|
The island city-state of the Republic of Singapore sits in the heart of Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia. This cosmopolitan and diverse World City is one of the wealthiest in the world and home to many nationalities including Chinese, Malays, Indians and Asians. Hotels in Singapore reflect this mélange of cultures and provide a unique blend of hospitality that mixes both contemporary and traditional styles.
The city itself consists of a small island linked to the mainland by two bridges. The city center includes the highly renowned and fashionable Orchard Street, the Riverside and Chinatown. Here guests to hotels in Singapore will experience the thrill of miles and miles of shopping malls along with plenty of museums, galleries and statues as well as a plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs. Marina Bay is a relatively new area dominated by the Marina Bay Sands Casino Complex while the Indian and Malay districts are a little further out.
With such a diverse multi-cultural and religious population, Singapore recognizes and celebrates Chinese, Muslim, Christian and Indian holidays. The Chinese New Year is by far the biggest celebration while celebrations for Deepavali, Ramadan, Vesak Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day are also enjoyed.
Guests to hotels in Singapore will find getting around the city effortless as the very efficient public transport system is amongst the best in the world. Many hotels in Singapore also provide their own shuttles to and from the airport and guests can even be chauffeured around in the luxury of a grand Rolls Royce.
The colonial heritage of the city is reflected in many of the Hotels in Singapore with landmark buildings displaying turn of the century architecture as well as the best of modern architectural styles. The famous Raffles Hotel, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of the modern city is one of Singapore's most famous landmarks. Originally opened in 1887, the hotel has evolved through the century to one of the world's most loved and grand hotels that is frequented by celebrities, royalty, writers and musicians.
Hotels in Singapore are varied and although many are very luxurious aimed at the corporate market, visitors will find plenty of budget and mid-range hotels to suit their style. Backpacker's lodges are inexpensive and clustered around Little India, Bugis and the East Coast. Plenty of cheap hotels with small rooms are also found here but often these are used by people just wanting to book a room for an hour or so. However, these are clean and generally include a bathroom and a TV. Much of the mid-range hotel accommodation is centered near the west end of the Singapore River and many new boutique hotels are opening up in Chinatown which provide an attractive alternative. The four and five star hotel market is extensive with many found at Marina Bay and around Orchard Road.
Hotels in Singapore, on the whole are expensive particularly those in the more luxurious market. When major events are held such as F1 racing or international conferences, demand can outstrip supply which also leads to inflated prices. Those at the lower end of the market, however remain more affordable the whole year through.
Some of the luxurious hotels in Singapore are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens providing a peaceful respite after the busy city streets. The Shangri-La Hotel sits amongst 15 acres of botanical gardens and conducts tours every Friday morning.
Guest rooms and suites are contemporary and stylish. Slick and streamlined fittings and furniture create sophisticated and graceful spaces with stunning views over the city, Marina or down Orchard Road. Amenities in top class hotels in Singapore include a TV with local and international channels, movies and music channels, broadband internet access and an in-room safe with a power point to recharge devices.
Good spas are found in most high-end hotels in Singapore. These offer everything from holistic Ayurveda therapy to green tea hydrotherapy and include a combination of exotic eastern massages and treatments using age-old remedies with modern procedures. Luxurious multi-room spas are the picture of tranquility with large soaking pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, relaxing rooms and lounges and include health bars and soft terry robes and slippers. Guests at hotels in Singapore can also make use of in-room treatments where therapists will administer to guests in their own room. Fully equipped fitness centers include cardio-vascular equipment and free weights as well as aerobic and yoga classes for those who prefer.
Since Singapore is such a modern city at the forefront of technology and boasts many corporate headquarters, Hotels in Singapore provide spacious and multiple flexible rooms that are perfect to host international events for hundreds of guests. These sought after venues include ultra-modern equipment, professional conference staff to assist with all aspects of planning through implementation and five-star cuisine to match. Sumptuous banquets in beautifully decorated halls, outdoor receptions and cocktail parties overlooking the Marina or stunningly landscaped gardens, exhibitions, product launches and presentations are all effortlessly organized and under the watchful eye of the concierge and host, are guaranteed to be a success.
Hotels in Singapore are amongst some of the most stylish and sophisticated in the world and provide an insight into the workings of a successful city in every sense of the word. At the crossroads of many cultures, hotels have evolved their own sense of style incorporating all the best aspects of life in the city and provide a wonderful gentle introduction to the East and all it has to offer.
|
|