Review: Four Seasons Singapore

After wrapping up my stay at St. Regis Singapore, I headed down the road to the Four Seasons Singapore,.

The Four Seasons Singapore has cemented a reputation as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city-state, and has been undergoing a comprehensive renovation since 2016.

Having recently begun my journey of exploring Four Seasons’s footprint around the world, I was feeling curious as to how the Singapore location would compare. 

Four Seasons Singapore – Booking

Four Seasons is widely considered one of the world’s most luxurious group of hotels, and is arguably one of the best-known luxury hotel brands in the world.

With that, the Four Seasons Singapore commands a premium price tag. Anticipate spending $500–700 SGD ($510–710 CAD) for a standard room, with the cost varying based on the time of year. In my case, I booked this stay at a favourable industry rate.

It’s worth pointing out that unlike other popular hotel chains, such as Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt, Four Seasons doesn’t have a traditional loyalty program that awards points and elite status.

Instead, the brand has an exclusive invitation-only guest recognition program reserved for its most elite clientele who have a long-standing history with the chain.

The good news is that there’s a method to squeeze more value out of your Four Seasons stays. By booking your accommodation via the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program, you can enjoy a range of additional benefits and perks without any extra charges, such as free breakfast for two, a $100 (USD) property credit, and more.

Additionally, the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program stands out from other similar initiatives, such as Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, because the program allows you to take advantage of all promotional rates in conjunction with Preferred Partner benefits.

Whether you’re booking a prepaid, promotional, flexible, or fully refundable rate, you’ll always receive Preferred Partner benefits by booking through an advisor. 

Four Seasons Singapore – Location

The Four Seasons Singapore is nestled in a quieter part of Orchard Boulevard, close to the island’s main shopping, business, and entertainment district.

There’s a wide range of dining and shopping options just steps away from the hotel, and a five-minute walk outside will take you to the underpass to ION Mall and Orchard Road, where the action lies.

Plus, it’s a leisurely stroll to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush greenery and lakes.

Singapore is a city with many iconic landmarks, and the hotel is well situated near several of them. Merlion and Marina Bay Sands Skypark are a short 10-minute drive to the south of the hotel, while Gardens by the Bay is an additional five-minute drive in the same direction.

When it comes to getting around the city, the Four Seasons Singapore is conveniently only a three-minute walk from the Orchard MRT. Moreover, buses, taxis and Grab (the South East Asian equivalent of Uber) are also readily available.

Lastly, travelling to the Four Seasons from Singapore Changi Airport is just a 25-minute journey via Grab and costs around $17–25 SGD ($17–25 CAD). The hotel can arrange car service and taxis on your behalf as well, albeit for an additional charge.

Four Seasons Singapore – Check-In

As the Four Seasons Singapore was built in 1994, the hotel’s exterior may appear unassuming at first, with its beige cement and small glass windows.

However, upon arrival, the scenery is more visually appealing, with lush greenery surrounding the entrance exuding a sense of tranquillity.

Pulling into the hotel, I was promptly greeted by a hotel associate who assisted with my luggage and directed me to the check-in desk.

Heading inside, the lobby features a grand staircase accompanied by a sculpture carved from white stone. The lobby features an ornate and classical ambiance, accentuated by floral centrepieces and wooden touches.

Indeed, as the lobby still retains much of its appearance from when the Four Seasons Singapore first opened in 1994, it could be described as somewhat dated.

Tucked away to the right of the lobby, the check-in desk is situated alongside two comfortable seating areas.

The hotel associate assisted me with the check-in formalities and confirmed my stay in the Boulevard Room with twin beds, as I was travelling with a companion for this stay.

Making my way down the hallway, adorned with fresh flowers and captivating artwork, I eventually arrived at the elevator lobby and made my way up to the Boulevard Room on the 18th floor.

Four Seasons Singapore – Boulevard Room

The Boulevard Room is a step up from the base-level Deluxe Room at the hotel, offering a generous amount of space and a fresh, modern design aesthetic after the renovation.

The room features a calming colour palette of beige, grey, and ivory, complemented by marble and wooden accents. The furnishings reflect a blend of Asian and European influences, and layering can be seen throughout the space ­– notably, the star pattern design on the walls was inspired by the Peranakan style.

Upon entering the room, a wide foyer opens to the main area, with a dressing area to the right. To the left is a vertical hutch that plays host to the minibar area equipped with a Lavazza coffee maker.

Two comfortable twin beds are located on the right-hand wall, flanked by night tables featuring bedside controls for the lights and curtains. Additionally, a grey upholstered daybed is optimally positioned next to the large windows, complete with a side table.

On the wall opposite the beds is a long, narrow desk and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV.

Next to the beds, two comfortable armchairs and an accompanying table create a cozy nook. As our welcome amenity, the table was thoughtfully arranged with a note, two refreshing coconut drinks, and some sweets, which is always appreciated.

The elegant bathroom is adorned with marble accents and equipped with L’Occitane bath amenities, featuring a spacious dual vanity surrounded by ample counter space and a large mirror.

