Westin Singapore - classy new hotel

 

The fabulous view from the 35th floor club room.

 

ERIC SCOTT October 27, 2014

 

ON THE way back room Europe to Brisbane our stopover in Singapore was spent at

the spanking new Westin in Asia Square, Marina View. This ultra modern and stylish

five star hotel was close to celebrating its first birthday when we arrived.

We were booked in for two nights when we set off, not realising that the first night

would be spent on the Singapore Airlines’ A380. So it was early morning when

we arrived. Our limo transport was caught up in a huge traffic jam somewhere,

so the hotel told us to take a taxi and they would foot the bill.

Which they did: that was a lovely welcome gesture I thought.

As usual with a Starwood property, the taxi was quietly and quickly unloaded and the

baggage whisked quickly away to our 42nd floor hideaway Westin Executive room,

which was huge; fifty square metres huge.

There was also a 42-inch HDTV and a Bose Wave music system and if you are on

business the work area is efficiently set out with built-in desk, ergonomic desk chair,

multimedia hub, and complimentary high speed internet access. You also get free local

calls, There’s a nice Nespresso coffee machine too.

It was wonderful to be surrounded by such luxury. The two windows were floor to ceiling and looked out on one side over the harbor and South China Sea and the other over the heritage buildings of Chinatown and the modern financial district. It was stunning.

The bathroom was clad in marble tiles with twin basins, separate toilet, and a classy free standing bath, again the windows overlooked the harbour and two floors from the roof, we didn’t worry too much about peeping toms! The bathroom amenities were very nice White Tea by Westin and there were plenty of them.

The bathrobes were comfortable fluffy cotton and slippers with toes in them added another bit of extra comfort.

As we were trying to acclimatise to the time zone difference, we took a nap in the signature and always fabulous “Heavenly beds”. After we took a tour of the hotel, which is unusual to say the east.

The reception floor in on ground level, but the lobby is on floor 32. In between are offices.

So in effect the hotel only has 12 floors, but each is filled with top shelf rooms and suites.

The 35th floor as well as being the Club Floor also gave access to the spa, where a whirlpool bath was available free for patrons, On top of that is a well equipped gym and fantastic infinity pool. There were so many features we didn’t have time to try.

Being in an executive room meant access to the Executive Club room.

This is a Starwood special that is worth every extra dollar.

The room is efficiently run with friendly staff either for breakfast or cocktail time from 6-8 pm each evening. We were there for one cocktail hour and had a thoroughly good time with a chatty, friendly, happy hostess who made sure that glasses were never empty. It is a top rate club room. Other times there is always a friendly welcome for coffee, tea and snacks.

We had one breakfast in the Seasonal Tastes restaurant, which had a wide choice of food, from continental to Asian and the good old full English meal with sausages, eggs, bacon etc – and the bacon was beautifully crisp.

We also had lunch on our first day in the Cook and Brew lounge, which has a lovely laid back, publike atmosphere. Service was excellent and the meal freshly prepared. Raw wooden floors flow throughout, underscoring the casually rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The menu features soft shell crab sliders with konbu pickles and honey BBQ ribs. “The Burger” topped with melted cheddar, pancetta bacon, onion rings, and a sunny side up egg; and the Sushi Bowl with BBQ salmon, egg roll, and avocado.

You can also enjoy craft beers or ciders from a selection of over 100 labels from around the world.

Our second breakfast was taken, with the same menu, in the 35th floor executive lounge. So we sat next to the window overlooking the rooftops of lesser skyscrapers and reclaimed land which was already being covered in new buildings. It was breathtaking view for an early morning meal.

Another good point about the Westin is that it is only a short walk to the underground metro rail system. We found this was a great way to get around the city and its attractions.

We just didn’t have time to sample dinner at Seasonal Tastes, but maybe next time – the Westin is another top class Singapore hotel on our list of:”when we return.”

Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, Singapore 018961. Phone: (65) 6922 6888. Email westin.singapore@westin.com. Room rates vary but can be booked for around $400 a night.