads.
After a few hours shopping we made it back in time for Afternoon Tea which unfortunately was a disaster. Although they have brought in more staff we had to get up 4 times to get anything and what they served was not good. One of the managers came to apologise at breakfast the next day and said they are still having staff problems and on explaining to him what should be served for an Afternoon Tea he informed us that he previously worked at The Peninsular in Hong Kong.....obviously not in The Lobby! Service did improve and finally on the last day everything was perfect.
They have now decided to put up a large sign stating the dress code which has become stricter and it was not pleasant watching the staff send families off the canteen style restaurant in the other wing when they arrived in casual clothing for breakfast. You can also see them looking you up and down as you walk up which I find extremely annoying.
Finally on check out we were told that we would be receiving an email stating that anyone booking through a third party agent would no longer get any of the normal inclusions, just the room. As yet no email received.
Overall this is still the best hotel for us in Singapore, the location is good for shopping and getting to the restaurants we like plus the free flow champagne all day cannot be beaten, the staff they have are very good, the management just need to employ more and get rid of the chef who changed the afternoon tea.
Room perfect as usual.
Breakfast was excellent and service has drastically improved, there are now two French managers wandering around with Ipads.
After a few hours shopping we made it back in time for Afternoon Tea which unfortunately was a disaster. Although they have brought in more staff we had to get up 4 times to get anything and what they served was not good. One of the managers came to apologise at breakfast the next day and said they are still having staff problems and on explaining to him what should be served for an Afternoon Tea he informed us that he previously worked at The Peninsular in Hong Kong.....obviously not in The Lobby! Service did improve and finally on the last day everything was perfect.
They have now decided to put up a large sign stating the dress code which has become stricter and it was not pleasant watching the staff send families off the canteen style restaurant in the other wing when they arrived in casual clothing for breakfast. You can also see them looking you up and down as you walk up which I find extremely annoying.
Finally on check out we were told that we would be receiving an email stating that anyone booking through a third party agent would no longer get any of the normal inclusions, just the room. As yet no email received.
Overall this is still the best hotel for us in Singapore, the location is good for shopping and getting to the restaurants we like plus the free flow champagne all day cannot be beaten, the staff they have are very good, the management just need to employ more and get rid of the chef who changed the afternoon tea.
Dec 23, 2018, 9:38 am
#939
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Looking to book my hotel next year and I have completely mixed feelings about which hotel to choose. Staying a total of 4 nights in Singapore. Doing the first night at the Marina Bay Sands for the pool. The next three nights I'm trying to choose between
Andaz - Great hard product, but subpar service
Ritz Carlton - Great service but subpar hard product (I also have my Ritz Carlton Club Lounge passes. Are they usable at the RC Singapore?)
Four Seasons - Just remodeled, on Orchard Road (is this an area with things to do or just shopping?)
St. Regis - Orchard road as well
MO Singapore - Heard it was pretty standard
Fullerton Hotel - Heard not as good as Bay but much cheaper?
What would you guys pick?
Andaz - Great hard product, but subpar service
Ritz Carlton - Great service but subpar hard product (I also have my Ritz Carlton Club Lounge passes. Are they usable at the RC Singapore?)
Four Seasons - Just remodeled, on Orchard Road (is this an area with things to do or just shopping?)
St. Regis - Orchard road as well
MO Singapore - Heard it was pretty standard
Fullerton Hotel - Heard not as good as Bay but much cheaper?
What would you guys pick?
But since you are already in MBS area , perhaps check out Marina Bay Gardens before moving to the Orchard area .
Like the FS . You are right about the remodelled rooms . Has excellent restaurant ( s ) & connected to Hilton on Orchard Road by link bridge . Nice designer shops - both Hilton & FS .
Close to Botanic Gardens . Numerous food courts within 5 / 10 minutes walk & Newton Circus hawker centre fairly near
. Singapore is small & getting around is easy FYI , SIN DO this year had a meal at Jiang Nan Chun , the Chinese restaurant ( Michelin star ) , followed by drinks at the bar .
Last edited by FlyerEC; Dec 23, 2018 at 9:48 am
Dec 23, 2018, 10:06 pm
#940
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Phuket
Posts: 69
She said any bookings not through their reservation system which will be annoying as I book the flight and hotel together to get points on Expedia and in the past they have matched the rate on other sites for us.
Dec 27, 2018, 1:51 am
#941
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
I just stayed at the Four Seasons for 1 night, it suited me well as I was there for about 14 hours and needed to do some shopping. Overall the renovated rooms have turned out very well they're spacious with great natural light. The rates are some of the cheapest in Singapore when I checked and the staff are nice and well intentioned.
All of the public spaces reminded me of an American grade Ritz Carlton which was a bit of a shame but I didn't have a great deal of time to explore them.
All of the public spaces reminded me of an American grade Ritz Carlton which was a bit of a shame but I didn't have a great deal of time to explore them.
Jan 3, 2019, 8:13 pm
#942
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Has anyone tried either new Six Senses properties in Singapore? I personally love the location of both but haven't seen anything written about it here. Though I am reluctant to stay given how SS HQ has dealt with the rape/assault in the Seychelles.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:38 am
#943
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,528
I am presented with four options by my corp travel agent, all virtually equal in price:
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
- Andaz
- Intercontinental Singapore (not Robertson)
- Fullerton
- Grand Hyatt
The Fullerton is my current favorite (even without EQN and points) but not terribly convenient anymore - though good nightlife nearby
Grand Hyatt is the farthest (2 miles) but almost walking distance from Orchard Street malls (though I don't plan to shop)
Thoughts??
Jan 4, 2019, 12:24 pm
#944
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Here, There, and Everywhere
Posts: 226
The renovated rooms at Four Seasons are fab!
Jan 4, 2019, 12:58 pm
#945
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Six Senses Maxwell (just opened last month) has bright airy rooms, though are small unless booking higher category.
Otherwise I'm tempted to just return to the non-luxe InterContinental Bugis using points. Don't think the price is worth it for the FS or any of the other options. Fullerton Bay is out of budget.