FS Singapore - Yay or Nay?
Apr 26, 22, 1:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 88
FS Singapore - Yay or Nay?
Reviews seem super weird. Either people love it or they hate it. They have more bad reviews on TA than i’d like but they are all a few years old.
Our main focus is room crispness, no bugs, no smell. Location seems fine. Prices seem fine.
Anyone tried it recently?
Our main focus is room crispness, no bugs, no smell. Location seems fine. Prices seem fine.
Anyone tried it recently?
Apr 26, 22, 3:20 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,509
All rooms and suites have been refreshed by HBA a while ago and look beautiful, although it was a soft renovation -- there is nothing wrong with any of the rooms. Would at least book an Executive Suite or one of the 1 BRs. We did look at the Ambassador Suite, which is much more residential vs other categories -- great for an extended stay.
There is some renovation noise until early May, which emanates from the build out of Nobu under construction, but the noise is limited to some of the lobby areas and the newly opened Pool House. Speaking of which -- the Pool House is a wonderful concept, especially if you love healthy fare and drinks. Very light and balanced cuisine with an emphasis on ingredients. Even a guilt-free carrot cake and very delicious young coconuts!
Other than that, they are struggling on all fronts with the service but they are trying so hard... they're just short staffed and it is mostly noticeable at One Ninety. Should improve shortly, hopefully... I received many thoughtful touches from the team. I hope now that Singapore receives more International visitors again, they start asking/knowing room numbers of in-house guests because otherwise they can hardly personalize the F&B experience, so this can be an issue for some. F&B is very up to date. I love they do their own food, aside from Nobu opening shortly, which will be a fantastic addition.
I loved the Spa. It is small but the therapists are wonderful. Should you try the Spa, do ask for Evon -- she is a SUPERSTAR therapist and had one of the best treatments in a very long time with her. Great facial in both technique and connection. Do note that there's currently (and in future) no relaxation area, which inevitably means you will have your ginger tea either in the Pool House restaurant or the Spa waiting area upstairs. There's also just one reception on the whole floor which functions as the reception for the Spa and the restaurant as well. Space constraints. But they try to manage everything well.
The only sour aftertaste was the check out... breakfast charges were not removed at all and the folio was a mess. It took very long to sort out and the receptionist started to argue about it rather than simply remove it, which has NEVER been a problem at any FS worldwide. They are usually generous with breakfast. Not here -- one of the FS where there was not really an air of generosity, seemingly budget issues! In the end, all good but one wonders... Receptionist was very transactional as well. Ho-hum.
All things considered, we had a very nice stay. I think that FS Singapore could feel slightly cold, especially when booking a room, but I think it's one of the best options in the city! Location is great.
Side note: Special thanks to lovely FlyerEC, who was most wonderful throughout our stay.
Apr 27, 22, 2:00 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 88
Thank you so much for the input. I booked a week in July, and will book two others for my month long stay. Not sure about the two others - JW South Beach looks nice and crisp - and has what appears to be great bathrooms. Maybe St. regis will be the third…
Apr 28, 22, 5:29 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,509
Make sure to try Madame Fan while staying at JW South Beach!
Apr 28, 22, 7:43 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 9,593
I thought it was perfectly fine, just stayed this very month and had a wonderful time.
All rooms and suites have been refreshed by HBA a while ago and look beautiful, although it was a soft renovation -- there is nothing wrong with any of the rooms. Would at least book an Executive Suite or one of the 1 BRs. We did look at the Ambassador Suite, which is much more residential vs other categories -- great for an extended stay.
There is some renovation noise until early May, which emanates from the build out of Nobu under construction, but the noise is limited to some of the lobby areas and the newly opened Pool House. Speaking of which -- the Pool House is a wonderful concept, especially if you love healthy fare and drinks. Very light and balanced cuisine with an emphasis on ingredients. Even a guilt-free carrot cake and very delicious young coconuts!
Other than that, they are struggling on all fronts with the service but they are trying so hard... they're just short staffed and it is mostly noticeable at One Ninety. Should improve shortly, hopefully... I received many thoughtful touches from the team. I hope now that Singapore receives more International visitors again, they start asking/knowing room numbers of in-house guests because otherwise they can hardly personalize the F&B experience, so this can be an issue for some. F&B is very up to date. I love they do their own food, aside from Nobu opening shortly, which will be a fantastic addition.
I loved the Spa. It is small but the therapists are wonderful. Should you try the Spa, do ask for Evon -- she is a SUPERSTAR therapist and had one of the best treatments in a very long time with her. Great facial in both technique and connection. Do note that there's currently (and in future) no relaxation area, which inevitably means you will have your ginger tea either in the Pool House restaurant or the Spa waiting area upstairs. There's also just one reception on the whole floor which functions as the reception for the Spa and the restaurant as well. Space constraints. But they try to manage everything well.
