starwood

Hotel Staycation Review: The St. Regis Singapore – The Most Over-the-Top Hotel in Singapore?

March 9, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

I’ll start off by jumping straight to the point – the St. Regis Singapore has got to be the most opulent hotel in Singapore. Situated in Tanglin Road which is just a few minutes away from buzzing Orchard Road, there is an air of grandeur in this Marriott property that prevails in just about every aspect, from the in-house brunches where they serve all-you-can-eat caviar and lobsters to the personalized butler service in every room. Of course, there’s also the extensive collection of sculptures and artwork from the likes of Fernando Botero, Cheong Soo Pieng and Marc Chagall scattered around the property. If there is one thing that this property wants guests to remember, it is undoubtedly the unmatched luxury.

reception area – st. regis singapore

One thing that always impresses me about Marriott – given the SPG legacy – is how effectively this hotel chain segments its various brands. Each has a distinct personality. When I stayed at the W Bangkok last year, the vibe was unmistakably hip and happening so coming to St. Regis Singapore and witnessing its unabashed luxury during my staycation definitely made for a wonderful contrast.

…

Hotel Staycation Review: The Westin Singapore – Of Stunning Bathtubs & Infinity Pools

February 16, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

It is easy to categorize the The Westin Singapore as a “business hotel.” Located squarely within Singapore’s central business district, the Marriott property has the regional headquarters of several banks and multinationals right at its doorstep. But to dismiss it simply as such would be a travesty. The property boasts of a stunning infinity pool and a jacuzzi overlooking the bustling seaport, to name a few bells and whistles. The lobby which is situated at the 32nd floor – is the highest hotel lobby in the country and affords guests with plenty of sumptuous views.

the westin singapore lobby – highest hotel lobby in singapore

If you are staying here on a weekend, you will find The Westin Singapore relatively quieter as the bulk of its guests are business people. The lack of warm bodies is great news for leisure travelers as well as locals on a staycation. During weekends, rates are markedly cheaper compared to its peers – the St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

…

Hotel Staycation Review: W Singapore Sentosa Cove – Feeling Cool in this Enclave for the Rich & Famous

December 8, 2020 by Bino 3 Comments

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove stands as a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, with a location that is relatively intimate, relaxing and far from the maddening crowd. This is considering that the resort island where it is situated is more known for lively attractions such as Universal Studios and Adventure Cove Waterpark. With a setting right at the playground of the rich and famous, this W property’s Sentosa Cove location not only creates an atmosphere perfect for a hideaway but also one that is thankfully not touristy.

Part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, this property is a Category 6 for SPG members, effectively tying it with St. Regis Singapore and Westin Singapore. While the W’s sister hotels in the country are all city hotels, getting here’s an easy cab ride from Vivocity which took less than ten minutes for me. Shuttle buses also run from here to the hotel every hour or two. You can check out the shuttle bus schedule here.

…

Hotel Review: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – Superb Downtown Location

April 3, 2018 by Bino 1 Comment

The Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is one of the most established hotels in the state capital of Sabah. Located right smack in the city center, just across the seafood and handicraft markets and just a few steps away from the nightlife district; the property is one of a handful of SPG properties in East Malaysia. During a return trip to Kota Kinabalu, I managed to check out the Le Meridien for a couple of nights.

Kota Kinabalu is not a particularly large city but the hotel lobby is more in keeping with large city hotels. It’s hip and happening, with an illuminated ceiling, furnishings decked in gold and plenty of mirrors.

…

Hotel Review: St. Regis Kuala Lumpur – Ultra Luxurious Hotel in KL Sentral

April 7, 2017 by Bino Leave a Comment

Opened in 2016, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is a 208-room hotel located near the bustling KL Sentral in the Malaysian capital. It had been a while since my last visit to Kuala Lumpur (I had also stayed in a hotel near the area then, the Hilton Kuala Lumpur). The St. Regis is probably the most high-profile hotel to open in the city for a couple of years so it was no question that I was to check out this property during this visit.

…

Cook & Brew at the Westin Singapore – New Lunch and Dinner Menu

March 20, 2017 by Bino Leave a Comment

Cook & Brew, the gastro-bar at Level 33 of Westin Singapore, has recently revamped its lunch and dinner menu with modern Asian-inspired specialties. You can expect pad thai flavours, for instance, with fries and beef carpaccio with Korean flavours. Recently, I was invited down to Cook & Brew for a media tasting – not my first time at Westin Singapore but my first time in this F&B venue.

…

Seafood From the Heart Dinner Buffet at The Kitchen Table, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

March 23, 2016 by Bino Leave a Comment

The Kitchen Table at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove competes within a dining scene where seafood buffets are becoming a dime a dozen affairs. Thankfully, they’ve managed to put a twist into this ever popular buffet theme. I’m not talking about the sustainable sourcing practices of this property though that’s one thing you’re bound to remember after reading their marketing collaterals. To be honest, I came in expecting a run-of-the-mill buffet with the usual cold and grilled seafood items but left pleasantly surprised. Due to the restaurant’s collaboration with celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, Seafood From the Heart is not your typical seafood buffet. During my staycation at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, I found out exactly why.

The design concept of the F&B outlets of any W hotel is always quite decadent and it was no exception when I entered The Kitchen Table. I didn’t even notice what the “concept” was exactly until a staff member pointed me to look upwards and see how the ceiling was actually designed as an upside down kitchen!

…

W Bangkok – An Extraordinarily Hip Hotel in the Thai Capital

November 16, 2014 by Bino 3 Comments

Stepping into the lobby of W Bangkok in Sathorn after an evening flight from Thailand’s rural heartland, the contrast between countryside charm and youthful decadence could not have been any more apparent. Still decked in rugged shorts and sandals, I entered via the hotel’s automatic sliding doors that revealed lounge chairs, a DJ booth and purple lighting. With a large W greeting me as I entered, I knew I was in for a unique experience.

lobby of W Bangkok

W Bangkok has the distinction of being well-situated for both business and pleasure. Visitors are often spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where to stay in Bangkok but the location of this hotel is hard to beat. The gleaming office towers of Sathorn Road is just a short walk away and so is the infamous night market and nightlife district of Silom. For folks who come to Bangkok for shopping, the trendy and upscale malls of Siam are just a short ride away from Chong Nonsi BTS station.

…