ASIA Travel Tips.com

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Of all the countries in Asia, where choosing a hotel can be a daunting prospect, Singapore is the exception to the rule. It has some excellent hotels, it is a very small place, and no matter what the Singaporeans themselves tell you the traffic is rarely very bad. So really, all you have to decide is which hotel you wish to stay at, as the road system must be one of the best in the world, you can get from one place to pretty much anywhere else in under 15 minutes.

Below we review the hotels with an open and honest perspective, to give you a solid impression of what the hotels are really like.

As price is always going to be one of the deciding factors in choosing a hotel, we have also completed a survey of the hotels in Singapore to give you an idea of how much your stay may really cost. The survey looks at the price of telephone calls in the rooms, incoming fax charges, in room TV-channels, and more. This could save you a lot of money as there is one hotel that charges you Sin$ 4 for one page of IN coming fax into your room. Read more about our review of the Hidden Hotel Costs in Singapore Hotels. Now, onto the hotels.......

Carlton Hotel, Century Roxy Park Hotel, Concorde Hotel Singapore, Crowne Prince, Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore, Fullerton Hotel, G@llery Evason, Hotel Rendezvous Singapore, Merchant Court Hotel, Meritus Negara, New Otani Singapore, Novotel Apollo, Pan Pacific Singapore, Raffles Hotel, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Royal Wing, The Duxton.

Century Roxy Park Hotel: Rebranded 1 April 2004 as the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore. One of the newest hotels in Singapore and due to its great location just off the expressway is the closest hotel to the airport, plus it is the ONLY hotel in Singapore, that we know of, to offer complimentary airport pick up for guests. More to come. See more of this hotel with pictures special rates and online reservations here.

Hotel Rendezvous Singapore : Again one of the newest hotels in Singapore, and a great choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Located between Raffles City and Orchard Road you are never far from any of the business or entertainment spots. The hotel has four major room categories, Superior, Deluxe, Premium and 4 suite categories. We can highly recommend all the rooms however the premium rooms do stand out due to the fact that they are all corner rooms and consequently slightly larger and lighter than the alternatives, the Premium rooms also have separate showers in the bathrooms. All rooms at the hotel have in room safe, and tea and coffee making facilities among others. The hotel also has one of the best selections of Cable TV to watch, especially for sport fans. Most of the rooms have high speed internet access, and very thoughtfully they have 2 telephone lines in every room. The rooms have two types of view, one that looks out onto the pool and the others that look out over Singapore. Room 1011 has a stunning view that looks over the famous Singapore skyline of Boat Quay and the major financial district. All the Deluxe rooms look out over a beautiful view of Bras Basah, whereas the Superior rooms enjoy the pool view. The Rendezvous offers 5 floors of non smoking floors and has 2 devoted disabled rooms available. Business travellers will be happy to note that the gymnasium and pool are open from 6am to 10pm and they even run beer promotions with beers at Sin $ 4.20 by the poolside which is a very good deal for Singapore. An excellent choice when travelling to Singapore. See pictures of this hotel, special rates and online reservations here.

Gallery Hotel : Formerly the Gallery Evason Hotel. The first and only "hip" hotel in Singapore and possibly Asia. The Gallery is one hotel that claims to be different and meets that expectation. The hotel is in an excellent location for business and entertainment with a wide and diverse selection of bars and restaurants only minutes away by foot and the main business district only a quick taxi ride away. As one of the newest hotels in Singapore, the hotel, which is part of Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas, is located just off Robertson Quay on the Singapore River. Everything about the hotel is artistic, from the see through swimming pool, to the restaurant where the tables are suspended from the ceiling, the hotel has managed to create an ambience where you feel more at home, than in a hotel. In fact this is so true that as you pull up to the Gallery you will wonder whether the taxi driver has brought you to the right place, so unconventional in design is the property. More to come. See pictures of this hotel, special rates and online reservations here.

