Singapore Hotel - Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, or somewhere else?

[robynwally]

Has anyone stayed at the Swissotel Stanford? My travel agent recommended it for our 1-night stay prior to boarding on our Singapore to Beijing cruise.

 

Hi BassettMom,

 

DH and I stayed at the Swisshotel Stamford this February. 2 nights pre cruise and 1 night post cruise

It was brilliant, thoroughly recommend it.

We had a late flight out and although we had to check out at 12pm we went back at about 7pm to pick up our luggage and we were given a key to a room so we could have a shower and freshen up before our flight home...much better than doing this at the airport (even though Singapore airport is amazing)

It is attached to a huge shopping Mall, which has an MRT station and a huge food court. Having the MRT station there was great, so easy to get around Singapore.Walk out the front entrance of the hotel, turn left and cross the road and you are at Raffles. One more block and you are at Bugis St. A short walk to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay or Orchid Road. I would be happy with your TA's suggestion.

 

Regards,

Robyn

 

[pke-atlanta]

So, we ended up staying at The Ritz, mainly due to them allowing us an early check-in (we were off the ship about 8:30AM and at the hotel by 9AM). The hotel and room were beautfiul, with a fantastic view of the water and the Marina Bay Sands hotel. Given we were only there one night and it was the last day of a 3-week vacation, we were perfectly happy to rest in the room a while, then had a lovely Chinese lunch at the Summer House (part of the Ritz), before making the 10-minute walk across to The Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. Dinner was back at the same mall/casino at Guy Savoy, while we watched the laser show from our table. I was very happy with the location and quality of The Ritz and would stay there again.

[C-Board]

We stayed at the Ibis Bencoolen. Very reasonable and central.

Nice to know as we have booked this hotel on chance prior to our cruise to Bombay.

[eh2zed]

Nice to know as we have booked this hotel on chance prior to our cruise to Bombay.

I think you will like it.

[Keith1010]

So, we ended up staying at The Ritz, mainly due to them allowing us an early check-in (we were off the ship about 8:30AM and at the hotel by 9AM). The hotel and room were beautfiul, with a fantastic view of the water and the Marina Bay Sands hotel. Given we were only there one night and it was the last day of a 3-week vacation, we were perfectly happy to rest in the room a while, then had a lovely Chinese lunch at the Summer House (part of the Ritz), before making the 10-minute walk across to The Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. Dinner was back at the same mall/casino at Guy Savoy, while we watched the laser show from our table. I was very happy with the location and quality of The Ritz and would stay there again.

 

I am glad that this worked out well for you.

 

The nice thing about Singapore is that there are lots of great hotel choices and also several nice locations.

 

We have enjoyed each of our visits to Singapore and look forward to another visit in early next year.

 

Keith

[karenbeanpole]

Swissotel the Stamford is I think the tallest hotel in Singapore. Very well located in that area, shopping and food everywhere. It is old and a bit dated, unless they've refurbished since we stayed there 2 years ago. We stayed there 1 night, so that we could experience THE VIEW! There was even a balcony (I couldn't bring myself to go outside!). We were on the 54th floor. I think there're about 70 floors in that hotel. Would I go back there.... probably not as I've been there and done that now.

[Roses2]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Sheraton Towers?

 

We are looking at a March 2012 Diamond Princess cruise and can use Starwoods points for our 2 night stay pre-cruise.

 

Thanks

 

P&J

[Aussie Gal]

We have stayed at the Sheraton in Singapore a number of times. It is a lovely hotel and close to a MRT but it is a fair walk down to it from the corner of Scott and Orchid Roads. In the heat and humidity it seems longer than it is.

 

We prefer to be over the Marina side near the larger shopping centres but if you have points to be used, then you won't be disappointed.

 

Jennie

[karenbeanpole]

Sheraton Towers is well situated for MRT and Newton Circus hawker centre. The walk to Orchard Road is not that bad. If you like walking, just walk. If you hate walking, especially if it's very hot or even pouring with rain, just take public transport! After all you're not always wanting to go to Orchard Road - there are other things to do in Singapore besides shopping. Just go on the MRT to wherever. Nowhere in Singapore is difficult to get to. Go use your points as hotels can be very expensive in Singapore.

[pickypicky]

How about Pan Pacific? I have rezzes there for Feb., but they are refundable. Just wondering why no one is mentioning it--this is our first visit to Singapore.

[Aussie Gal]

Our friends always stay at the Pan Pacific and go regularly at least twice a year. They usually book a Club Room because they love the "free" champagne each evening at cocktail hour. I am sure you will enjoy the Pan Pacific as much as they do.

 

Jennie

[pickypicky]

Thanks, Aussiegal, for your input. I chose PanPac because it was consistently #2 on TripAdvisor, and I got a great price. I think I'll stay with it unless I hear reasons on these boards to go elsewhere. Your rec based on friends staying twice a year is invaluable.

[Aussie Gal]

pickypicky,

 

They left today for another week at the Pan Pacific. They couldn't wait to return. They say that the staff are terrific, the rooms are great (they always have a balcony room) and the Club Lounge is excellent.

 

We prefer the Intercontinental but just as well everyone's tastes are different or we would all be clamouring to stay in the same hotel!

