Review: Fairmont Singapore raises the bar with a luxurious redesign both inside and out

The Fairmont Singapore has been a familiar sight amidst the city’s busy and touristy Civic District for decades now. Standing tall next to its sister property, the Swissotel the Stamford Singapore, the I.M.Pei-designed property is easily one of the most desirable addresses for its panoramic views and proximity to the country’s most iconic landmarks, shopping malls and acclaimed restaurants. 

But hotels aren’t exempt from the test of time, and unfortunately, plenty have fallen short of keeping up with modernity. Fairmont Singapore, however, has not only kept up with its recently renovated South Tower but even managed to surpass expectations of being a contemporary establishment, offering guests a whole new level of luxury.

Location

It’s hard to beat a location such as this one. Sitting atop City Hall MRT Station and part of the Raffles City complex means that shopping and dining options are never more than five minutes away. Come National Day and Formula One, the hotel is usually packed to the brim for those seeking a comfortable vantage point of the festivities, be it fireworks or a view of the race circuit at night.

The hotel is also connected to the neighbouring Suntec City, Marina Square, and Esplanade Theatres, with Boat Quay and the National Gallery — all just a short stroll away. 

Rooms

A staycation is only as good as the room you’re in, and Fairmont Singapore’s extensive transformation means that you’ll never be tempted to leave its sleek shiny confines. Inspired by a gentleman’s lair, the rooms have been thoughtfully reconfigured to showcase the best of the hotel and city.

The room we were in exuded a stylish, homely warmth that’s not unlike the atmosphere of private members’ club. Dark fixtures and modern furniture define the room, and they’ve been carefully laid out to ensure that the concept of intelligent space isn’t lost. The hulking bed sits in the middle room as a centrepiece with clean, ironed sheets, and a leather headboard — a luxurious touch not many hotels offer for it being hard to maintain. 

Even the writing desk — a piece of furniture often ignored or added as an after-thought — has been positioned such that you’d always be working with a view.

In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, the rooms no longer offer plastic water bottles. Behind a black lacquer cabinet sees a Swisspro fresh water dispenser for unlimited hot and cold filtered water, alongside two handy glass bottles should you wish to take some on the go.

The bathroom is just as well-appointed with amenities and carries the same design aesthetic, with marble accents, Le Labo toiletries, and a generously-sized bathtub waiting to indulge your every need.

Dining

The extensive renovations aren’t solely limited to the rooms; Fairmont Singapore’s well-loved Prego has also recently re-opened its doors after a complete makeover. Inspired by the conviviality of Italian fare in New York, Prego’s contemporary new premises now incorporate the same sleek facade and modern furnishings that both couples and families would appreciate.

Head Chef Mauro Sanna brings his decades-long experience from Sardinia to local shores by incorporating time-tested family recipes and techniques to the dishes.

There’s plenty to keep everyone satisfied here, but do yourselves a favour and leave room for the Ali di razz in Agliata — a skate fish wing dish in sweet and sour garlic tomato sauce, the Maccheroni all Amatriciana — a tomato-based pasta dish done Amatriciana style, and any one of the pizzas from the wood-fired oven. Desserts are equally noteworthy; the Mousse al Caramel is a delicate affogato-style dish that marries the subtle savouriness of the caramel mousse with the bitter aroma of espresso.

A good tipple isn’t too far away either. Anti:Dote offers a progressive selection of cocktails that range from the experimental to the classics. If you’re here with friends, go ahead and order the A:D Punch. The oversized portion serves up to six people — four, if you’re all thirsty — and is a great option for those looking for a taste of the bar’s best.

Amenities and Facilities

It’s hard to deny the appeal of the spa when you’re on a well-deserved staycation, and the Willow Stream Spa knows just how to bring the modern hospitality experience to a full circle. As one of Asia’s largest wellness and spa facilities, the world-class spa is an oasis in the city for offering curated treatments and experiences that reflect different needs, from hydrotherapy wellness experiences to energising massages. 

If you’re one of the lucky ones staying in the suites and Gold rooms, you’ll also have full access to the Gold Lounge, which has been appointed the same design language as the South Tower. The library within is decorated with a mish-mash of things that a gentleman would bring back from his travels, with tweeds and materials inspired by suits and tailoring that lend a muted but sophisticated look to the space. Still, the timeless architectural palette is not without eclectic touches — the LED and smoke fireplace is a particularly charming touch which evokes a homeliness that extends to everyone seeking a quiet moment within the property.

This is also perhaps also where the property’s commitment to sustainability truly shines through. The hotel’s first urban aquaponics gardens — also an industry first — takes up a good portion of the hotel’s rooftop space to grow its own quality products, which will account for almost 30 percent of vegetables and herbs used in food and drinks in the hotel. The pesticide-free alternative requires less water, space and labour to yield substantially higher crops.