Review: St. Regis Singapore

On a recent trip to Singapore, I stayed at the St. Regis Singapore on Orchard Road, a vibrant hub near the heart of the city.

This property happens to be the first St. Regis hotel to debut in South East Asia, and opened its doors back in 2008.

From the outset, the hotel appeared to be a somewhat older property; however, having had many great stays with the St. Regis brand in the past, I was looking forward to checking out the Singapore location nonetheless.

St. Regis Singapore – Booking

Singapore is one of the more expensive destinations in South East Asia. It’s not uncommon to find higher-end properties here come at a pretty hefty price.

The St. Regis Singapore is no exception, with cash rates ranging from S$750–910 ($770–930 CAD) during peak periods and S$400–600 ($410–615 CAD) during off-peak times.

Whenever cash prices skew high, it’s always wise to consider redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points instead, which is what I wound up doing this time around. A night at this property during my visit went for 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which was great value compared to the cash rates of upwards of S$600 ($615 CAD).

When compared to our valuation of Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (CAD), this redemption worked out favourably at around 1.3 cents per point (CAD). I was pleased with the overall value proposition, which allowed me to put the money saved towards other expenses from my trip.

Keep in mind that the St. Regis Singapore participates in Marriott STARS, a preferred partner program. 

By booking through STARS, you’ll pay the same as the best publicly available refundable rate, but you’ll have a number of extra included perks, such as free breakfast for two, a $100 (USD) property credit, priority for room upgrades, and more.

St. Regis Singapore – Location

The St. Regis Singapore is situated in the affluent Tanglin neighbourhood, and is a part of the Orchard Road shopping precinct. The hotel sits among a group of other luxury hotels, namely the Shangri-La Singapore and the Four Seasons Singapore.

In terms of its location, the St. Regis Singapore is close enough to the action, but it’s slightly removed from the city centre.

Orchard Road has historically been a hotspot for tourists, and remains an important business and shopping hub. However, these days, the area tends to be overshadowed by Marina Bay and Clarke Quay in terms of overall popularity.

These two districts are home to many of Singapore’s most popular attractions, such as the Gardens by the Bay and the National Museum of Singapore. Both Marina Bay and Clarke Quay are within a quick 10-minute southeasterly drive from the hotel.

Within walking distance of the hotel is the Tanglin Mall, an easy five-minute stroll from the St. Regis Singapore. The Botanical Gardens is another noteworthy attraction as the city’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is about a 20-minute journey from the hotel on foot or a very quick drive.

The nearby cultural districts of Dhoby Ghaut and Bras Basah offer a nice contrast to the shopping and entertainment options of Orchard Road, and are a short southeasterly five-to-10 minutes away.

In terms of getting around Singapore, a bus stop is located steps from the hotel; however, the nearest MRT station is the Orchard MRT Station, a 10-minute journey by foot, and is likely your best bet.

From Singapore Changi Airport, it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to the St. Regis Singapore, or alternatively, you can use Grab, South East Asia’s equivalent to Uber. A Grab typically costs between S$20–30 ($20–30 CAD).

St. Regis Singapore – Check-In

The St. Regis Singapore is part of a complex of three luminous glass towers, which is composed of two 23-storey apartment towers and then a 20-storey hotel tower.

The entrance is situated directly off Tanglin Road, and upon our arrival, we were met by several artwork installations situated at the entrance of the hotel.

The art collection at the St. Regis Singapore is very impressive. There are more than 70 pieces of art dotted around, featuring works created by Fernando Botero, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miró.

Stepping into the lobby, you’ll find polished marble tiles, grand crystal chandeliers, and an iconic staircase – all hallmarks of the St. Regis’s signature opulent style.

This hotel leans towards Chinese-inspired décor in the public areas, with silk panels and orchids on full display.

Plenty of seating is available throughout the lobby, which mostly takes the form of traditional sofas and armchairs.

The check-in area is nestled deep within the lobby. Each St. Regis hotel features a unique art mural, and you can’t miss the striking traditional Chinese mural hanging on the wall behind the reception desk.

As we approached the desk, a friendly staff member cordially welcomed us and invited us to take a seat to complete the formalities. We were then offered a choice of welcome drink, and both opted for the lemon iced tea, which was just what we needed after a day of travel.

The associate confirmed our complimentary upgrade to the Caroline Astor Suite as a Titanium Elite member and gave us a brief overview of the hotel. We were also informed we would have the 24/7 St. Regis Butler Service available to take care of all our needs, from pressing our clothes to coffee and tea delivery until 11am each day.

After a delightful, hassle-free check-in, we headed over to an ornate set of elevator doors that whisked us up to the 13th floor, which is where we had been assigned Room 1304.

St. Regis Singapore – Caroline Astor Suite

The Caroline Astor Suite is one of the higher suite types at the St. Regis Singapore, situated at the corners of each floor of the hotel.

