Fairmont Singapore
BACKGROUND
Fairmont Singapore reopened its renovated South Tower in November last year. The hotel partnered with interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates on the refurbishment of the 403-room tower, which included revamping the rooms, corridors and lift lobbies and introducing new amenities.
WHERE IS IT?
In the Raffles City complex in the Civic District, which also houses a convention centre and the fivestorey Raffles City Shopping Centre. It’s a 30-minute drive from Changi airport, or you can take the East-West train line from the airport, transfer at Tanah Merah and continue to City Hall MRT station – the hotel is located above the station.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
In total, the property has 778 rooms and suites, as well as 13 restaurants and bars and one of Asia’s largest spas. A vibrant textile artwork called Diversity hangs behind the reception desk. There was no queue to check in when I arrived at the hotel at about 9pm and the lobby area seemed lively without being overcrowded. The staff member who served me was friendly and upbeat and answered all of my questions about the property.
ROOMS
The hallway leading to my room on the 15th floor of the South Tower had a dark, sombre colour scheme and this theme was carried over into the décor of the bedroom, creating a serious, businessoriented impression.
I was in a 45 sqm Deluxe room (the entry-level category in the South Tower), overlooking the hotel pool. The black, widely spaced lines behind the king-size bed and the small monochrome lamps that hung on each side of the bed gave the room a sleek and modern look. There were also universal power outlets and light controls by the bedside.
A wall-mounted TV was positioned opposite the bed, while a good-sized workdesk with a comfortable swivel chair faced the window. The “Maxi” bar is a glossy cabinet housing a fridge stocked with alcoholic drinks and water. The hotel provides guests with a refillable water bottle and there is a SwissPro water dispenser. However, the bottles of water in the fridge are chargeable.
The room was also equipped with an armchair and a coffee table, and the wardrobe contained a safe and an iron and ironing board. The en-suite bathroom was modern in design, with grey marble floors and walls and black fixtures and fittings. Bathroom amenities were Rose 31 by Le Labo.
FOOD AND DRINK
The 13 dining options include Italian restaurant Prego, which recently reopened its doors after being renovated and is where I had breakfast. It’s full of vintage hand-painted posters of classical Italian brands and serves a wide selection of excellent food.
My 15th-floor Deluxe room overlooked the pool and had a sleek, modern look
LEISURE
The hotel has a 24-hour gym and a spa called Willow Stream that is more than 4,645 sqm in size.
VERDICT
A good choice for business travellers thanks to its central location, friendly staff and its spacious and wellequipped renovated rooms.
BESTFOR
Its central location and modern revamped, spacious rooms
DON’TMISS
Breakfast at Prego
PRICE
Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May in the South Tower started from £240 for a Deluxe room
CONTACT
80 Bras Basah Road; tel +65 6339 7777; fairmont.com/singapore