Four Points by Sheraton Riverview, Singapore [Master Thread]
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
Decided at the last moment that I'd make a go for the 11-brand promo. Luckily the Opening Offer of SGD152 was still available.
Checked-in late after all the Opening hubbub was over - many corporate suits still milling about. Didn't see you SGFred :P
A. The Hotel and Area
The hotel is an old hotel, having been there as long as I can remember (really dating myself here). Anyway that has implications on this rebrand in the sense that the existing structure doesn't lend itself to much alteration. In fact the rooms remind me much of Sheraton Towers SIN with the same anglular window seat area.
It's about 25-30mins from the airport by cab, and there is no nearby subway/MRT station. The road it's on is pretty well-serviced by public buses, and it's within walking distance from a large mall called Great World City. It's also at the edge of and opposite a large foodie/night spot enclave called Robertson Quay and Mohd Sultan. For cheaper options/local food you'd have to travel a bit further afield.
Parking is provided in the basement, and is gratis for guests with unlimited in-out privileges.
B. Check-In and Plat Privileges
The lobby is rather cold, old-style chinese hotel marble tiles, with a large carved jade chinese junk on display. The owner is a local tycoon who's company also owns Sheraton Saigon, Sheraton Ottawa, and W San Francisco amongst others (http://www.keckseng.com/ksweb/). There are two leather couches by the glass frontage for guests waiting, but all-in-all it isn't a place to relax in.
Check-in was handled swiftly and as professionally as any other established *Wood hotel. FD associate has been well-trained. Was given an upgrade (sorry Ultrakenzo) in a Plat Upgrade jacket without all the usual hoo-hah about how we've managed to upgrade you :P, room number was not spoken out-loud. Informed of my three choices: local gift (the mug in the picture), points or breakfast. Not informed about anything else so asked about a Plat Happy Hour which unfortunately doesn't exist. Nor is there a club lounge. Wi-fi is free for all guests (I think).
Checked-in late after all the Opening hubbub was over - many corporate suits still milling about. Didn't see you SGFred :P
A. The Hotel and Area
The hotel is an old hotel, having been there as long as I can remember (really dating myself here). Anyway that has implications on this rebrand in the sense that the existing structure doesn't lend itself to much alteration. In fact the rooms remind me much of Sheraton Towers SIN with the same anglular window seat area.
It's about 25-30mins from the airport by cab, and there is no nearby subway/MRT station. The road it's on is pretty well-serviced by public buses, and it's within walking distance from a large mall called Great World City. It's also at the edge of and opposite a large foodie/night spot enclave called Robertson Quay and Mohd Sultan. For cheaper options/local food you'd have to travel a bit further afield.
Parking is provided in the basement, and is gratis for guests with unlimited in-out privileges.
B. Check-In and Plat Privileges
The lobby is rather cold, old-style chinese hotel marble tiles, with a large carved jade chinese junk on display. The owner is a local tycoon who's company also owns Sheraton Saigon, Sheraton Ottawa, and W San Francisco amongst others (http://www.keckseng.com/ksweb/). There are two leather couches by the glass frontage for guests waiting, but all-in-all it isn't a place to relax in.
Check-in was handled swiftly and as professionally as any other established *Wood hotel. FD associate has been well-trained. Was given an upgrade (sorry Ultrakenzo) in a Plat Upgrade jacket without all the usual hoo-hah about how we've managed to upgrade you :P, room number was not spoken out-loud. Informed of my three choices: local gift (the mug in the picture), points or breakfast. Not informed about anything else so asked about a Plat Happy Hour which unfortunately doesn't exist. Nor is there a club lounge. Wi-fi is free for all guests (I think).
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Jul 2, 2016 at 4:37 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
C. Room
You might be able to see from the previous post that the hotel is an elongated inverted V-shape (Last Starfighter mothership anyone?). Standard rooms face the road, higher tiers and suites face the river. Suites appear to be on one side on my floor at least. Hotel goes up to 21 floors.
Got a nice upgrade to an Exec Suite. From the website it appears they have Suites, Exec Suites and Family Rooms, all of which are basically two standard rooms combined. Family rooms have the second room setup with two beds instead of as a living room. Pictures seem to indicate the same 1.5 toilet setup.