Adjacent to the vanity are an alcove bathtub and a walk-in shower. The toilet is tucked away in its own private compartment behind a sliding door.

When it comes to views, the Boulevard Room overlooks Orchard Road, offering a pleasant mix of greenery and cityscape views.

While not the most extravagant or showy room, the Boulevard Room at Four Seasons Singapore afforded me an inviting and comfortable abode for the night.

I liked the fact that the interior was much more modern than the hotel’s public areas, and I appreciated the cultural touches in the room and the well-appointed marble bathroom.

Four Seasons Singapore – Premier Room

I also had the opportunity to tour a few other room types at the Four Seasons Singapore.

The Premier Rooms are situated on the corners of each floor and offer an extra-spacious option that’s otherwise identical to the Boulevard Room in layout.

Thanks to its corner location and higher ceilings, the Premier Room feels more open and provides a superior panoramic view of Orchard Road and the surrounding neighbourhood through its large corner windows.

The bathroom is well-equipped with a dual vanity, a bathtub, and a walk-in shower. 

Four Seasons Singapore –Executive Suite

The Executive Suite boasts a similar contemporary yet cozy style, highlighted by calming colours and cool blues.

The living area is very generously sized, featuring a sofa bed, two armchairs, a table, and a flat-screen TV. Behind the sofa, you’ll find the same Peranakan-inspired patterns on the wall.

The bedroom lies behind colonial-style doors with adjustable wooden shutters, allowing natural daylight to filter in during the day.

The ensuite bathroom features a double vanity, a walk-in shower, and a bathtub, as well as a separately enclosed private toilet and bidet.

Four Seasons Singapore – Club Suite

Guests who book a Club Suite will enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge for up to two adults.

The suite boasts a separate living area and bedroom with ample space. In the living room, you’ll find a cozy sofa, two armchairs, a table, and a large flat-screen TV, all complemented by generous natural light pouring in through the large windows.

Located adjacent to the entrance of the Club Suite entrance is a powder room complete with a shower.

The bedroom is similarly spacious, featuring more large windows and a dedicated dressing area. From the bedroom, you can access the marble-clad ensuite bathroom, equipped with a dual vanity, bathtub, and walk-in shower.

On the whole, the guest rooms and suites at the Four Seasons Singapore are understated in design, but spacious and functional. The Deluxe Rooms and the Boulevard Rooms are fine choices for entry-level accommodations, with the latter offering a better view.

The Premier Rooms and Executive Suites are well-suited for families with small children, those travelling with a larger group, or those simply seeking a bit more breathing room during their stay.

Meanwhile, the Club Suite would benefit those who value a high level of comfort with the added exclusivity of lounge access.

Four Seasons Singapore – Executive Lounge

Singapore is among the select few Four Seasons properties around the world to offer an Executive Lounge for its guests.

The lounge is located on the hotel’s third floor, which is also the dedicated Club floor, housing the hotel’s other relaxation and wellness facilities.

Complimentary access to the lounge is available for guests who book into Club rooms. There’s a check-in desk and a small lobby, where staff will confirm access to the lounge and can assist with any queries.

The Executive Lounge is rather intimate, with limited seating comprised of a few stylish sofas and armchairs arranged at the centre of the room. The space has a pleasant ambiance, achieved through a tasteful combination of stylish grey decor and strategically placed greenery.

The lounge serves breakfast from 6:30am to 10pm daily, and has an impressive selection of hot and cold dishes on offer. Additionally, the lounge offers all-day refreshments, as well as evening cocktails and evening hors d’oeuvres.

For breakfast, you can choose from lobster dumplings, grilled vegetables, quiche, char kway teow, and chicken congee, among others.

There were also pre-made salads and a cold fridge with yogurts, fruits, and juices.

Additionally, there was a selection of freshly baked pastries, bread, and donuts, as well as dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, and chutney.

Beyond the breakfast spread, the Executive Lounge also offers an à la carte menu featuring a range of breakfast specialties. As an ardent noodle lover, I naturally gravitated toward the wonton noodles, and it did not disappoint.

In terms of the evening spread, I was also impressed by the wide selection of canapés and small bites which ranged from savoury snacks to mini desserts or pastries. Complimentary wine was also on display.

After spending some time in the lounge, I found it to be a delightful spot with a good selection of food and drinks available all day. The hors d’oeuvres spread in the evenings could even serve as a full meal if one went back for seconds or thirds.

I’d also note that the service provided throughout my time in the lounge was exceptional, with several attentive and well-trained staff members always eager to assist.

It’s also worth noting that the lounge has fairly limited seating, although I never saw it getting too crowded in here during my stay.

Four Seasons Singapore – Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, One-Ninety. The restaurant is located on the ground level of the hotel and serves breakfast from 6:30–10:30am.

As part of the hotel’s overall refurbishment project in 2019, One-Ninety underwent a major renovation. The new design mixes traditional and contemporary elements and emphasizes natural light and greenery, with high ceilings, large windows, and plants and green walls throughout the space.

