The Fullerton Hotel Singapore: A Grand Dame of the Lion City
In a city defined by its soaring glass and concrete skyscrapers, the eight-storey Fullerton Hotel Singapore remains a distinguished landmark. Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, where it gracefully empties into Marina Bay, the hotel finds itself flanked by the contemporary titans of Singapore’s central business district. To the east, the iconic Marina Bay Sands, with its ship-like structure, and the striking lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum dominate the skyline. Yet, the Fullerton, with its imposing neoclassical facade, commands attention with an enduring elegance. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by smartly dressed, red-jacketed doormen who usher them into a vast, opulent atrium lobby.
A Rich Tapestry of History
The building that now houses the Fullerton Hotel boasts a storied past, having served multiple vital roles since its inception in 1928 as the Singapore Post Office. It has also proudly housed the Stock Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, and the esteemed Singapore Club. Originally constructed at a cost of $S4.75 million – a sum equivalent to over $A100 million today – it underwent a magnificent transformation in 2005, reopening its doors as a luxurious 400-room hotel. It’s easy to believe the building was always destined for such grandeur. Within the lobby, immense Doric columns ascend towards a spectacular glass ceiling, a design echoed only in Singapore by the former City Hall and Supreme Court, now the home of the National Gallery.
Beyond its architectural marvels, the Fullerton offers a wealth of amenities. Guests can indulge in a refreshing dip in the 25-metre terrace pool, enjoy exclusive access to the executive lounge, or find serenity in the rooftop garden. For those seeking to maintain their fitness routine, a well-equipped gym and a serene spa are available. Culinary delights await at multiple dining venues. The hotel’s historical significance is so profound that a 160-page coffee table book detailing its heritage is provided in each room, and a small museum dedicated to its past resides just off the lobby, inviting guests to step back in time.
A Sanctuary of Comfort and Style
As the hotel is a conversion of a historic structure, guests are informed on the website that “guestrooms and suites within the same category are uniquely configured.” My own experience, on the sixth floor in a Quay Room, offered a captivating vista of Boat Quay winding up the river. The room itself was a generous rectangular space with high ceilings, featuring a comfortable king-sized bed, a small couch at its foot, and a versatile circular coffee table that doubled as a work desk. The walls were adorned with intriguing historic photographs, adding to the room’s character.
A particular highlight was the balcony, offering direct views of the river. I greatly appreciated the thoughtful addition of a second set of modern, double-glazed doors behind the original balcony doors. This clever enhancement effectively insulated the room from the vibrant sounds of the riverside, a welcome feature, especially on my first evening when a lively outdoor performance was in full swing in the park opposite. The ensuite marble bathroom was a sanctuary of its own, boasting a large bathtub and a sophisticated Japanese-style electronic toilet, complete with all the expected modern conveniences.
Culinary Journeys and Afternoon Delights
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents a diverse array of dining options. The main restaurant, Town, located just off the lobby, caters to a variety of palates with both à la carte and buffet selections, showcasing a harmonious blend of Asian and Western cuisines. There is a notable emphasis on authentic local flavours, with classic dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice and Singaporean laksa gracing the menu. On the second floor, Jade offers a more traditional Chinese dining experience, specialising in Cantonese fare, with exquisite dumplings and delicate dishes like bird’s nest soup or egg noodles with crab.
The buffet breakfast at Town is nothing short of excellent. Reflecting Singapore’s multicultural identity, it presents an extensive range of breakfast options from across the globe, encompassing both Western and Asian traditions. I was particularly impressed by the sheer variety of Indian dishes available – I counted no fewer than nine distinct choices. For a touch of classic elegance, the hotel also serves a traditional English afternoon tea in the charming lobby courtyard. Additionally, a delightful cake boutique offers delectable pastries for those seeking a sweet treat to enjoy in the courtyard or to take away.
Exploring Beyond the Grandeur
While the dazzling modern attractions of Marina Bay, with its captivating light shows and architecturally stunning structures, are just a stone’s throw across the water, it is highly recommended to venture in a different direction to discover another significant historic treasure. The National Gallery Singapore, an immense cultural institution, is spread across two magnificent heritage buildings: the former Supreme Court and the former City Hall. This expansive art space, one of Asia’s largest, houses a remarkable collection of over 8,000 artworks, spanning from ancient masterpieces to contemporary creations. Admission for adults is $S20. For more information, visit nationalgallery.sg.
The Verdict: A Timeless Classic
While Raffles Hotel may often steal the spotlight as Singapore’s quintessential grand dame, the Fullerton stands as a testament to the city’s successful transformation of historic buildings into stylish, luxurious hotels. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore deserves to be mentioned in the same esteemed company as its celebrated neighbour. It offers a stay that is undeniably gorgeous, grand, and luxurious, all within an enviable and historically rich location.
Our Score Out of Five
★★★★½
The Details
Rooms at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore commence from $S610 ($A667) per night for a courtyard room offering views of the atrium. For bookings and further information, please visit fullertonhotels.com.
Highlight
The undeniable highlight of a stay at the Fullerton is the building itself and its captivating history. It provides an immersive experience, transporting guests back to Singapore’s formative years, all while ensuring the utmost comfort and convenience expected of a five-star luxury establishment.
Lowlight
A minor quibble was the presence of a vintage alarm clock by the bedside. While aesthetically pleasing, its persistent ticking proved to be somewhat disruptive, leading me to relocate it discreetly under a towel in the bathroom. Even more inconveniently, the alarm on this antique timepiece inexplicably sounded at 5:30 am one morning.
The writer experienced a complimentary stay as a guest of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