Room smells new though there is still a very slight lingering odour of glue. Surprisingly spacious living room despite being only 23sqm. Even has a small dining table serving double duty as a desk, with power sockets at exactly the right height. Complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea and coffee-maker. Sofa is actually a double sofa-bed.
HVAC is individually-controlled for each room, and is quiet and excellent considering the SIN weather these days. Water pressure on the 18th floor was more than adequate, though not strong.
Nice new flat-screen Samsung LED TVs in both rooms, with extendable wall-mounts (a must for those who like to plug in their own entertainment). Plentiful world-wide wall sockets and with dedicated USB charging slot. I bemoan the loss of LAN sockets, but one must move with the times. I didn't assess the Wifi.
The 0.5 toilet is actually quite spacious, and includes a bidet hose for those who need it for religious reasons and otherwise. The main bathroom is small but they've managed to squeeze in a bathtub and shower unit (with flexible hose). Strangely it's on a 5" raised platform without a full door; needless to say leaking was a bit of an issue. Had to shower in the tub. There is no rain shower. Toiletries are standard 4P issue.
Ample drawers but no wardrobe in the living room area. I like the window seats which are well-cushioned, though not quite wide enough to sleep on. Full-length mirror is in the living room. Nice compact design - don't seem to have missed out anything.
The bed: something funny about mine. It was very firm, and then they laid out a particularly lumpy mattress protector or bedspread under the bedsheet. Most uncomfortable. Not sure if this is standard or just mine.
My pictures have been brightened up about 25%. I think the living room could do with a standing lamp but that's something easily rectifed should they so choose. Lighting switches are intuitive and no funny settings like in Ws.
I also didn't receive my usual Plat gift/fruit/chocolate/whatever nor a welcome letter. Well, it is their first day and I booked less than 24H prior
You might be able to see from the previous post that the hotel is an elongated inverted V-shape (Last Starfighter mothership anyone?). Standard rooms face the road, higher tiers and suites face the river. Suites appear to be on one side on my floor at least. Hotel goes up to 21 floors.
Got a nice upgrade to an Exec Suite. From the website it appears they have Suites, Exec Suites and Family Rooms, all of which are basically two standard rooms combined. Family rooms have the second room setup with two beds instead of as a living room. Pictures seem to indicate the same 1.5 toilet setup.
Room smells new though there is still a very slight lingering odour of glue. Surprisingly spacious living room despite being only 23sqm. Even has a small dining table serving double duty as a desk, with power sockets at exactly the right height. Complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea and coffee-maker. Sofa is actually a double sofa-bed.
HVAC is individually-controlled for each room, and is quiet and excellent considering the SIN weather these days. Water pressure on the 18th floor was more than adequate, though not strong.
Nice new flat-screen Samsung LED TVs in both rooms, with extendable wall-mounts (a must for those who like to plug in their own entertainment). Plentiful world-wide wall sockets and with dedicated USB charging slot. I bemoan the loss of LAN sockets, but one must move with the times. I didn't assess the Wifi.
The 0.5 toilet is actually quite spacious, and includes a bidet hose for those who need it for religious reasons and otherwise. The main bathroom is small but they've managed to squeeze in a bathtub and shower unit (with flexible hose). Strangely it's on a 5" raised platform without a full door; needless to say leaking was a bit of an issue. Had to shower in the tub. There is no rain shower. Toiletries are standard 4P issue.
Ample drawers but no wardrobe in the living room area. I like the window seats which are well-cushioned, though not quite wide enough to sleep on. Full-length mirror is in the living room. Nice compact design - don't seem to have missed out anything.
The bed: something funny about mine. It was very firm, and then they laid out a particularly lumpy mattress protector or bedspread under the bedsheet. Most uncomfortable. Not sure if this is standard or just mine.
My pictures have been brightened up about 25%. I think the living room could do with a standing lamp but that's something easily rectifed should they so choose. Lighting switches are intuitive and no funny settings like in Ws.
I also didn't receive my usual Plat gift/fruit/chocolate/whatever nor a welcome letter. Well, it is their first day and I booked less than 24H prior
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Jul 2, 2016 at 7:52 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
D. Gym/Pool & Food
Sadly, the gym has been divided into two rooms - one with weights and exercycle things which I don't use - this is accessible 24/7 with keycard. But the second room with the 2 treadmills which I do use is part of the pool complex, which is closed after 9pm (opening hours 7am-9pm). Hopefully they can reconsider.
