Despite the Lion City numerous city hotels it is always hard finding the perfect one. And by that I mean -- close to an MRT, close to good restaurants and close to a bit of street culture. Though Little India fits this description, I find it a tad too crowded. Enter Sofitel Singapore City Centre, a luxurious urban oasis in the city's central business district. Right above Tanjong Pagar MRT station, the location is ideal for discovering Singapore's sights, sounds and attractions.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first thing that will grab your attention in the ground floor lobby is the beautiful 9m chandelier, designed by Lasvit. Named "Singapour Je T'aime", it has 700 hand-blown crystal leaves and is in tune with the botanical theme of the hotel, seen all around -- even on staff uniforms.
The Garden City status is carried on in the main lobby on the fifth floor, which has flowery artwork by Italian painter Arianna Caroli. However, if you stay in a club room, generally on the higher floors, you get club access and check in at the club lounge, Club Millésime.
STAYING IN
The luxury club rooms are spacious and there's plenty of room to do yoga against the backdrop of the French window. The free minibar is stocked with coconut water (ideal for the humid Singapore weather), assorted drinks, a few olives and a packet of truffle crisps. Keeping with the Singapore theme is the addition of a TWG tea set, complete with an assortment of tea. For the non-tea drinkers, there is a Nespresso machine. Should you have left your adult colouring book at home, fear not! There's one in-room. Only downside is, perhaps, that it cannot leave the room. But you can buy it when you check-out -- if you ever do.
If you think the room is all that, the bathroom is all marble and has separate shower room and a bathtub to soak the aching muscles after a long day of roaming around. Designer Lanvin toiletries indulge your body and a book to read during your soak complete the bath kit.
If you cannot be bothered with the big breakfast buffet, there is a substantial one served in the club lounge, with made-to-order eggs. The club lounge has a meeting room, easy access to the infinity lap pool and to the small gym, aptly named SoFit. If you need yoga, pilates and other classes you have access to Virgin Active through a short private walkway.
Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois at Sofitel Singapore City Centre.
If the weather is acting up, there is plenty to do inside hotel. 1864 is the coffee bar, where high tea and Franco-Asian tapas-style meals are served on comfy cushy couches. The name of the bar gives you an insight into the area and according to history, in 1864 the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company was founded, which started the district's evolution from a fishing village to the urban jungle it is today. In the evenings, it is a nice area to unwind in with a few of the hotel's signature barrel-aged cocktails and craft beer.
Racines, the hotel's fine restaurant, is where breakfast is served and where French food is showcased along with modern Chinese delights. Spear-headed by executive chef Jean Charles Dubois, Racines, which is French for roots, uses seasonal local produce and organically grown ingredients -- herbs come from the hotel's herb garden. French classics like lobster bisque and chargrilled Galician octopus. On the Chinese side, indulge in lobster broth with Hokkaido scallop and kale salad with Chinese pear in a sesame dressing or Chinese tofu with buckwheat.
For those not wanting to leave the confines of Club Millésime, there are cocktails, canapes and light bites of salads, cheese and charcuterie served in the evenings.
GOING OUT
Within walking distance to Maxwell Hawker Centre, the high-rise is next to the tourist attractions of Chinatown. Everything else is a short cab ride or an MRT station away.
If you're up for walking and feeling adventurous, explore the neighbourhood on foot like I did. I was rewarded with a great find, in the form of a rather quaint teahouse -- Yixing Xuan Teahouse, which offers more than 50 (there could be more) varieties of tea. It also offers a small dim sum selection and the best green tea pancake I've had in my life!
Due to the proximity to Chinatown, there are plenty of eateries around, including spas and beauty salons. It's a lovely walk to good restaurants and bars and general shopping. The Singapore City Gallery is a short walk.
The hotel is also ideal for cruise passengers as the Marina Bay cruise terminal is nearby. In fact you can see the bay from the edge of the pool. Walk around the historic shop houses and visit the Buddha Relic Temple and Museum. A short taxi ride or the MRT takes you to Haji Lane, the galleries and museums. Sentosa Island is a 12-minute drive and the Marina By Sands is also around 10 minutes away.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Given that Singapore's Changi Airport is a 30-minute drive away, walking distance to all shops and restaurants, and the fact that it is right above an MRT station, Sofitel Singapore City Centre provides French luxury with Asian flare. Exceptional service notwithstanding.
Sofitel Singapore City Centre 9 Wallich Street Singapore 078885 For reservations, call +65 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com