The suite embraces old-world chic with large draped curtains and plush carpets alongside red and gold furnishings.

Entering the suite, a foyer connects three distinct areas of the suite: the living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

The room’s minibar and Nespresso coffee maker are positioned in the foyer.

The living area features a plush sofa and two armchairs, providing ample seating for up to five guests. The coffee table was kindly set with a handwritten welcome note and a large bowl of fruit as a welcome amenity.

Behind the sofa, floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping corner views of the Orchard District on one side and the Singapore Botanical Gardens on the other side.

Adjacent was a large stately desk to the right, which provided ample surface space, an ergonomic chair, and a flat-screen TV.

Moving into the bedroom, the king bed is the focal point, with a padded headboard and delicate silk-panel artwork adorned on the wall behind.

There are control panels positioned on both sides of the bed, which allow for effortless adjustments of the bedroom lights and drapes.

To the right of the bed stands a charming dressing table with a lengthy mirror, which has two windows located adjacent, providing a view of the bathroom. For added privacy, there’s a blind that can be drawn across the windows from inside.

Opposite the bed is a dark oak entertainment centre with a second flat-screen TV positioned aloft.

A walk-in closet grants access to the bathroom. Here, there’s plenty of luggage storage space and a plush robe.

The bathroom in the Caroline Astor Suite is truly ornate with marble from head to toe.

The bathroom is equipped with a dual-sink vanity and an elegant free-standing bathtub placed in the centre of the room, with a TV embedded in the mirror.

The walk-in shower is equally as impressive, with a full-length mirror and two shower head options.

The toilet area is separated by a sliding door, and comes with an additional sink for convenience.

The Caroline Astor Suite is well-equipped with a classical interior that’s certainly in line with the St. Regis brand’s reputation for sophistication and class.

While this particular property may not be as modern as some of Singapore’s newer hotels, the suite’s panoramic corner views of the botanical gardens are a definite highlight, as are the incredibly ornate bathrooms.

St. Regis Singapore – Presidential Suite

After getting acquainted with the Caroline Astor Suite, I had the opportunity to take a tour of some of the other room types at the St. Regis Singapore.

The Presidential Suite at the St. Regis Singapore measures a staggering 3,605 square feet.

(This particular suite has gained notoriety as the room where Kim Jong Un stayed during his summit with then US President Donald Trump in 2018.)

The décor in the Presidential Suite is over-the-top luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, hand-painted silk panels, and a baby grand piano dominating the space. The suite includes rare artworks by famous artists like Marc Chagall, Mark Tobey, Le Pho, and Sam Francis.

The living room of the suite features two sofas and two armchairs, situated adjacent to a large flat-screen TV set against a glitzy backdrop.

At the far left of the suite, there’s even a dedicated office.

The bedroom of the Presidential Suite has a striking canopy bed, with walls adorned with floral motifs.

The bedroom also has a huge walk-in closet, providing ample storage space for clothes and luggage.

The dining room of the suite features a long table that can seat up to 10.

The Presidential Suite also has its own private gym, which features contemporary equipment and another large flat-screen TV.

Despite all of these luxurious features, the most impressive element of the Presidential Suite is, without a doubt, the bathroom.

This spacious bathroom is almost as large as a typical hotel room. It’s adorned with beautiful floral patterns and has a bathtub positioned next to the windows.

There’s also a massive walk-in shower and yet another flat-screen TV.

If all of this wasn’t enough, the Presidential Suite at the St. Regis Singapore has a full kitchen, as well as a balcony with a hanging chair and sweeping views.

Once again, the furnishings and décor may be a bit on the older side, but the Presidential Suite is on another level when it comes to grandeur and maximalism. It’s not everyday you find a suite equipped with its own personal gym!

St. Regis Singapore – Caroline Astor Suite (II)

I also had the chance to check out a Caroline Astor Suite with a different layout and décor. This room’s layout was slightly smaller than the suite I was staying in, but still had plenty of luxurious touches. 

One notable difference was the hardwood floors, which added a warmer feel to the room. The intricate ceiling detailing also caught my eye, adding to the overall elegance.

The bedroom layout was similar to the Presidential Suite, but the interior design differed with a unique headboard, flooring, and rug.

The bathroom was particularly unique, and features a bold floral pattern on the floor and dark marble. The chamber housing the toilet, which had deep red velvet walls, added to the dramatic ambiance.

This room type felt a touch more modern than its counterpart, which I would attribute to the hardwood floors. The bathroom in this room felt bolder and more daring, whereas the one in my Caroline Astor Suite had a softer, more subdued feel.

Ultimately, which style you prefer will come down to personal preference – feel free to place a request with the front desk if there’s one theme you like in particular.

St. Regis Singapore – King Room with City View

The King Room with City View is one of the standard room types at the St. Regis Singapore. As you enter the King Room with City View, the bed is situated in the centre of the room, just next to the floor-to-ceiling windows and armchair.

