juliajane

Hi,
spending 3 nights in March. Please tell me your pick for best hotel and why...right now thinking Ritz or mandarin oriental. Seems like these are in a great location. I would love to hear thoughts.
J

Kathie

Singapore has so many hotel options! Personally, I think the hotel with the best location is the Fairmont. You are right on top of an MRT station! Proximity to the MRT is perhaps the most important location factor for me. But the Fairmont has the advantage of being right across the street from Raffles and above a major shopping center. I don't really like the location of Ritz or the MO. Both are in the Marina Bay Area which is great if you only plan to go to places in the immediate area, but if you plan to visit many places in Singapore, I'd much prefer the location of the Fairmont.

I'm sure you will get lots of recommendations - everyone has their favorite hotel/location.

jacketwatch

We stayed at the Pan Pacific marina area. Here's what we liked;
Best breakfast buffet ever!
There is a mall attached in its complex so very convienent.
Walkable to the cloud atlas area and to Raffles and Raffles city mall and the Merlion.
Wonderful service.
MRT is very close by.

Singapore is not that big and has excellent public transport that is reasonably priced so it's pretty easy to get around.

Guenmai

I also like the Fairmont and its location as I've been staying in that hotel building over many years, even back when it had two other names, I think it was. But, as for the Fairmont and the buffet breakfast situation, the morning buffet was beyond a mad house. In all of my previous stays in that hotel structure, I never did the morning buffet, but tried it in Jan 2016; crowded and people everywhere. Unpleasant and especially after I had just been staying at the Four Seasons.

However, what's good is that if you just walk out the door of that breakfast room, there's a down escalator to the left which leads into the lower part of the mall that the hotel is connected to. Down in the basement, there are all kinds of food places and also the supermarket which I've used for many years. So, it's easy to get to food as I eat down there quite often even when not staying at the Fairmont.

I've stayed at a lot of hotels in Singapore, since the 90s, and as far as I'm concerned, it's the Four Seasons. On this upcoming, 6-week trip, to the region, I have 3, Four Seasons stays at the Singapore one as I'll be passing through 3 times. I'll have an arrival, 1-night overnight stay, then some weeks later a 3-night stay, and then a week later a 6-night stay before flying home. I really like that hotel and it's in an area that's really quiet, plus I noticed in Jan 2016, that one of the Hop-On Hop Off bus stops is directly across from the hotel as I tried that bus for the first time.

I have found the food, at the Four Seasons to be very good, and I really like the buffet breakfast as it's been the best one that I've personally gotten in Singapore. Plus, there's a mini-mall passage way that's connected to the Four Seasons that dumps out into the lobby of the Hilton Hotel which is right there on Orchard Rd. The Four Seasons is on Orchard Blvd. So, one doesn't need to even walk outside and all the way around to get to Orchard Rd. or go up or down the little hill as the Four Seasons is on a little hill. Just walk though the passage way.

I also like the Four Seasons for its top service and its rooms that have been quite spacious compared to a lot of other rooms that I've had in Singapore.

As for the Ritz Carlton, it's a beautiful hotel. I haven't stayed there, but got a walk through of it many years ago. However, that is not one of my desired locations, to say the least. I like to be more central although the MRT (subway) is very good. As for the Mandarin Oriental, I can't remember where it is. If it's the one with the outside, bridge/garden-looking structure connecting two buildings, I think, then that location isn't bad as I could see it out my hotel room window from the Fairmont. I'll google it to get a link.

Happy Travels!

Guenmai

OK. I just googled the Mandarin Oriental and it's not the hotel that I was thinking. The Mandarin Oriental is also in the Marina Bay area like the Ritz Carlton. Below is an MRT map.

* If you look at the yellow, #8 on that map, and then look up a bit, you'll see the Orchard stop on the red line. That's the heart of Orchard Road. The Four Seasons is in the Orchard area. A lot of the shopping is on Orchard Road.

* If you go back to the yellow, #8 and look down a bit, you will see the City Hall MRT stop. That's where both the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel are.