New Otani Singapore : Located adjacent to Clarke Quay along the Singapore River, the New Otani has been for a long time a popular hotel for both visiting business men and tourists alike. The rooms at the hotel are very nice, all of which have tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe, separate shower (except family room) and bathtub, and at least three telephones in each room. The floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows offer some amazing views of Singapore by day and night.  The hotel is looking to introduce two telephone lines in each room some time later this year. The Superior Rooms, are a compact yet comfortable 32 square metres, with nice small touches such as ceiling coves and unusual lighting that adds a sense of warmth to the rooms. The Deluxe rooms are larger as are their bathrooms, plus they have the working desk area cleverly facing the window so you do not need to stare into a mirror or wall whilst you are working. The hotel has a wide variety of respected food and beverage outlets, and an amazing gym which is open from 7am to 10pm. The fitness centre has a great selection of machines, free weights, hot and cold pools, and a nice 25 metre outdoor swimming pool. See pictures of this hotel, special room rates and online reservations here.

Novotel Apollo : This hotel was previously known simply as the Apollo Singapore, it now however is part of the Accor Hotel Group, which comprises of Novotels, Sofitels and other hotel brands to name but a  few. If you have ever previously stayed at the Apollo Singapore, then no matter what your thoughts on the property and its rooms, forget them. The hotel has undergone an enormous multi million dollar renovation programme that has changed the rooms so much you will not even recognise them from your last stay, they are it has to be said very, very nice and an enormous improvement on what was offered previously. The rooms are now very nice, comfortable and light, with modern touches such as a nice working area where the plugs are above the desk. The rooms only have one telephone line per room, but but they do have a high speed internet connection available so you are still able to surf and speak to your customers at the same time. The Novotel Apollo also offers in room safes, and tea and coffee making facilities in every room. Only 5 - 10 minutes from Orchard Road, the Novotel Apollo is an excellent option for travellers to Singapore. See pictures of this hotel, special rates and online reservations here.

Pan Pacific Singapore: A very popular hotel in Singapore and in a great location especially for Suntec and walks to the Esplanade etc. Full review to come soon. See pictures of this hotel, special rates and online reservations here.

Raffles Hotel : One of the most amazing hotels in the world, that combines traditional style and elegance, with excellent, yet discreet service in one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in Singapore, that for many, is a tourist attraction by itself. Simply put, this hotel is without a doubt the finest hotel in Singapore, and even possibly Asia. Of course, the hotel is not for everyone, it is not in a multi storey glass skyscraper, with hundreds of rooms, that are so technologically advanced you don't know how to flush the toilet. Far from it, at The Raffles Hotel, you can sense the history, and enjoy being a guest at one of the finest hotels in the world. The rooms are all very well appointed, all with a separate living area and bedroom, every room has a bathroom that comprises of, separate shower and bathtub, the furnishings are all luxuriously finished, and what is wonderful compared to more modern hotels, is the ceilings are high and the rooms are large. There is not too much difference in the room categories at The Raffles Hotel, the main would actually be the different locations within the hotel. The Palm Court for example all look over a wonderful garden, the Personality Suites (suites where personalities have actually stayed in) are spread around the hotel, that is some what split up into wings. If you are interested in such fine monuments of history, then we beg of you, when you do travel to Singapore, please do at least stay a couple of nights at the Raffles, experience the difference, and purchase a memory of a lifetime. An absolute MUST ! Winner of the 1999 AND 2000 Premier Travel Award for Excellence. See pictures of this amazing hotel, special rates and online reservations here.

The Royal Plaza on Scotts : Previously the Royal Crowne Plaza, this hotel is in an excellent location just seconds off Orchard Road, with Isetan, Takashimaya, Orchard Towers, and other shopping malls only a quick walk away. The rooms are all well appointed, and spacious. The hotel has tea and coffee making facilities in every room, plus a FREE mini bar !! The hotel actually offers you 8 items (including 2 beers and a couple of snacks) per day free of charge, which is a very welcome and novel idea, that saves any traveller the hassle of going out to purchase a couple of Cokes or whatever. One unusual aspect of the hotel is that all the standard rooms that finish in odd numbers, have nice and large walk in closets, whereas the other rooms have a standard wardrobe. The executive floor is on 2 floors of the hotel and the nice and spacious lounge is open from 7 am to 10: 30 pm, with your regular evening cocktails and other benefits being served daily. The hotel does have one amazing little secret, the Royal Wing (featured below). See pictures, special rates and online reservations here.

