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Published: October 31st 2006
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Singapore
Sir Stamford Raffles in front of Boat Quay in central Singapore. I'm in Singapore now, a city I have visited before but very much enjoyed last time, so I do feel a bit nostalgic returning here.
Today I visited Orchard Road, the road with all the shopping centres in central Singapore, where I also visited Ngee Ann City which ended up being my favourite shopping centre last time.
In the basement they have a very nice and large food court with plenty of cheap Asian food, that's where I had lunch.
In Singapore I decided to go for a really good hotel. I know from past experience (as I said I have been here before) that Singapore hotels are very good value for money (and very affordable!) and the service is often top notch in most hotels, so it felt like a good place to spend some extra money on accommodation.
Among all the top-end hotels I decided to go for the Regent Hotel, a five star hotel located at the end of Orchard Road.
I got a bit out of my mind when I did the booking, but they had a really good suite deal if booked some time in advance, and I could just not resist booking it,
Singapore
Boat Quay! so a suite it was.
I arrived at the hotel by taxi, and once the taxi stopped at the hotel entrance it was immediately surrounded by hotel staff, probably five of them.
While I paid the taxi driver one of the staff looked at my baggage tag (which had my name printed) so I was addressed by name before I had even entered the lobby, actually before I had even got out of the taxi!!
Very nice staff at check-in! The suite deal also meant that I should get a complimentary upgrade to Regent's club, so I got a key card with Regent's club printed on it which would give me access to the club lounge on the 11th floor.
After check-in I was escorted to my suite, it was the first time ever I have been escorted to my room (unless accompanied by a porter with my luggage, but the luggage arrived later in this case).
The man showed me my suite, explained all the hotel facilities, and asked me if I had any questions. Brilliant service!
The suite was just fantastic, 70 sqm with two TVs, two desks, a large bed, two balconies, two toilets (nice
Singapore
The Singapore parliament! to have a choice :p), a sitting area, a huge wardrobe, and probably plenty of other things I have forgotten.
There was also a CD player which was quite nice as I had some own CDs.
Overall the place was just so cool, so spacious and elegant. Considering the price which would have given me a double room (or perhaps even a single room) in a four star hotel in Europe without breakfast and with half the service, it was a very very good deal.
The service in the hotel is absolutely fantastic. If I meet a member of staff somewhere they instantly say "good morning/afternoon/evening Sir".
If I visit the concierge they ask for my room number and instantly start addressing me by name.
I don't think I have ever experienced such high level of service in a hotel before, it is very very good!! Nothing is too much trouble!!
They have a very good breakfast buffet as well, which is included in the rate.
They have a man making omelettes and pancakes, and even a man cooking pasta (who wants that in the morning??).
They have Japanese dishes, fresh fruit (like guava and dragon fruit, never
Singapore
Raffles Hotel! One of the most famous in the world! had that for breakfast before), pastries, yoghurt, bread, and I really don't know what else...
And what is nice is that the buffet changes a bit every day, which is nice if you stay for several days.
But they forgot to serve be coffee, so I had to ask for it after 15 mins, and they were so appologetic. When I gave me room number just before leaving the man asked if I would be having breakfast tomorrow morning or if I would be leaving early (I will have breakfast!!), so perhaps extra good service tomorrow instead...
And then there is the Regent's club, the club lounge on the 11th floor.
They have free hot food and free alcoholic drinks between 5-8 pm. They had so much nice hot food that I actually did not have to bother about dinner afterwards, and nice red wine as well!!
The club is open during the rest of the day as well (6 am-11pm I think) when there is free soft drinks, newspapers, and free internet (which I am using right now).
The club itself is also very nice, cool design and excellent service (no way they let you poor drinks yourself).
Singapore
Ngee Ann City. One of the many shopping centres along Orchard Road. This is one of my favourites though, it has a nice food court in the basement. It is the first time I have visited a proper hotel executive lounge, but it's really cool!!
Anyway, I'm having such a nice time again (how many times have I said that?), but I do start do feel a bit tired, no idea how many time zones I have crossed by now.
A little less than two weeks left to travel.
Tomorrow I'm off to Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, which is only a 45 mins flight from here.
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Tracy
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I'm so envious...
of your travels. I'm enjoying your trip reports and photos. The Regent in Singapore looks fantastic. What a lovely hotel room. Sounds like you are having a great time. Happy Travels! moofygirl@gmail.com