Although I had opted to indulge in the breakfast offerings of the Executive Lounge instead, I stopped by and took some photos of the buffet spread, which looked to be phenomenal.

The breakfast buffet was diverse, with an excellent selection of South East Asian cuisine, ranging from traditional Peranakan dishes, such as chicken ngoh hiang, to a congee station with an impressive number of accompaniments. Additionally, dim sum, fried noodles, and rice were available.

Western breakfast options included classics such as pancakes, bacon, and hash browns, along with pastries, cold cuts, and cheese.

The buffet also had a salad station with an array of vegetables, dressings, and toppings, as well as fresh fruits.

A separate station was designated for children, offering cereals, donuts, and finger sandwiches.

Four Seasons Singapore – Dining

In addition to the One-Ninety restaurant, One-Ninety Bar is also a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar offers a selection of craft cocktails and premium spirits, as well as a small bites menu.

There’s also The Garden Afternoon Tea experience with a selection of sweet and savoury bites, as well as a choice of teas or Champagne.

A highlight of One-Ninety is the lush greenery that surrounds the outdoor terrace, akin to a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. I met a friend for drinks here in the afternoon, and we really enjoyed the nature-inspired atmosphere. 

Nobu was a new addition to the Four Seasons Singapore that opened in 2022, which is situated on the third level of the hotel. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Hideki Maeda, a protégé of Nobu Matsuhisa and formerly the Head Chef of Nobu London.

An outdoor garden leads you to the main dining area, decorated with warm tones, soft lighting, and modern furnishings.

The cuisine served at Nobu Singapore is “new-style Japanese,” which blends traditional Japanese techniques with modern and global flavours.

Jiang Nan Chun is the hotel’s traditional Cantonese restaurant located on the ground level of the hotel.

The restaurant boasts a classic Chinese décor with modern touches, featuring dark wood furnishings, elegant chandeliers, and vibrant red and gold accents. 

The pool house is brand-new at the property. It’s a peaceful retreat that overlooks the outdoor swimming pool, and is surrounded by vertical green gardens and bathed in soft, natural daylight.

The menu at the Pool House features a range of healthy options, as well as a variety of plant-based dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients.

Four Seasons Singapore – Other Facilities

The hotel boasts two swimming pools. The main adults-only lap pool is located on level three, while a smaller family pool is located on the rooftop, providing a space for children to splash around. 

The main pool was gorgeous and looked like a great spot for lounging or swimming laps. The pool deck is surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with swaying palm trees. Moreover, there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for those looking to soak up the sun.

I didn’t manage to get a photo of the family swimming pool, as it was occupied by young families every time I stopped by. However, there aren’t too many hotels with rooftop pools in Singapore (with the Marina Bay Sands and the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach coming to mind as a select few examples), so it’s quite nice that the Four Seasons offers one.

Now let’s talk about the hotel’s fitness centre, situated on level three, which is an absolute showstopper. Indeed, it’s almost certainly one of the most visually beautiful hotel gyms I’ve ever encountered. 

The fitness facility is set within a gorgeous greenhouse-inspired space drenched in natural light, exuding a welcoming tropical vibe.

The expansive fitness centre boasts a comprehensive range of top-of-the-line equipment that caters to all fitness needs. Whether you prefer to lift weights or hop on a cardio machine, you’ll find everything you need here, including a dedicated area for free weights, weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers.

The fitness centre offers plenty of cozy nooks and corners as well, affording ample privacy. You can also cool down in the stylish lounging area, complete with comfy chairs and sofas.

Lastly, the spa looked very impressive in its own right, with a modern and appealing design in keeping with the fitness centre and the rest of the Club floor.

The facility is located on the fourth floor, accessible via a staircase from the Club floor. Treatments can be booked from 9am to 9pm, and steam and sauna facilities are accessible from 8am to 9pm.

The spa has three single treatment rooms, as well as a couple’s room, which is equipped with an ensuite steam shower and hydrotherapy bath.

Conclusion

My time at the Four Seasons Singapore matched my high expectations associated with the Four Seasons brand.

In particular, the level of service provided by the hotel staff was truly top-notch, exemplified by the Executive Lounge staff’s kind gesture of offering me some warm water with a lemon slice and honey when I had mentioned that I wasn’t feeling well.

The hotel offers an impressive variety of dining options, from One-Ninety to Nobu to Jiang Nan Chun, that’s very much worthy of one of Singapore’s top hotels. Moreover, the fitness centre is remarkable, offering a wide range of equipment within a unique greenhouse-inspired design.

Despite this, I did notice that some of the public areas in the hotel were a bit outdated, which could be a potential downside for guests who value modern aesthetics.

My understanding is that there are plans in the works to renovate the public spaces to match the recent guest room refurbishments, which would certainly go a long way towards solidifying the Four Seasons’s standing as a leading hotel in Singapore.