Surprisingly this hotel has 2 pairs of onsite washer/dryers. $10 a load which is rather pricey. A self-service laundromat in SIN goes at $5-6 for a standard load and about the same to dry. Nonetheless, first time I've seen one in a hotel here. However, one pair was not operational, and they're both locked behind the same pool door after 9pm! Not smart
The pool is small. But they've set up nice little cabanas, with ample towels etc available.
Breakfast was decent. A reasonable selection of simple local and international fare, with live egg and waffle/pancake stations. You have the option to dine alfresco on the deck facing the river (why would you want to do that in 95% humidity?!). There are also two restaurants onsite which are tenants of the hotel - bills cannot be charged to your room. One is a chinese restaurant, and one is a japanese restaurant called Irodori which has had the reputation locally of being one of the best japanese buffet restaurants for decades, if my memory serves correctly. A bit of an oxymoron saying that you get a good japanese buffet but this one really is (http://www.irodorijapaneserestaurant.com.sg/).
Sadly, the gym has been divided into two rooms - one with weights and exercycle things which I don't use - this is accessible 24/7 with keycard. But the second room with the 2 treadmills which I do use is part of the pool complex, which is closed after 9pm (opening hours 7am-9pm). Hopefully they can reconsider.
Surprisingly this hotel has 2 pairs of onsite washer/dryers. $10 a load which is rather pricey. A self-service laundromat in SIN goes at $5-6 for a standard load and about the same to dry. Nonetheless, first time I've seen one in a hotel here. However, one pair was not operational, and they're both locked behind the same pool door after 9pm! Not smart
The pool is small. But they've set up nice little cabanas, with ample towels etc available.
Breakfast was decent. A reasonable selection of simple local and international fare, with live egg and waffle/pancake stations. You have the option to dine alfresco on the deck facing the river (why would you want to do that in 95% humidity?!). There are also two restaurants onsite which are tenants of the hotel - bills cannot be charged to your room. One is a chinese restaurant, and one is a japanese restaurant called Irodori which has had the reputation locally of being one of the best japanese buffet restaurants for decades, if my memory serves correctly. A bit of an oxymoron saying that you get a good japanese buffet but this one really is (http://www.irodorijapaneserestaurant.com.sg/).
Last edited by travelswithmyself; Jul 2, 2016 at 7:53 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG-LTP
Posts: 47
Did anyone experience the delay in the posting of stay credit? Stayed for 1 night on the opening day and not yet posted. The stay credit after that already posted.
Not sure if it is due to the new opening of the hotel. Normally stay credit is posted a day after check out date.
Not sure if it is due to the new opening of the hotel. Normally stay credit is posted a day after check out date.
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,649
nice review travelswithmyself....i've booked 2 rooms here for 8 nights each in a couple of months....looking forward to trying this place out....
#24
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 221
Did anyone experience the delay in the posting of stay credit? Stayed for 1 night on the opening day and not yet posted. The stay credit after that already posted.
Not sure if it is due to the new opening of the hotel. Normally stay credit is posted a day after check out date.
Not sure if it is due to the new opening of the hotel. Normally stay credit is posted a day after check out date.
I wouldn't be worried I guess.
#26
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 221
This is my review of the hotel.
I stayed the first night as well and attended the opening.
I am impressed that I encountered no teething problems!
http://goodhotelreview.blogspot.com/...Singapore.html
I stayed the first night as well and attended the opening.
I am impressed that I encountered no teething problems!
http://goodhotelreview.blogspot.com/...Singapore.html
#27
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Marriott & SPG Plat, HH Diamond, Accor Plat, ex-Fairmont Plat, ex-Swissotel Eleva
Posts: 710
I see many great photos by SgFred and travelswithmyself. ^
My stay (which is on the following day after opening) is not that great, as compared to SgFred and travelswithmyself.
First, while this is a huge hotel, there are really a small number of Suites and Family rooms. (I believe it is 9 Suites and 2 Family rooms, correct me if I am wrong).
I did not get a Suite upgrade on the 2nd day as a Platinum, and I believe it makes a huge difference, as the Premium /Deluxe room is half the size of the Suites/Family room, and relatively small. There is no bigger sized rooms to really upgrade to; it's the Suite or the usual rooms (on higher floors or not only.)