* Now, from that point, keep looking down, to the bottom of the page and you'll see #10 and #5, which is where Marina Bay is.

http://www.singaporepackage.com/singapore_mrt.htm

Happy Travels!

marmot

I'm partial to the Four Seasons too. It's not too big, the service is excellent, the food is good -- especially the Chinese restaurant -- and the decor is tasteful and comfortable. It's a short walk to Orchard Road, close to an MTR station and within walking distance the Botanic Gardens. There are two pools, one reserved for lap swimmers, a good spa and fitness center.

juliajane

Thank you so much for all the helpful information. I will look into the four seasons!!!
J

Colleen

We are trying out the Fairmont this next January after our cruise from Abu dabi through stops in India to Singapore. Last hotel in Singapore was the Hilton on Orchard and I didn't think it was centrally located or particularly nice.

werth

We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental this past July and enjoyed the service, the food, the pool, and the views from the Marina Bay view room. It was a great spot for our first visit, but as mentioned earlier, there are many great hotels in Singapore. I would like to try staying in Chinatown at The Club next time.

CaliNurse

I (like Jacketwatch) stayed at Pan Pacific by Marina Bay, and liked the hotel itself, but not its location. (There's a Pan Pacific Orchard Rd too) . Sure, Singapore is small, and everything seems pretty close, but walking in the heat and humidity even a few blocks made me decide choose another location if there's a next time.
Several have mentioned hotels locations adjacent to malls. That's a nice feature , for sure. But saying a hotel is next to a mall in Singapore, is like saying a front yard is next to a house. Malls, both above and below ground, are omnipresent in SG. Orchard Road is two long malls---one loonnnggg g set of attached malls, blending into each other, on each side of the street. The Suntec area near Pan Pacific /Marina area has several towers, all with malls, all with virtually identical interiors.

The Four Seasons location sounds great, as it is near the Botanical Gardens!!! Wonderful place!!!

Guenmai

"juliajane on Sep 1, 16 at 7:32pm
Thank you so much for all the helpful information. I will look into the four seasons!!!
J'

I hope it suits you. I love that hotel and when I'm there I don't want to leave as it's a quiet haven within busy Singapore. I haven't tried the food in the Chinese restaurant, but was more than happy with the food at breakfast. lunch, and dinner and as for hotel service, I couldn't have been happier. The pools are nice and there's even a tennis court as I could watch, what looked like professionals, practice tennis from the dining room window of my room.

As for location, one can take a taxi or go to an MRT station. What I find really great about the location is that after a full day, running around Singapore, it's great to be able to return back to peace and quiet although being that close to Orchard Rd.

Happy Travels!

WeisserTee

It depends on what you want from your hotel. We are going to Singapore for two weeks early next year and are booked into two hotels: 3 nights in a Palm Court Suite at Raffles and 9 nights in a Marina Bay view club level room in the Mandarin Oriental. Here's why:

Raffles -- it's iconic. Guests have access to parts closed off to the public or people having drinks at the bar (if you do go there, skip the Long Bar and head for the Writers Bar instead...much, much nicer). Staying in a Palm Court Suite means we can have breakfast or drinks on the beautiful colonial-style veranda off our room. Plus: we also have a family connection to the area as my late FiL was the original site manager for the Raffles redevelopment project.

Mandarin Oriental. I just love this hotel. It has, IMO, the best hotel pool in Singapore (yes, I include the Marina Bay Sands in that, as well as the pools at the Fairmont, Ritz, Four Seasons, etc). When I last stayed there, I walked over to the Ritz next door and compared the pools and public areas. Came back glad to have picked the MO. One of the things I like best about the pool, aside from its overall design, is that it's in the shade until 10 am. Perfect for fair-skinned people like me who enjoy a morning swim.

The MO is not really a family-oriented hotel, compared to places like Shangri-La. It's more serene and has a more adult feel. Good selection of on-site restaurants. Close to the Esplanade and Helix Bridge. Club level has excellent service, inc. dedicated check-in, terrific food selections at various times of day, and 4 pm checkout.

To be honest, other 5-star hotels may have better rooms, although I had nothing to complain about in my room and it's certainly at a 5-star level. If you're not interested in the Club level, try for a Marina Bay or (even nicer, IMO) an Ocean View room. I actually prefer the ocean view to the Marina Bay view.

I tried to like the Four Seasons but it just didn't resonate. Didn't really care for the pools or the overall vibe. To each his own.