The only sour aftertaste was the check out... breakfast charges were not removed at all and the folio was a mess. It took very long to sort out and the receptionist started to argue about it rather than simply remove it, which has NEVER been a problem at any FS worldwide. They are usually generous with breakfast. Not here -- one of the FS where there was not really an air of generosity, seemingly budget issues! In the end, all good but one wonders... Receptionist was very transactional as well. Ho-hum.
All things considered, we had a very nice stay. I think that FS Singapore could feel slightly cold, especially when booking a room, but I think it's one of the best options in the city! Location is great.
Side note: Special thanks to lovely FlyerEC, who was most wonderful throughout our stay.
All rooms and suites have been refreshed by HBA a while ago and look beautiful, although it was a soft renovation -- there is nothing wrong with any of the rooms. Would at least book an Executive Suite or one of the 1 BRs. We did look at the Ambassador Suite, which is much more residential vs other categories -- great for an extended stay.
There is some renovation noise until early May, which emanates from the build out of Nobu under construction, but the noise is limited to some of the lobby areas and the newly opened Pool House. Speaking of which -- the Pool House is a wonderful concept, especially if you love healthy fare and drinks. Very light and balanced cuisine with an emphasis on ingredients. Even a guilt-free carrot cake and very delicious young coconuts!
Other than that, they are struggling on all fronts with the service but they are trying so hard... they're just short staffed and it is mostly noticeable at One Ninety. Should improve shortly, hopefully... I received many thoughtful touches from the team. I hope now that Singapore receives more International visitors again, they start asking/knowing room numbers of in-house guests because otherwise they can hardly personalize the F&B experience, so this can be an issue for some. F&B is very up to date. I love they do their own food, aside from Nobu opening shortly, which will be a fantastic addition.
I loved the Spa. It is small but the therapists are wonderful. Should you try the Spa, do ask for Evon -- she is a SUPERSTAR therapist and had one of the best treatments in a very long time with her. Great facial in both technique and connection. Do note that there's currently (and in future) no relaxation area, which inevitably means you will have your ginger tea either in the Pool House restaurant or the Spa waiting area upstairs. There's also just one reception on the whole floor which functions as the reception for the Spa and the restaurant as well. Space constraints. But they try to manage everything well.
The only sour aftertaste was the check out... breakfast charges were not removed at all and the folio was a mess. It took very long to sort out and the receptionist started to argue about it rather than simply remove it, which has NEVER been a problem at any FS worldwide. They are usually generous with breakfast. Not here -- one of the FS where there was not really an air of generosity, seemingly budget issues! In the end, all good but one wonders... Receptionist was very transactional as well. Ho-hum.
All things considered, we had a very nice stay. I think that FS Singapore could feel slightly cold, especially when booking a room, but I think it's one of the best options in the city! Location is great.
Side note: Special thanks to lovely FlyerEC, who was most wonderful throughout our stay.
The SPA sounds special and something I’ve missed during the pandemic.
May 3, 22, 12:51 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Personally it's a Yay from me.
I've been visiting for a few years now and it keeps getting better.
My most recent stays were both in February 2022.
At this point almost the entire hotel has been completely renovated to a very modern standard.
The only parts that looks antiquated now are the entrance and lobby.
I love the new spa and open plan dining area by the main pool.
I was personally a big fan of the spit and sawdust vibes of the old gym but the new modern machinery is very impressive too.
I've had plenty of clients staying here since the easing of COVID restrictions and feedback has been universally positive.
Service has suffered a bit of a setback throughout Asia and there is still the possibility of confusion, misunderstanding etc.
For the most part however I've found the degree of polish and professionalism to have remained high here (in the context of Singapore hotels)
My full review has been updated with photos of all the latest improvements, for those wishing to read further:
I've been visiting for a few years now and it keeps getting better.
My most recent stays were both in February 2022.
At this point almost the entire hotel has been completely renovated to a very modern standard.
The only parts that looks antiquated now are the entrance and lobby.
I love the new spa and open plan dining area by the main pool.
I was personally a big fan of the spit and sawdust vibes of the old gym but the new modern machinery is very impressive too.
I've had plenty of clients staying here since the easing of COVID restrictions and feedback has been universally positive.
Service has suffered a bit of a setback throughout Asia and there is still the possibility of confusion, misunderstanding etc.
For the most part however I've found the degree of polish and professionalism to have remained high here (in the context of Singapore hotels)
My full review has been updated with photos of all the latest improvements, for those wishing to read further:
REVIEW – Four Seasons Singapore
(Room types covered: Boulevard Room, Executive Suite, One Bedroom Suite)
May 8, 22, 3:31 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,509
It was IRD, but very odd nevertheless.. they agreed in the end.
By the way, FS Singapore is currently hiring for over 100 positions throughout the hotel... they are staffing the hotel appropriately again. So if anything, service should only improve!
I also hear they are planning to renovate the lobby and public areas in the near future.
Last edited by scented; May 8, 22 at 3:42 am
Jun 9, 22, 1:14 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,924
I’m just checking out today and my answer is a definitive YES. We had booked this hotel on an Amex FHR deal months ago, and the hotel ended up being sold out for our stay (which means no upgrades available). That was a bit disappointing, which is a good reminder to always book the lowest tier room you are happy to be “stuck” in.