I wished the beds could be better, and SgFred also noted it was a bit hard. No bathrobes in the room.
Gym wise, I can report that this is the teething problem that I encountered in my stay. I was told during check-in by the front desk agent (I believe it was the front desk supervisor actually) that the gym hours are 7am-9pm, only to realise in the gym that it says 24 hours (in both the tiny gym areas, as described by travelswithmyself and SgFred).
I too thought that the one that is not within the pool area is 24 hours; instead when I went there, I realised that while the card key unlocks the magnetic catch on the door, the bottom of the gym door is still manually locked. (I went in the middle of the night).
I went to the lobby and there was confusion. It seems that some staff is vaguely aware that it should be 24 hours now. Nonetheless, after around 10-15mins, the security guy came by and insisted that it is 24 hours and he had not locked the door.
Turns out that the irony - he did not lock the main pool door manually, but the security guy on duty before him lock the gym door that is within the main building itself (as described by travelswithmyself the gym that is 24 hours - the room that is without the treadmill). He opened the pool door for me, and I ran in the gym that is within the pool area.
After that, I did a check - turns out that the access key does not open the pool door (which leads to the gym with treadmill), so the treadmill gym was indeed not 24 hours - despite the security not locking it manually; the gym within the building that is supposed to be opened 24 hours, was locked manually.
I was not asked how was my stay when I checked out, so I did not repeat this to the front desk agent (same person who checked me in and told me gym is 7am -9pm). I am not sure if this issue has been rectified. Perhaps someone can report again on the official policy going forward.
Breakfast wise, I think it is pretty decent. I would recommend getting breakfast in lieu of the 250 starpoints if you are a breakfast person.
So if Plats are looking for Suites in this property, may want to book it outright, as there are just so few of them, and there is limited upgrade to speak of if Suite is unavailable. I expect more Plats to report more misses than hits in Suites going forward, because it is 11 Suites&Family Rooms in a property of over 400 rooms. (That said, I hope to still get a Suite upgrade if I re-visit the property the next time, since i missed out doing the opening weekend. )
My stay (which is on the following day after opening) is not that great, as compared to SgFred and travelswithmyself.
First, while this is a huge hotel, there are really a small number of Suites and Family rooms. (I believe it is 9 Suites and 2 Family rooms, correct me if I am wrong).
I did not get a Suite upgrade on the 2nd day as a Platinum, and I believe it makes a huge difference, as the Premium /Deluxe room is half the size of the Suites/Family room, and relatively small. There is no bigger sized rooms to really upgrade to; it's the Suite or the usual rooms (on higher floors or not only.)
I wished the beds could be better, and SgFred also noted it was a bit hard. No bathrobes in the room.
Gym wise, I can report that this is the teething problem that I encountered in my stay. I was told during check-in by the front desk agent (I believe it was the front desk supervisor actually) that the gym hours are 7am-9pm, only to realise in the gym that it says 24 hours (in both the tiny gym areas, as described by travelswithmyself and SgFred).
I too thought that the one that is not within the pool area is 24 hours; instead when I went there, I realised that while the card key unlocks the magnetic catch on the door, the bottom of the gym door is still manually locked. (I went in the middle of the night).
I went to the lobby and there was confusion. It seems that some staff is vaguely aware that it should be 24 hours now. Nonetheless, after around 10-15mins, the security guy came by and insisted that it is 24 hours and he had not locked the door.
Turns out that the irony - he did not lock the main pool door manually, but the security guy on duty before him lock the gym door that is within the main building itself (as described by travelswithmyself the gym that is 24 hours - the room that is without the treadmill). He opened the pool door for me, and I ran in the gym that is within the pool area.
After that, I did a check - turns out that the access key does not open the pool door (which leads to the gym with treadmill), so the treadmill gym was indeed not 24 hours - despite the security not locking it manually; the gym within the building that is supposed to be opened 24 hours, was locked manually.
I was not asked how was my stay when I checked out, so I did not repeat this to the front desk agent (same person who checked me in and told me gym is 7am -9pm). I am not sure if this issue has been rectified. Perhaps someone can report again on the official policy going forward.
Breakfast wise, I think it is pretty decent. I would recommend getting breakfast in lieu of the 250 starpoints if you are a breakfast person.