AskOksena

Greetings to the OP, juliajane - and congratulations on your plans to stay in our lovely home of Singapore. Special place.

You have received good suggestions regarding some our esteemed hotels, including two properties I know well, the Four Seasons and Raffles. Love both establishments.

Before purchasing a residence in SIN, my primary Singapore business travel hotel was the Four Seasons. Each and every corporate stay was seamless; have remained good friends with various managers and staff. Dined at her Jiang-Nan Chun restaurant last month; special as ever. Should you decide on the FS, would be happy to give suggestions on specific rooms and suites I stayed in over the years.

My relationship with Raffles goes back ~ half-century, initially staying with my parents and siblings. She's aging rather well, with some timely and thoughtful renovations over the decades. Again, would be happy to offer suggestions on various suites I (we) have stayed in over time. (And well done on choosing a Palm Court Suite, WeisserTee; have stayed in that category and they are wonderful.)

Between the two hotels, would probably go with Raffles - with the aforementioned sentimental family reasons playing a role. So many great hotels in our Singapore; am confident you will enjoy our city-state.

Savour your planning, juliajane; happy for you. Best to you and all from winding down work week in the San Francisco Bay Area,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Guenmai

"Should you decide on the FS, would be happy to give suggestions on specific rooms and suites I stayed in over the years."

Uh, like, hello: I'll take those room suggestions at the Four Seasons although I've had really good ones and have been upgraded twice; the biggest one having two bathrooms, big bedroom, area with a desk, living room, and dining room. Plus, I negotiated breakfast buffet included in that one.

The person who upgraded me on the above one is now the concierge, so when I went back in January 2016, she was behind the concierge desk, but remembered me and by name and even asked if I had been given an upgrade. Great service.

Happy Travels!

marmot

We had the same experience at the Four Seasons. Hadn't been there for 5 or 6 years, but the concierge (who had been promoted to something else; I forget what) remembered us!

I agree, though, that there are better pools in Singapore.

I'd also clarify that although the FS is within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens it's a 20-30 minute walk, which some wouldn't consider near enough to be called "near."

Guenmai

I don't select hotels by their pools, but if that's an important item for folks, then they need to take that into consideration. For me great service, good food, room size, and the vibe of a hotel are my main focus on selecting a hotel. I also take location into consideration and although I really like the location of the Fairmont and that it's right above the MRT station, that too has it's disadvantages as it's not as quiet and peaceful around there as it is at the location of the Four Seasons.

Happy Travels!

Cyansiam

Always stay at Shangri La Valley Wing, the best club rooms in Sing and excellent service. Have tried a lot of the other hotels including the MO which is also good, nice rooms if you get the marina views but service not up to the standard of the Shang. Drinks inc Champagne are free flow from 11 am to 10.30 pm! There is a shuttle bus from the main hotel down to Orchard or it is 5 minute walk.

WeisserTee

One general note: many hotels are upgrading their properties. Whichever hotel you choose, make sure to check whether there will be any construction going on during your dates that will either create noise or have some areas/services closed. Check the review sites like TA and Booking.com to see if guests are reporting construction projects next door -- these may also be noisy and beyond the hotel's control.

New hotels are also now open or on the horizon. There will be a new Intercontinental next year -- we were curious about that one but there isn't enough info available yet and anyway, it doesn't open until Q2 2017 earliest.

Although we're happy with our Raffles/MO selection, the other hotels we seriously considered were the Park Royal on Pickering, Fullerton and St. Regis. In the end, we went with the MO based on previous experience, service, pool and location (we like the views and the proximity to the Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge and Esplanade for performances). Plus, we were offered an excellent corporate rate -- our company discount is also available to employees for personal travel.

WeisserTee

A last note: what time do you arrive in Singapore? Our flight from Zurich gets in at 6 am. We've booked a room at the Changi Crowne Plaza (technically checking in the night before) so we can get into the room immediately. We'll have a light breakfast, relax in the pool, take a nap, shower and generally get refreshed after the long flight. We've already arranged a late checkout (1:30 pm) at the Crowne Plaza so we can then just hop into a taxi and head straight over to Raffles.

juliajane

My flight arrives very early in am. I am going to look into raffles, mo, ritz, four seasons.
Thanks for input. I may ask for room tips from those who offered.
J