Why Singapore's Regent Hotel is great for business or pleasure

Why Singapore's Regent Hotel is great for business or pleasure

A wedding to attend and some shopping to do in Singapore. Airline ticket booked. Luggage packed. Now where should I stay? As I'm one of the witnesses for my friends' wedding solemnisation which is held at one end of Singapore, while the wedding luncheon and dinner will be at Chijmes Hall in the central area, I need to be staying somewhere in between.

It will also help that should I need a change of clothes or what-have-you, I can make a dash to the hotel in no time. Then again, Singapore is really not that big. Anywhere in the city will be convenient. With that in mind, I can't think of a better location than The Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel.

CONVENIENT LOCATION

Though the hotel is located in a quiet neighbourhood rather than a shopping area, you can find yourself in the swing of things in busy Orchard Road within 20 minutes of walking. Then again, if walking is not your thing, just get a taxi. It is so easy to get a taxi here, so it does not matter where you are heading.

You will be pleased to know that nestled not too far from the hotel is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown (4.9km), Little India (4.3km,) the National Museum of Singapore (4.6km), the Asian Civilisation Museum (4.4km) while Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay is 5.3km away. So whether you're in Singapore for business or pleasure, you can't go wrong by staying here.

SUITES ME FINE

Never mind that the hotel does not look like it was born yesterday. You notice that the design is a little outdated yet there is a certain je ne sais quoi about it. The sun-filled atrium lobby has a retro feel. It may not be a brand new property yet it has been very well-maintained. The executive suite I'm staying in is spacious, tastefully-decorated and has a balcony with a great view. Personally, how a room looks does not matter as much as how good the sleep is. The best thing about the bed is the quality of the mattress. It is thick, very firm and perfect for my tired back. The pillows are not too soft and not too hard.

The bathroom carries L'Occitane toiletries.

The fluffy towels smell new and I really like the jet-strong shower. Since the bathroom has a speaker in it, I listen to the TV while soaking in the bath tub. Aside from a fruit basket, gourmet chocolates are laid out on the table in the lounge as a welcome treat. While the mini bar is amply stocked, I am surprised to find a Nespresso machine and a varied selection of teas. Now that's something to shout about. Much like the art and artefacts (including a few from the 14th Century) adorning common areas in the hotel, room decor is a warm blend of oriental and western furnishings, much like my home.

BREAKFAST CLUB

With several hours to kill before the wedding solemnisation, it is time to lie back for a bit.

Breakfast for executive suite guests is on the club floor, a very quiet affair. I appreciate this calm moment as I anticipate a huge crowd and commotion at the wedding luncheon later. After breakfast, I head down to the pool for a quick dip. I am told that the best time to swim is in the morning and early afternoon when the sun is out. By evening, it will be partially blocked by the building. The fitness centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities has a sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

FEELING ENGLISH

The Regent boasts a few award-winning restaurants such as Basilico which serves authentic Italian cuisine and Summer Palace, a Cantonese restaurant. But my eyes are set on the Tea Lounge where classic sandwiches, freshly baked desserts, pastries, scones and English teas are the order of the day. Occupying a corner in the lobby, the Tea Lounge is very popular with locals and is packed on Sundays.

MUST TRY

The hotel patisserie, Dolcetto, is the latest addition to the hotel. The name means "small sweets" in Italian and it serves an array of interesting looking pastries. But the one you have to try is called squid ink panini (sandwich). Don't be turned off by the colour. The bread is made with ink from squid. It is the first time I've seen and tasted it and I can't get enough of it.

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