Where to stay in Singapore
No-one can claim that they aren't spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury hotels in Singapore, infact Singapore boasts such an array of great five star offerings that it can be hard to decide which ones to choose. We've taken the liberty of testing them all for you and selected our favourites.
Ritz Carlton
Celebrating its 10 th anniversary this year the Ritz Carlton Milenia remains one of Singapore 's outstanding hotels. From the imposing lobby area, popular with wealthy Japanese tourists and expatriates for its afternoon teas, to the impressive art collection, this fine hotel oozes elegance and sophistication.
In addition to offering excellent business facilities, the Ritz Carlton also provides the perfect romantic getaway. It's no easy feat pulling off the tricky combination of catering for both business and pleasure travellers well. Yet the exclusive Club lounge on the 32 nd floor is occupied by wealthy leisure tourists plus high-end business travellers, many of which are return visitors who have brought their partners for a romantic getaway. And it's not surprising. It's hard not to be impressed with 360 degree views of the Marina and city skyline, while sipping complimentary champagne cocktails and nibbling on the never-ending supply of sumptuous canapés. The Club lounge also boasts a separate martini bar, private meeting rooms and DVD lounge, as well as a dedicated concierge service and super-quick check-out service.
However, for most visitors it the Ritz Carlton's bathrooms that leave an impression. Regularly voted ‘world's best bathroom' and ‘world's sexiest bathroom', each one features a large bath below a 3 square metre octagonal window offering spectacular view of the city, be sure to ask for the marina-facing rooms to get the best view. For real self indulgence or simply to relax at the end of a hard day, you must try the butler-drawn baths. My personal favourite is the ‘Second Honeymoon', complete with Champagne, strawberries and cream and rose petals strewn across the bubbles – the perfect way to impress a loved oned.
ShangriLa
The ShangriLa Singapore is one of the group's finest properties, and this award-winning hotel offers a perfect antidote to the Singapore 's bustle. The reception offers an impressive 8.6 meter piece of artwork by Hong Kong artist Lim Chang, reminiscent of ShangriLa, the idyllic village settlement as described in James Hilton's book Paradise Lost, from where the hotel group takes its name.
Set in 15 acres of botanical gardens the ShangriLa boasts a tranquillity that can be hard to find in city centre hotels. From the koi carp pond, past the large outdoor swimming pool to the 3 hole pitch and put golfing green, its easy to forget that you are just moments away from the bustling shopping district of Orchard Road .
For privacy and excellent personal service, I recommend the hotel's Valley Wing. This exclusive wing, separate from the rest of the hotel, is reserved for high-end guests designed to accommodate heads of state, CEOs and royalty. Valley Wing guests are personally met at the airport and escorted to the hotel in style via Mercedes Limosines offering an array of refreshments. However if for any reason you do chose to make your own way to the hotel, be sure to tell your driver to take you to the Valley Wing entrance, guests have their own private entrance and lobby area to ensure a smooth arrival. The Valley Wing offers the largest and Deluxe rooms in Singapore with an understated, classical elegance designed by British designer Charles Robertson. All suites come with a personal butler and laptop. The impressive private lobby area overlooking the gardens and pool serves complimentary champagne, cocktails, juices and canapés throughout the day. After a hard day's business meetings it's definitely worth trying out one of the specially designed butler-drawn baths to sooth away stress, a menu is available in room.
Also take a look at the Fullerton a relatively new and funky hotel converted from the old Post Office building. The hotel features one of Singapore 's most interesting hotel lobbies and a beautiful infinity pool.