Royal Wing - Previously the residence of Royalty, this special secret of the Royal Plaza on Scotts Hotel, is something very unique to Singapore. If you have ever travelled to Dubai and seen the richness of the hotels there, then that will give you an idea as to what to expect. There are different Royal Appartments to choose from, all of different sizes and layout, but they are all very richly and very comfortably furnished. An unusual stay and one could say a true hotel with a difference, ideal if you want to experience something novel or possibly entertain some high profile dignitaries in Singapore. See pictures, special rates and online reservations here.

Carlton Hotel Singapore : With such an excellent location it is very hard to knock this hotel. Located right opposite the entertainment and tourist attraction of Chijmes and only seconds walk away from Raffles Hotel and the Raffles City Shopping Centre it would be very hard to find better. As however the hotel is undergoing renovations we are awaiting until the rooms have finished so we can fairly and justly review this hotel. One thing we will say though just to whet your appetite is that the views from this hotel are great. More to come.

Concorde Hotel Singapore : We have still to review this property, and will be doing so soon, however as the hotel is built in the popular open Atrium style, then anyone who is bothered by heights may want to request a lower floor. More to come.

Crowne Prince : Again another hotel in an amazing location. Anyone coming to Singapore for shopping then this is your hotel, as you have Takashimaya across the road, Paragon right next door and basically shops all around. This location of Orchard Road is one of the best and is ideally suited for business and leisure travellers alike. The Superior Rooms are large and spacious, with large working areas where the plugs can be found above the desk, small but adequate  bathrooms  with bathtub with fixed shower heads. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in every room for your convenience, from the Deluxe rooms up your room also has an in room safe. The swimming pool and fitness centre is open from 10am to 10pm, and is free of charge to hotel guests. Great Location.

Fullerton Hotel : Opened in December 2000, in a Heritage Building of grandeur that was at one time the Central Post Office among other things. We have yet to see the finished product and will be writing more on this hotel as they are aiming themselves at the top of the market in terms of guests. More to come.

Le Meridien Orchard : You should never judge  a book by its cover, nor should you judge a hotel by its', and Le Meridien Orchard to some, would fall into this category. Located at the far end of Orchard Road close to the Robinsons Department store, the hotel has many shopping and entertainment / dining areas close by making it a good choice for business or leisure travellers. The executive floor is quite impressive with its room amenities. All the Club President Executive Rooms are the same size, and offer guests a separate living area with sofa and two armchairs, the rooms also offers guests a CD and video player  with rental options available to you free of charge, in room large safe, two TV's in the rooms, small dressing area and the bathrooms have separate shower. The breakfast on the executive floor is served from 7 - 10:30, but the hotel does offer you the choice of having complimentary breakfast in the lounge, downstairs in the main breakfast area or even in your room if you desire. Cocktails in the lounge are served from 18 - 20, during the rest of the time the lounge, strangely, is closed, however you are entitled to use one of the two small conference rooms if you require, though we do advise you to reserve this benefit in advance. The hotel offers three main views, a pool view, Orchard Road view or views of Grand Central.  The corner rooms of the hotel are numbers ending in 32, 33, 65 and 66, and these rooms are slightly larger.

Merchant Court Hotel Singapore : A beautiful hotel both inside and out. The Merchant Court Hotel is part of Raffles International, the hotel chain that operates the amazing Raffles Hotel Singapore. Located in between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, on the Singapore River, the hotel has excellent restaurants and bars on its door step. All the rooms at the Merchant Court, have three telephones in the room (one on the desk, one by the bed and one in the bathroom), with 2 different lines in each room, tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe, anti fog mirrors in the bathroom, and bathtubs with useful hand held (rather than fixed) shower heads. The rooms have a nice working area where the plugs and sockets are conveniently located above the desk. One slightly unusual aspect of the rooms which manages to add a sense of space, is the small entrance area that greets you as you enter the room, while not really separated the small space does give you that impression, which offers guests a different feel from your regular "walk straight in" hotel rooms. The hotel has four devoted non smoking floors, and three floors ( 10, 11, 12) devoted to its executive floors. Another unusual aspect of the hotel is the managements decision to empty the refrigerator in the Superior and Deluxe room categories, and to provide on these floors a vending machine with very reasonably priced drinks. What's strange about this ? Well the executive floors still have drinks in the refrigerator at regular mini bar prices which means you will be paying Sin $ 5.50 +++ for a coke from the mini bar, when you could simply go down to a lower floor with a vending machine and buy one for Sin $ 1.50 or similar. The executive floor is comfortable and well thought out, offering guests free internet access on the terminals there, free shuttle bus service to Raffles Place each morning and an evening shuttle to near city hall. The guests of the executive floor also have the useful option of taking breakfast in the lounge or downstairs in the regular breakfast area - if you have a preference over this option simply let the reception know when you check in.

