Arrival/Check-In: I flew to Singapore from Seoul on Asiana Airlines flight 751, a late flight that did not get me to Changi Airport until 9:45 p.m. Since my arrival to the hotel was late, I appreciated the swift check-in at the Fairmont Hotel. The hotel complex comprises the Fairmont and the Swissôtel, and guests can use either property’s facilities, offering a vast number of dining establishments. I stayed in room 1717, a mini suite overlooking the city.

Guest Quarters: The hotel has an almost Ottoman-meets- Asia décor, clean and functional. On the immediate left in my suite, a king-sized bed sat alongside a night table with a control panel to operate nearly everything in the room. A seating area with a tasteful glass coffee table held a nice welcome amenity of fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate and a bottle of wine. A sofa with a built-in chaise sat against the wall, facing a flat-screen TV and entertainment area, and the desk occupied the far corner. Each guestroom provides an iPad for working and reading, as well as ample outlets and connections at the desk and throughout the room.

A nifty makeup table opened to provide a mirror and lighting. When not in use, it can be closed and used as an additional workstation or table. The bathroom featured a single sink and was decorated with white and black marble. A separate tub and a powerful shower completed the room. Abundant amenities in the bathroom included Rose 31 shampoo, conditioner and lotions. If you forget any toiletries, the hotel has them, including a dental kit, nail kit, vanity kit and a large bath soap, which I appreciated.

Services/Amenities: Between business meetings and dinner I took the time for a massage at the Willow Stream Spa. An absolutely wonderful aromatherapy massage really helped me get back into the swing of things with all my flights to and within Asia. I recommend a stop for any traveler; you really only need about an hour and a half to rejuvenate!

Between the two properties, there are many restaurants and bars to choose from. I was fond of the mixologists in the Fairmont’s lobby bar, Lobby Court, where they mixed a tasty bourbon Manhattan. Prego serves a nice indoor breakfast and offers meals all day, specializing in Italian cuisine. Alligator Pear, bridging the two properties, offers poolside dining and a good breakfast buffet. Mikuni offers Japanese cuisine, which we enjoyed one day for lunch between appointments. Honestly, I needed more time to sample all the different restaurants at the property — and remember, Singapore is a foodie mecca, with many places to visit outside the hotel.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Great doormen stand always ready to get you a cab or offer assistance.

◆ You can’t beat this location — you can walk to many hot spots from the hotel as long as you do not get caught in a sudden Singapore thunderstorm.

Fairmont Singapore

80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
tel 65 6339 7777
fairmont.com