So if Plats are looking for Suites in this property, may want to book it outright, as there are just so few of them, and there is limited upgrade to speak of if Suite is unavailable. I expect more Plats to report more misses than hits in Suites going forward, because it is 11 Suites&Family Rooms in a property of over 400 rooms. (That said, I hope to still get a Suite upgrade if I re-visit the property the next time, since i missed out doing the opening weekend. )
#28
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,203
I'm checking in on Thursday for two nights. Platinum SPG (already re-qualified for 2017).
I was just at the Four Points Sandakan which has the most excellent Platinum treatment (suites, lounge, booze, breakfast and points).
Let's see how Singapore does at three times the price.
I was just at the Four Points Sandakan which has the most excellent Platinum treatment (suites, lounge, booze, breakfast and points).
Let's see how Singapore does at three times the price.
#29
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,203
I had a good experience here and only one small gripe. Platinum benefits:
* upgrade to the suite (my friends who are also Platinum didn't get a suite haha)
* 250 points or breakfast for two for the entire stay (I chose breakfast)
* late check out at 4pm
* internet access
No drinks or lounge but should note that SPG members get 30% off alcohol in the bar (which in all honesty brings the price down to those across the bridge in Robertson Quay) and curiously happy hour time is extended from 9pm to 11pm for SPG members with a selection of drinks at 50% off.
Refub of this 30 year old hotel has been very well done. Only the marble doesn't look new. Staff were well trained in SPG and Platinum benefits. Liked the location. Robertson Quay has many residential (as opposed to touristy) dining and drinking places.
The only hotel I can remember staying at that has made me choose 250 bonus points OR breakfast rather than just give both. Not that you can buy so few but 250 Starpoints would cost US$8.75 pro rata which is rapidly dwarfed by the cost of two buffet breakfasts for a stay of a few days and awarding both would be a more normal set of Platinum benefits given that there's no lounge or Platinum cocktail hour. The Sheraton in SG of course has a lounge so offers breakfast and 500 points and evening cocktails and food for only a minor S$20-40 uplift in the base room price. Something they could slightly address by awarding both at the Four Points. But it's a minor point valued, as I say, at US$8.75 and I was spoiled recently at the Four Points Sandakan where you get the suite, buffet breakfast, 250 points and it has 90 minutes of free booze in its lounge each evening.
* upgrade to the suite (my friends who are also Platinum didn't get a suite haha)
* 250 points or breakfast for two for the entire stay (I chose breakfast)
* late check out at 4pm
* internet access
No drinks or lounge but should note that SPG members get 30% off alcohol in the bar (which in all honesty brings the price down to those across the bridge in Robertson Quay) and curiously happy hour time is extended from 9pm to 11pm for SPG members with a selection of drinks at 50% off.
Refub of this 30 year old hotel has been very well done. Only the marble doesn't look new. Staff were well trained in SPG and Platinum benefits. Liked the location. Robertson Quay has many residential (as opposed to touristy) dining and drinking places.
The only hotel I can remember staying at that has made me choose 250 bonus points OR breakfast rather than just give both. Not that you can buy so few but 250 Starpoints would cost US$8.75 pro rata which is rapidly dwarfed by the cost of two buffet breakfasts for a stay of a few days and awarding both would be a more normal set of Platinum benefits given that there's no lounge or Platinum cocktail hour. The Sheraton in SG of course has a lounge so offers breakfast and 500 points and evening cocktails and food for only a minor S$20-40 uplift in the base room price. Something they could slightly address by awarding both at the Four Points. But it's a minor point valued, as I say, at US$8.75 and I was spoiled recently at the Four Points Sandakan where you get the suite, buffet breakfast, 250 points and it has 90 minutes of free booze in its lounge each evening.
#30
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,908
Thanks for the reports! I'm interested in hearing what rates you guys are finding for this place. I see SGD160++ and up on SPG for most dates, and given the reports, that seems rather a lot compared to the Westin, which can fairly easily BRGed for SGD200++ (EUR200 all-in before 20% BRG discount). Seems as though club, breakfast, points, very nice rooms (if usually not suites) and (arguably) a better location makes the Westin a winner for only SGD30-50 more than this place. Are there any competing sites I'm not aware of that bring the 4P to SGD120++? I'd love to stay here for one night to fulfill the 4P requirement of the 11 brand promo, but I'm reluctant to pay what they're asking.