Singapore is one of those places we never tire of, because it truly seems like there’s something for everyone. Are you a foodie? Singapore has the best food choices in Asia. Looking for a beach? Try Sentosa. Taking your family? Besides the aforementioned Sentosa, there’s Snow City and, perhaps most excitingly, the newly opened Universal Studios, the first of its kind in Asia.
Then there are the luxury hotels. I’m of the opinion that luxury hotels in Asia are of an entirely different breed than luxury hotels elsewhere in the world. It’s no surprise, after all, that the hotel consistently ranked best in the world is located in Asia. Of Singapore’s luxury hotel offerings, here are my top five choices:
I first visited Raffles Hotel when it was newly renovated, sometime in the early 90′s. And I was wowed. This is less of a hotel, more of a cultural experience. It is, after all, where the Singapore Sling cocktail originated, and where the last tiger in Singapore was reportedly shot. There are no ordinary “rooms” here, either- just luxurious suites, each with a private parlor, period piece furnishings, and a 24-hour room valet. Book a suite at the Raffles Hotel »
For those in search of something other than a city experience, there’s this, a “spa & resort” that sits high on the cliffs of Sentosa island, overlooking the South China Sea. You almost forget you’re in Singapore- but then, this is so much a part of Singapore that you realize you’re just experiencing another facet of the country. If you can, book a garden villa- and make sure you try out their spa treatments. More on The Sentosa Spa & Resort »
I know some people who refuse to stay anywhere but the Ritz Carlton Millenia when in Singapore- and it’s more than just the bathtubs overlooking the harbor. To its loyal regulars, the service at The Ritz is simply unparalleled, the hotel luxurious yet not garishly opulent. They also serve a mean Sunday Brunch buffet. Experience the Ritz Carlton Millenia »
Who knew that a former post office could be so luxurious? The Fullerton used to be the General Post Office, and retains its colonial charm and majesty beautifully. Of all these hotels, the Fullerton wins for best location. The Singapore River, the Esplanade, the Boat Quay, the Marina… everything is within steps of it. Its spacious rooms and friendly, efficient service is nothing to sneeze at either. Check in to the Fullerton Hotel »
I’ll be honest: Shangri-La hotels very rarely make it on my personal “top 5″ lists, because they seem the same all over the world. The Shangri-La Singapore, however, is an exception- and it is exceptional. It allows you to be away from the madding crowds of Orchard Road, yet well within walking distance of the best hot-spots in the City. For this reason, I particularly like it for business trips, offering a peaceful respite after hours and hours of meetings, without requiring a trip to Sentosa. Get some peace at Shangri-La Hotel »
Which are your favorite luxury hotels in Singapore?
Of course we would all love to stay in luxury hotels all the time- but when our hotel rooms are a little- um, lacking- it’s nice to bring along a bit of luxury in our luggage instead. Which is why we’re kicking off a brand new category here at Hotelaholic: Luggage Luxuries, featuring awesome things we can bring along to make our trips just a little more special.
First up is this Mini Travel Bar
from UncommonGoods:
The insulated case includes a flask, funnel, corkscrew, stir stick, ice tongs, and shot glasses. Just $42, and apparently with limited stock- so better hurry if you want one. Buy the Mini Travel Bar at UncommonGoods »
Traveling for business to Beijing? Check out the Ritz Carlton’s Business Limousine package. It includes breakfast for one or two, round-trip limo transportation to the airport, and- of course- accommodations, and starts at about US$250.
The Ritz Carlton Beijing is, like most Ritz properties, absolutely beautiful- so this is a great deal. Good until December of this year.
I’ve always had a soft spot for rooms with views and am one of those people who would spend an extra $$ for that upgrade to get my fabulous view. A few months ago I was in Japan, and before I decided on where I was staying (my favorite part of planning), I did some sleuthing on where I could find a Tokyo hotel with great views.
What I found was that there is a huge selection as most of the top hotels in Japan have rooms with exquisite views. You have a choice of gorgeous Japanese gardens like the Imperial Palace or Meiji shrine, the glittering neon-lit buildings of the city, of Tokyo Tower, of bustling Ginza and I could go on…….all from the comfort of your bed or bathtub!
After much deliberation, I settled on the Four Seasons at Chinzan-so (pictured above), which unlike all the other hotels which were all in the center of the somewhat crazed city that Tokyo is, promised to be an oasis a mere 15 minutes away from Ginza- with its very own Japanese gardens (which once belonged to one of the Royals).
So the idea of drawing my curtains for a room service breakfast to the sight of green tranquility (complete with a lovely pagoda) was a wonderful part of the trip, but after dinner at the Park Hyatt (pictured above), I have to confess that the views of Tokyo at night were just amazing! It will definitely be a city view to try out next time.
I don’t mean you, of course- heavens, no. But if you’ve ever wondered what other guests at the best hotels like to spirit away in their luggage (hint: it’s so much more than the ashtrays and soap!), you’ll want to read SmartTravelAsia’s What Do Hotel Guests Steal?:
Statistics claim that on average a third more British women steal than men – towels and light bulbs are the most commonly appropriated – and North Americans have huge stockpiles of Gideon Bibles in their garages. The shampoo may be useful, but twenty Gideon Bibles? Free insulation and instant damnation.
Read more at What Do Hotel Guests Steal?.
A peek at The Grand Mayan Acapulco makes me want to pack my bags and buy a ticket to Acapulco right now. Located on the Playa Diamante, it features an interior lake and aqua park with waterfalls and slides.
As a true hotelaholic, there are certain things I love that I wish I could take home with me. Yes, fluffy robes and tiny bottles of luxury shampoo are nice, but what about the things I’m not allowed to buy from the hotel gift shop?
Which explains my excitement at finding this Bellman Hotel Cart
– at Amazon.com, of all places! Now I can wheel my bags (both travel and shopping) around on this 35×24 satin aluminum cart, complete with black carpet and pneumatic wheels.
$540 at Amazon.com »
The Oriental Bangkok is one of those hotels that are, in my opinion, destinations themselves.
What sets most of these hotels apart, of course, are their impeccable service- and it’s no different at The Oriental.
This hotel gives a whole new meaning to luxury, where every guest is a VIP, and needs are anticipated before they even surface.
Sound heavenly? If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, stay at The Oriental. Warning: you might never want to leave.
No longer the spot for mobsters and prostitutes, Hell’s Kitchen (west of Times Square in Midtown Manhattan) is due to get its first major luxury hotel, the VU.
With rates starting at $425 a night, the VU (pronounced “view”) will open this summer and offer loft-inspired guest rooms complete with plasma tvs, iPod docking stations and stone-tiled bathrooms. The VU is a Kimpton Hotel- one of my favorite Hotel companies- so I’m expecting the best!
Visit VU Hotel’s website or see other New York hotels we love »
