With a Singapore harbour view so good you will never want to sleep, Swissotel The Stamford should be on your where to stay in Singapore hotel list.
Recently renovated with a multimillion-dollar overall that includes new guest rooms, a stunning new lobby and a technology-enhanced check in and check out, the hotel is an intriguing combination of cutting-edge hospitality.
High tech check in with a harbour view stay in Singapore at Swissotel The Stamford
Check in and check out are the two time during a hotel stay when you don’t want to waste any time. Checking in you are in a rush to get settled into your room and checking out you are hurtling towards the next stage of your journey, usually with little time to spare.
Instead of a queue and wait at Swissotel The Stamford, there is a bank of computer monitors on a table with friendly hosts to talk you through the process of check-in.
It starts with a scan of your passport and the confirmation of how many nights you are staying, and before you know it, there’s a room key in your hand. There’s an offer to take the bags to the room, but I was keen to get in, recharge and re-emerge to explore.
I liked the check-in experience, which I found efficient but still friendly and personable.
The lobby itself is an open space with a communal table where people were checking their personal computers and devices and a TWG tea house.
Inside room 2257 at Swissotel The Stamford
The harbour view outlook certainly is impressive with a 180-degree span over Singapore’s CBD area. At night the light show on Marina Bay Sands and city buildings is mesmerising to watch.
The room has a balcony accessed by a wide sliding glass door in a bank of windows. It’s wide enough to stand or sit on, but no outdoor chairs are provided. I’m happy viewing from inside.
There’s plenty of textures with subtle Asian influences in the modern room décor. It is a well thought out space with a floating wooden floor that has interesting inlays. Lots of details here. It is a spacious room, but the sleek décor makes it feel even larger without losing that touch of warmth.
The bed is exceptionally comfortable, and Powerpoints and USB sockets on both sides of the bed make charging devices easy. There’s a clock radio speaker with a Bluetooth function so you can enjoy your own music from your smartphone.
It took me a few moments to work out the lighting, but after that, it was straightforward to operate. The wardrobe had an interior light with a suitcase stand, and there were several other places in the room to take other bags.
The television offers a wide selection of channels including FOX.
This is the first time I have encountered a mini bar that charges items to your account as you remove them from the fridge. It’s very handy when it comes to a speedy checkout although the fridge was empty during my stay.
Premium teas from TWG and a Nespresso machine mean your choice of hot beverage is always on tap. No fresh milk is supplied, but milk capsules and powder creamer are included.
Luxe Bathroom
The bathroom includes the toilet, and the shower is over the bath. Relax with a rain shower that is designed so it can be turned on without getting wet by cold water.
Sustainability features in the bathroom include products with refillable cadies for the basin and shower.
There is a makeup mirror, but the fact that it is not lighted is my only disappointment in this otherwise fabulous room.
Restaurants and bars at around the hotel
The Swissotel The Stamford is known for its top end dining at 40 seat Jaan on the 70th floor. It has an enviable view which many people, including me, actually prefer to the view from the top of Marina Bay Sands. For one thing, it is, which is a big plus for a climate where the temperature average is 32 degrees.
Jaan was awarded a Michelin Star in 2018 and is ranked 32 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Chef de Cuisine Kirk Westaway reinvents the flavours of his English childhood in Jaan with modern British dining.
What’s outside the hotel
There is much to explore outside the hotel without even going outside. An internal walkway leads straight into the enormous Raffles City Shopping Centre. I really felt like leaving myself a trail of crumbs when exploring here for dinner. So spoilt for choice, I settled on karrage salmon for $14 (AUS) from the food court.
Sigh with happiness factor
High
Swissotel The Stamford ticks 90 per cent of my boxes and offers guests a most enjoyable stay with plenty of new technology to wow.
Centrally located at 2 Stamford Road, Singapore, the hotel is just a short walk or cab ride from most of the places you will want to explore in Singapore such as the restaurants at Clarke Quay, Parliament House and just three minutes from City Hall MRT train.
A cab fare here cost me about $29 and a night costs from $350 (June 2019) and includes high-speed WIFI and breakfast.
Where else to stay in SIngapore?
Try the elegant Fullerton by the Bay.
Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry stayed as a guest of Swissotel The Stamford.