Anyway, we had a couple issues in the first room we were assigned, but they were very responsive and really care about their guests. My son had an allergy attack and they took the incident very seriously and brought up a large air purifier and deep-cleaned our room while we went to the family pool on the roof. There was also another issue with an exhaust fan, and they ended up moving us to another room. I was appreciative of their responsiveness to the issues.
Breakfast at One Ninety was always lovely. The hosts and waitstaff were very helpful. The food always delicious (except the bacon - it wasn’t ever crispy).
We also ordered pizza a few times for the kiddos through Grab and the concierge were delightful as well.
This is our first FS stay and we will now be adding it to our repertoire. FS hotels have always looked a bit dated/stuffy for our needs, but the renovated hotels are nice bright and sufficiently modern without losing their charm.
P.S. I didn’t see a consolidated FS Singapore thread, but that might be helpful for people with questions about the hotel.
Anyway, we had a couple issues in the first room we were assigned, but they were very responsive and really care about their guests. My son had an allergy attack and they took the incident very seriously and brought up a large air purifier and deep-cleaned our room while we went to the family pool on the roof. There was also another issue with an exhaust fan, and they ended up moving us to another room. I was appreciative of their responsiveness to the issues.
Breakfast at One Ninety was always lovely. The hosts and waitstaff were very helpful. The food always delicious (except the bacon - it wasn’t ever crispy).
We also ordered pizza a few times for the kiddos through Grab and the concierge were delightful as well.
This is our first FS stay and we will now be adding it to our repertoire. FS hotels have always looked a bit dated/stuffy for our needs, but the renovated hotels are nice bright and sufficiently modern without losing their charm.
P.S. I didn’t see a consolidated FS Singapore thread, but that might be helpful for people with questions about the hotel.
Jun 9, 22, 2:46 pm
#11
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,089
I’m just checking out today and my answer is a definitive YES. We had booked this hotel on an Amex FHR deal months ago, and the hotel ended up being sold out for our stay (which means no upgrades available). That was a bit disappointing, which is a good reminder to always book the lowest tier room you are happy to be “stuck” in.
Anyway, we had a couple issues in the first room we were assigned, but they were very responsive and really care about their guests. My son had an allergy attack and they took the incident very seriously and brought up a large air purifier and deep-cleaned our room while we went to the family pool on the roof. There was also another issue with an exhaust fan, and they ended up moving us to another room. I was appreciative of their responsiveness to the issues.
Breakfast at One Ninety was always lovely. The hosts and waitstaff were very helpful. The food always delicious (except the bacon - it wasn’t ever crispy).
We also ordered pizza a few times for the kiddos through Grab and the concierge were delightful as well.
This is our first FS stay and we will now be adding it to our repertoire. FS hotels have always looked a bit dated/stuffy for our needs, but the renovated hotels are nice bright and sufficiently modern without losing their charm.
P.S. I didn’t see a consolidated FS Singapore thread, but that might be helpful for people with questions about the hotel.
Anyway, we had a couple issues in the first room we were assigned, but they were very responsive and really care about their guests. My son had an allergy attack and they took the incident very seriously and brought up a large air purifier and deep-cleaned our room while we went to the family pool on the roof. There was also another issue with an exhaust fan, and they ended up moving us to another room. I was appreciative of their responsiveness to the issues.
Breakfast at One Ninety was always lovely. The hosts and waitstaff were very helpful. The food always delicious (except the bacon - it wasn’t ever crispy).
We also ordered pizza a few times for the kiddos through Grab and the concierge were delightful as well.
This is our first FS stay and we will now be adding it to our repertoire. FS hotels have always looked a bit dated/stuffy for our needs, but the renovated hotels are nice bright and sufficiently modern without losing their charm.
P.S. I didn’t see a consolidated FS Singapore thread, but that might be helpful for people with questions about the hotel.
Jun 12, 22, 10:52 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 80
Stayed in tail end of 2019 right before pandemic locked out everything. Check in went very well via lovely lady at Front Desk. But I was bit underwhelmed by the small lobby. Ditto with the breakfast buffet.
They also provided a cake, balloons, and a gift for our son who turned 5 during the stay.
We had pool all to ourselves the one time we used it. Pool was nice enough.
They also provided a cake, balloons, and a gift for our son who turned 5 during the stay.
We had pool all to ourselves the one time we used it. Pool was nice enough.
Jun 13, 22, 11:31 pm
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1K 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Ti, LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 55,186
It's an excellent hotel. The rooms are nice, the pools are great, the spa is excellent. I was underwhelmed by the breakfast. There were VIPs there during my stay with heavy security and that negatively impacted the experience. Singapore is not a great hotel city, but this is surely one of the top options.
Jun 14, 22, 6:53 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,509
If you like staying in 2,500-room behemoths, then yes... great to dine and shop but staying there? The pool is tourist attraction in its own right -- which, again, means ... hordes of people. I'd rather stay at Raffles then or even Grand Hyatt...
