.png)
The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore is a must for those seeking luxe lounging in a central location. Set on the famous 1927 Clifford Pier (the landing point of Singapore’s forefathers) in the Fullerton heritage vicinity, this hotel has an unbeatable position right on the waterfront. It is a symbolic nod to Singapore’s drive to modernise the city and is an architectural gem where immigrants from China, India and beyond poured in during the city’s hey day. With an array of fine-dining options, uber-luxurious rooms with the best bayside views of the Marina – this is the creme de la creme of Singapore’s top hotels.
Upon arrival, we enter the hotel’s grand lobby with curved ceilings Open to the public, this space is not merely just for checking in: it houses The Clifford Pier restaurant and the Gin Parlour. The space is bustling with activity: Champagne glasses are clinking, tea is being poured, and afternoon tea is being served. This was a historic meeting point that once hosted arrivals to Singapore by ship, the building’s iconic arches symbolising bright beginnings for those that came before.
The location is unbeatable, with the hotel sitting pretty at the mouth of Marina Bay.
Boasting swish suites designed by award-winning designer André Fu and rooms that reference the Lion City's colonial and pan-Asian roots, a stay here guarantees contemporary glamour. Balconies and large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay make for dramatic evening views, and allow swathes of natural light into the room. After a speedy and efficient check-in, our luggage was whisked away, and we arrived at our suite at the end of a long corridor.
The hotel offers a unique cluster of ‘Theme Suites’, named after the Lion City’s multicultural roots. The Clifford (Malay), Cavenagh (Colonial), Shenton (Indian), Robinson (Oriental), and Anderson (Peranakan) are all named after former governors of the Straits Settlement. Ours was the latter, and its distinctive furnishing is inspired by the rich tradition of the Straits Chinese – better known as Peranakan. This is prevalent throughout the floral motif textiles and artwork adorning the room, and handpicked pottery – a touch I loved.
Suites have a sleek and modern feel, yet still lower their cap to a bygone era through lattice screens, vintage photographs and burl-wood furniture. These are generously proportioned with marble bathrooms, fully fit with a rain shower, Japanese toilet, and a marble bathtub set in the middle of the room. The Anderson Suite comes with a separate living area with its own television. A short walkway leads you from this living area to the bathroom and the spacious bedroom.
The service is personable, but not too intruding. From the nodding capped doormen to the obliging suite butlers and spa staff, discretion is the watchword.
There is a wealth of polish and poise, with shined silver lamps, veined white marble bathrooms and gleaming mahogany panels everywhere you turn. It’s so pared back it could feel austere, but the warm wood, mini-bar hidden in an old-fashioned trunk, brocade headboard and flock gold curtains warm it up – as does the remote-controlled everything, from the lights, curtains, to the sound system. Bathroom amenities are all Balmain Paris, and there is a killer view from the bathtub to boot.
The hotel has a fabulous rooftop pool situated in front of the famous Lantern Rooftop Bar, boasting some of the best views of the city. A gym also sits adjacent to this, a little on the small side, but it does the job all the same.
Images courtesy of Eva Piskadlo
Flagship restaurant Jade is somewhere you’d visit whether you were staying at the hotel or not. Sumptuous interiors are all Vietnamese lantern lights, parquet wooden flooring, dusty blue booths and light, velvet chairs; service is funny and affable without being overbearing, and the traditional Chinese menu includes fresh takes on seafood, meat and classic Cantonese favourites: the lobster noodles, buddha jumps over the wall and iberico pork are standouts, best followed by the mango sago or mochi. The kitchen is also happy to cater to your appetite, serving smaller portions should you want to try an additional dish between you.
Don’t miss the hotel’s fabulous breakfast options – the choice to enjoy your déjeuner by the bedside, or downstairs at La Brasserie. The menu has a fabulous array of Western and local delights to choose from – all buffet style, might I add.
One of the many perks of being a Club Member, you have access to free-flow cocktails and canapés at The Gin Parlour every evening. The perfect way to spend a moody evening with that stellar skyline before dinner.
Neighbouring ground-floor venue to Jade, The Courtyard, serves possibly the prettiest afternoon tea we’ve come across: a rainbow of fabulous Australian-local fusion sandwiches and cakes served on a three tier platter. The savoury options are free-flow, as is the champagne. The tea is served right up until 5.45pm; later than you’d find in most Singapore hotels, and it’s surprisingly still buzzing in the early evening. Both the Jade Restaurant and The Courtyard are located in The Fullerton Hotel, sitting adjacent to The Fullerton Bay Hotel.
Our overall experience at the Fullerton Bay Hotel was phenomenal. Not only was the entire offering perfect, but the staff really went the extra mile to offer a very warm and personal touch to the whole experience. From the lovely Birthday surprise in the suite for my Mother’s birthday, the flawless and prompt service, to the stellar dining options – this is one of my favourite properties in Lion City that I will definitely be returning to.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326, +65 6333 8388
Book your stay at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Comments