Across from the bed, there is a plush curved sofa and spacious desk.

Located in the foyer is the Nespresso coffee machine, and a fully stocked minibar.

The room also has a spacious walk-in closet and a well-appointed marble bathroom with a separate rain shower and bathtub.

The King Room with City View at the St. Regis Singapore is quite spacious for a base-level room type, with a similar ornate tone as some of the larger suites. As with the other rooms at this hotel, you’ll enjoy sweeping city views here, too.

St. Regis Singapore – Breakfast

Breakfast is served buffet-style or à la carte at Brasserie Les Saveurs, located on the lobby level, from 6:30–10:30am. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member or higher, then you’ll enjoy complimentary breakfast at the St. Regis Singapore.

Brasserie Les Saveurs is an expansive and grand dining room, with lengthy floor-to-ceiling windows. The space is further accentuated by the stunning views of the pool that can be enjoyed with a fresh cup of coffee.

The buffet on offer had a solid spread with a wide range of hot breakfast items available including Western, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes. From Singapore-style laksa, congee, and shakshouka to stir-fried noodles, you’ll find a little bit of everything.

You can also order items from the à la carte menu. 

Highlights included nasi lemak station and dim sum station. Moreover, I appreciated the made-to-order noodle bar, which had a few bases and plenty of accompaniments.

Additionally, there are various cold items such as pastries, parfaits, fresh fruit bowls, cereals, salads, and charcuterie available.

The à la carte menu had many staples, including omelettes and eggs Benedict, as well as a few more elaborate options. Luxurious accompaniments, such as caviar, were also available to order.

I was feeling a bit under the weather thanks to some bad food I had in Bali, so I didn’t fully indulge in the breakfast spread this time. However, I fully appreciated the breadth of the breakfast available, and you certainly shouldn’t leave here hungry.

St. Regis Singapore – Dining

In addition to breakfast, Brasserie Les Saveurs is open for lunch and dinner. Furthermore, afternoon tea is served from 3–5pm Monday–Friday and 3:30–5:30pm on Sundays.

There are several other dining options available on-site, catering to a breadth of culinary preferences.

As Singapore’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Yan Ting is a go-to venue for fine dining. The restaurant is situated on the ground level of the hotel and serves seasonal menus and a dim sum brunch on weekends.

Shinji by Kanesaka, situated on the third floor of the hotel, could be a great place for sushi lovers. This intimate Michelin-starred restaurant is known for serving up some of the best sushi in Singapore.

Tentsuru is located on the second floor of the hotel and is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves up a variety of traditional kaiseki cuisine and tempura.

Astor Bar is situated on the lobby level and offers a stylish atmosphere. The venue features live music performances during the evenings, alongside some light bites, Champagne, spirits, and bespoke cocktails.

A happy hour with light bites and complimentary drinks is included for elite members, and is hosted from 3–6pm at Astor Bar. Additionally, this is where the nightly Champagne sabering ritual, a signature St. Regis staple, takes place.

Lastly, for a more casual dining experience, there’s The Drawing Room, which is also located on the lobby level. The Drawing Room serves as an ideal spot for a quick break or a light lunch.

St. Regis Singapore – Other Facilities

The hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre overlooking the hotel’s swimming pool. The space itself looks like it could use a refresh, but is otherwise well equipped with Technogym equipment.

Inside, you’ll find treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and weight machines. You can also request a personal trainer for a fee.

The modestly sized swimming pool is open from 7am–7pm, but doesn’t offer the most stunning views. The pool deck is surrounded by lush greenery, which is a nice touch.

Additionally, there are plenty of loungers dotted around the pool deck, so finding a spot should be easy.

A standout at the St. Regis Singapore is the impressive Remède Spa, the first of its kind outside of the United States.

The spa offers a number of facilities for guests, including a sensorial lounge, heated wave loungers, infrared heated marble beds, an ice fountain, and a warm jade massage, as well as a jacuzzi, steam room, and cedar sauna.

The wet lounge facilities are complimentary for guests with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and higher status, even if you don’t book a spa treatment, which is indeed a much-appreciated elite perk of staying here.

Conclusion

The St. Regis Singapore boasts a classic, old-school grandiosity that’s very much in keeping with the brand. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the décor was a bit dated and could use a slight refresh.

On the other hand, the service at the St. Regis Singapore was excellent. The staff were attentive, courteous, and went out of their way to ensure that my stay was as comfortable as possible.

Moreover, Remède Spa is indeed a highlight, especially with complimentary access to the wet lounge facilities for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Titanium elite members.

That being said, the hotel’s location isn’t necessarily the best choice for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in Singapore. All other things equal, I’d perhaps more strongly recommend the newer and more central JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, which offers a better elite experience with its Executive Lounge, for most visitors to Singapore.