Meritus Negara : Opened in 1995 this small hotel located behind the infamous Orchard Towers complex just off Orchard Road is within easy walking distance of everything you could need from Singapore, taxis, MRT, shopping, drinking,  and dining. The lobby is itself is one of the nicest and relaxing hotel lobbies in Singapore, and a very enjoyable place to enjoy an after work quiet drink. The hotel has some 200 rooms which are broken down into Superior, Deluxe, Meritus Rooms and suites. Every room in the hotel has two telephone lines, tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe, certain cable TV programmes, and soon the hotel will be introducing high speed internet access into the rooms. The Superior Rooms are quite small and the bathrooms only have showers rather than a bathtub. The Deluxe rooms are larger and all have king size beds, and nice bathrooms which have separate showers, plus a useful point for business travellers is that the plugs and telephone sockets are above the desk, so no need to rearrange furniture ! One thing that will strike you about this hotel is that the rooms are quite dark and have a heavy interior design, which is a stark contrast to what most hotels are now heading towards in terms of design. Having said that the Premium rooms are slightly lighter, as are the Executive Suites which has a separate living area, nice large bathroom, with separate shower, bathtub with hand held and fixed shower, bidet and small dressing area. Even the lights in this room can be controlled by remote control.  The Presidential is quite amazing and very different from all the other rooms of the hotel, it is a pity that the same modern decor theme applied to this suite was not applied to the other rooms.   

The Duxton : A beautiful small boutique hotel, that was for many years the only Relais & Chateaux hotel in the Asia Pacific Region. The lobby is beautiful with the entire hotel being reminiscent of a century old  Parisian boutique Hotel. It is no wonder the hotel has a very high repeat business factor, as it has a personal and homely feel that is very, very difficult to find in larger and more modern hotels. The Duxton is located in the Old China town area of Singapore and is not only surrounded by beautifully renovated shophouses but is itself a beautifully renovated shophouse, which offers guests a true Singapore experience. If you are a fan of Armagnac than stop, your search for your favourite hotel is over, not only does this hotel have what is possibly the best French restaurant in Singapore / Asia called L'Aigle D'Or but its bar has one of the finest collections of Armagnac to be found outside of a specialty boutique in France. A mere selection of 9 Armagnacs may not sound much, but when we tell you they consist of bottles of vintages from 1932, 1946, 1951, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1979 and the ultimate being a Baron Jacques de Saint Pastou 1900 you may just change your mind !! As a previous Relais and Chateaux the hotel must be small in fact in order to be in that prestigous collection of hotels and resorts you must have less than 50 rooms. The Duxton offers rooms of different categories including Studio, Standard, Superior, Duplex Suite, and Garden Suites. The Standard room have a great deal of charm as they are the attic rooms, and are all slightly different. Room 407 has a slightly elevated bed area, with the desk area in the lower section of the room, this gives you a true homely feel and you could almost imagine yourself being in an attic in Pari somewhere. All the rooms in the hotel have tea and coffee making facilities,  in room safe,  high speed internet access, and some rooms also offer two telephone lines in a room, so if you do need this useful service make sure you request it.  The Studio Rooms only have shower cubicles rather than a bathtub, but are very relaxing and luxuriously furnished. The Duplexes are quite something with the bedroom area on the upper mezzanine floor that overlooks the living area, and is accessed by a wooden spiral staircase. Generally the Superior rooms face out onto the street and are slightly larger in size than the other rooms. The Garden Suites are a little deceptive in name, they have a small living area which faces a very small outdoor garden that is within the building (the garden is in a very small rectangle courtyard area of the building - so you have to look up to see the sky). These rooms are very popular with honeymooners, and again they have such a relaxed homely feel to them it is no wonder why. For anyone who is looking for more personalised attention, a taste of refined European living, or simply an excellent hotel then the Duxton is an excellent choice.