Besotted – Fullerton Bay Hotel’s Room with a View

If you’re all for sophisticated accommodation in a picturesque location, check into the new Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore, one of the most beautiful hotels in Singapore and the latest addition to the historical Fullerton Heritage precinct. It’s right by the glitzy new Marina Bay waterfront and occupies the old Clifford Pier, Singapore’s landing point for early migrants over a century ago.

All high ceiling, full-length glass windows, refined detailing and elegance, it’s a mini Raffles Hotel, and spanks of old world glamour with a stylish, contemporary flavour. If you’re checking in, just remember that the Bay View and Premier Bay View Rooms are the ones with views of the Marina Bay waterfront while the Premier Rooms have views of picturesque landmarks like

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Clifford Pier and the Merlion Park.If you’ve booked into a deluxe room though, be prepared to just have an eye full of Customs House – not a very pretty building, I’m afraid.

Booking early for the national day fireworks? The best views are from their suites. In the latter rooms, remember to check out the toilets – walk into the cubicle and don’t touch a thing. Just clap your hands and see the wondrous mysteries of toilet technology unfold! You don’t even have to handle your toilet seat ever again for a sound sensor lifts the cover and later, closes it again when you’re done and gone. Gorgeous rooms, this is a definite choice for a kinky weekend away.

For food, Clifford, the hotel’s modern brasserie – more like a fine dining restaurant – has become one of the prettiest restaurants in town. Sitting close to the water with full length glass and soaring ceilings above, you get a fine sense of occasion here. But happily, the service isn’t stuffy, and they’ve got baby chairs too for your gourmet tot. Friendly, huh? Food here is modern European and from sustainable, organic producers. We like the creamy porcini mushroom cappuccino, hearty duck confit served with delectable truffle mashed potatoes and a lemon tart with crème fraiche ice cream. And you don’t have to spend a bomb: the set lunch menu is an affordable $45 for three courses, and $36 for two. Considering the kind of surrounds you will be pampered in, this is incredibly good value. Having a power breakfast? How about scrambled eggs with shaved black truffles, and waffles with Champagne mango compote?

The Landing Point gives you the best view of the bay front in the day time and light bites all day. This gorgeous lounge with an al fresco terrace forks out afternoon tea ($38) all nicely infused in colonial nostalgia, and featuring such classic morsels as finger sandwiches, chocolate eclairs, caneles (excellent stuff), and scones with jam and clotted cream. Reserve a table by the window thought – it’s the best spot here and gets snapped up very quickly! Sniff hard here and you’ll notice a particular fragrance that will bliss out your olfactories. That would be the customized room fragrance, ‘The Scent of Fullerton’ – which is the latest practice among hotels these days in attempts to brand their ambience with a distinctive, unique smell. At this hotel, the fragrance is admittedly lovely – top notes of white jasmine, ylang ylang and lily, followed by a lovely floral rose and neroli middle note. Free smells!

Up to the rooftop, The Lantern – named after the red lanterns that used to light up the pier in days of old – is the latest bar to pack in the crowds with its 360 degree view of down town Singapore and downright breathtaking setting amid landscaped greenery and picturesque pool. Order signature cocktails, Red Lantern ($19), Merlion ($19) and Imperial Berry Mojito ($24) and nibble on bar snacks like wagyu Short Rib Mini Burger ($20), Pork Belly Sandwich with Apple-radish Slaw ($18) and Truffle Fries ($14). Definitely a must-go in Singapore, expect a full house every weekend so don’t forget to make your reservations!

What’s sad is that in the most historic part of the hotel – what was once the Clifford Pier building – is occupied by a Chinese restaurant, One on the Bund. It’s kinda crass and the staff downright unfriendly, and the food, to put it gently, ain’t that great. This is leased out and run by a third party. Hopefully the hotel will eventually put the space to better use.

80 Collyer Quay

Tel: 65-65975277

www.fullertonbayhotel.com

- Ee Waun