Rooms with Views: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Photo: The Fullerton's strategic location offers guests panoramic views of Singapore's skyline

This month’s Rooms with Views review will introduce a historic hotel located smack dab in the middle of downtown Singapore. With the mouth of the Singapore River on one side and the bustling Marina Bay on the other, it’s clear that the Fullerton Hotel Singapore has a pretty good location, particularly for first times to Singapore.

Photo: The Fullerton Building dates back to 1829

Named after Fort Fullerton (a fort built in 1829 to defend the town at the mouth of the Singapore River) the Fullerton Building took four years to build, but when it was completed in 1928 it became the largest building in Singapore.

In its 87-year history the Fullerton Building has housed the Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, the Singapore Club, and has acted as the headquarters of the Japanese military administration in Singapore. The last occupant before it was redeveloped was the General Post Office which is recognized by the hotel with their mascot - the Fullerton post bear. In 2001 the Fullerton Hotel opened after a pricy and careful restoration which earned it an Urban Redevelopment Authority Architectural Heritage Award.

Photo: View from the Fullerton suite terrace

The hotel has 400 rooms and suites that overlook either the central atrium (good for people watching; but not exactly what is considered a great view) or the city skyline, Marina Bay and the Singapore River. It will come as no surprise that the more luxurious rooms come with the better view. The Fullerton suites with their outdoor terraces afford stunning views of the river and bay.

Photo: Fullerton suite bedroom

It wouldn’t be exactly fair to describe the decor of the rooms as outmoded, but the yellow walls and darker color scheme could use a bit of an update. However, the bathrooms were perfect, with white marble throughout and a spacious bathtub that came with Hermes amenities.

Photo: Straits Club dining room

Guests who stay in a suite will be granted complimentary access to the Straits Club along with a few other perks. Bright and tastefully decorated, you may well find it hard to force yourself to actually explore the city when the club offers a complimentary free-flow Perrier Jouet Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea (with delicious scones) and evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Photo: Town restaurant, the hotel's all day dining outlet

The hotel also offers all-day dining (and from what we’ve heard, a great Sunday brunch) at Town Restaurant; upscale Chinese cuisine at Jade; Southern Italian dishes, that come with panoramic views of the city, at The Lighthouse Restaurant and Rooftop Bar; afternoon tea at The Courtyard; and drinks and canapés from noon to 2am daily as well as a great happy hour at trendy Post Bar.

Photo: The outdoor pool allows for stunning city views

The 25-meter outdoor infinity pool offers good views over the river as well as a great view of the hotel itself. There is an attendant on hand with ice cold water and sunscreen - both necessities in the sweltering heat of the city. There is also a 24-hour fitness center and maps that have jogging routes marked are available too.

Photo: Work up a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center

There is also a 24-hour fitness center and maps with jogging routes marked are available too. Try The Spa Artisan on the mezzanine floor offers a good range of treatments which include detox therapies (great after enjoying one too many glasses of Champagne in the Straits Club).

Photo: The Lighthouse Restaurant and Rooftop Bar offers the perfect vantage point for taking in the city lights

When you finally drag yourself away from evening cocktails (it may be worth trying the Singapore Sling, however it was a little fruity and sweet for us) you will find that many of Singapore’s main tourist attractions are right on your doorstep. There is also an MRT station nearby should you feel the need to explore beyond the hotel’s neighborhood.

Service at The Fullerton, like most high-end hotels, is second to none. After our first day the staff in the Straits Club knew our names and even helped us celebrate a birthday with a thoughtful gift (on top of not judging us for having a celebratory glass of Champagne at 7am!).

www.fullertonhotel.com

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