 

Jennie

[S&B]

Aussie gal,

Can you tell us a little bit about the Intercontinental in Singapore because that is where we are going to stay. I have read every post in this thread and have found it most helpful. We will be doing the usual touristy things for two days.

 

Thanks for everything.

 

Sylvia

[Aussie Gal]

Sylvia,

 

The Intercontinental in Singapore is in a great position. It is only a block away from Raffles Hotel and the Raffles Centre. From the Raffles Centre you can walk underground to the Marina Square Shopping Centre, Suntec City Shopping Centre which is huge and the Ritz Carlton Millenia Shopping Centre. The MRT station City Hall is also there which is an interchange station.

 

It also opens up into the big shopping centre called Bugis Junction where there is a Department Store that sells great shoes and there is the MRT - Bugis Station - also right there.

 

We always book into a Club Room as we find it well worth the extra benefits.

 

The rooms are lovely in this hotel and we have always found the staff to be excellent.

 

We have stayed at many hotels in Singapore over the past 30 years including the Regent, the Sheraton, Marina Mandarin, Ritz Carlton Le Meridien and Crowne Plaza at Changi and we have found the Intercontinental to suit our needs best.

 

Jennie

[Popey]

:)Interesting ...anyone know the St.Regis....comments on location etc gratefully accepted. As a Gold Starwoods member we look to stay at a Sheraton facility and the St Regis looks the best in that chain.

 

Previously (many times) Mandarin Oriental would not disappoint!

 

 

Popey

[Aussie Gal]

St. Regis is a fairly new hotel. I think it only started up in Singapore last year. It is a little out of the way being in Tanglin Road but it is a lovely new hotel and the St. Regis brand is the top notch of Starwood.

 

Jennie

[eldercruser]

AussieGal, may we impose on you once again. Any opinion on the Singapore Hilton hotels, Conrad Centennial and Orchard Road Hilton? As do others using points, we have plenty of Hilton points.

 

From the Hilton website it appears the Conrad is the more upscale and located in the Marina Bay area.

[Aussie Gal]

AussieGal, may we impose on you once again. Any opinion on the Singapore Hilton hotels, Conrad Centennial and Orchard Road Hilton? As do others using points, we have plenty of Hilton points.

 

From the Hilton website it appears the Conrad is the more upscale and located in the Marina Bay area.

 

Sorry I have taken a few days to answer as we have been on Kangaroo Island which is a wonderful island with great native animals and it is situated off the coast of South Australia.

 

We know the Conrad well though we have never stayed there. It is right near the Ritz Carlton, the Pan Pacific, the Oriental and the Marina Mandarin. It is in a great area close to shops and an easy walk underground to the MTR at City Hall where you can get to Orchard Road without walking in the heat.

 

Hope this helps a little. I don't know the other Hilton at all.

 

Jennie

[eldercruser]

Jennie,

 

Thank you for the information on the Conrad Centennial. That is just what we needed to know. I suspected what you said to be the case, but nothing can compare with first hand knowledge.

 

We will not be going until February, 2013 but are already making plans. The last time I was in Singapore was the summer of 1963 when I spent time with the Royal Navy as an exchange midshipman. Obviously, whatever I remember of the city is of little value. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to returning.

 

Jerry

[S&B]

I know sometime ago I talked about the Intercontinental Hotel but can someone tell me about the Orchard Road Holiday Inn Express? Is it as convenient as the Intercontinental?

 

Thanks.

[Aussie Gal]

Jerry,

 

You won't know the city. We first went to Singapore in the 70's with our children and over the years the city has completely changed. Once, the sea was opposite Raffles Hotel but now it is km's away as they have reclaimed so much land. It is a very modern city now and probably the cleanest city as they did have a rule regarding chewing gum!

 

S&B,

 

From what I can gather, the Holiday Inn Express will not be open until 2013. It will be in a good position in Orchard Road on the corner of Bideford Road. Even so, I still prefer the position of the Intercontinental Hotel as it is also within walking distance of both Clarke and Boat Quay as well as Riverside where there are so many places to eat.

 

Jennie

[Chelsea1]

We stayed in the Intercontinental last November for 6 nights and it was great. Big, airy rooms, good aircon, excellent club lounge, close to Raffles and right above MRT/huge shopping mall with cinema, food outlets etc. The hotel itself is integrated into the Bugis shopping street, it was very quiet and professional, but right next to great facilities. Good location, highly recommended.

 

I did visit the Marina Bay Sands as well for a business lunch and tour of the observation deck. It was amazing! However it is very self-contained.

 

We are on the Diamond Princess in March 2012 and looking at hotels in Singapore for this trip - would like to try somewhere different than the IC for a change. Considering the Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont and Marriott. Not sure about the Hyatt on Orchard Rd. Any ideas welcome!

[Aussie Gal]

We too like the Intercontinental but if you would like somewhere different the Ritz Carlton is lovely and also the Regent which is up off Orchard Road beyond Scotts Road. We have stayed there a couple of times.

 

I haven't stayed at any of the hotels you are listed but I do prefer to be away from Orchard Road.

 

Jennie