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The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore combines luxury and history

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By KATIE ANN LAMB

The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, which is part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, is a masterpiece in the world of luxury hotels. From the Palladian architecture to the outstanding service, this property provides world class accommodation and it is also a historic landmark.

Transformed from The Fullerton building in 1928, the hotel successfully blends the old with the new. It stylishly showcases its history but with a contemporary feel and it also cleverly appeals to both business and leisure travellers.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel is an iconic building

Located in the heart of the Civic District The Fullerton is minutes away from the city’s finest arts and entertainment areas. Popular attractions include The Asian Civilisations Museum, The National Gallery and the Boat Quay. For those who want to discover the cultural history, The Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour is perfect to gain a better understanding of the evolution of both the hotel and city.

The hotel is rather iconic as it stands majestically at the mouth of the Singapore River. It has been a key landmark for many years and it has witnessed how the city has transformed. There is some very interesting history and to learn and a resident guide is provided by the hotel to explain the key developments that have taken place since the 1920s.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel has great views of Singapore

The property itself is impressive from the moment you arrive. A VIP chauffeur transfer from the airport is guaranteed to begin your visit in style and this takes all the stress away from travelling. This is part of the Preferred Life and a luxury extra that is well worth organising. The Fullerton Hotel is a substantial building and it offers 400 rooms and suites. Some of these look over the sunlit atrium courtyard and others have balconies that open out to the famous skyline or river promenade. All of the rooms are decorated in soft neutral colours and this helps to create a warm, light and comfortable environment.

I would recommend one of the 28 Straits Club rooms. These form part of a premium offering and staying here means that you can enjoy a host of additional privileges throughout your stay. These privileges include in-room registration, daily refreshments, delightful evening cocktails and canapés and, best of all, complimentary Champagne breakfasts so you can toast the start of the day.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel has an incredible infinity pool

There is also an additional level of luxury offered at The Fullerton Hotel. If it’s ultimate opulence that you seek, one of the five lavish themed suite collections named after former governors of Singapore and styled to match the city’s cosmopolitan make-up may be more to your taste. Particular highlights include The Palladian collection, which provides you with beautiful views of the riverside and bay. Meanwhile, the Fullerton Suites have a prime situation in the property because they are located on the top floor. This means that the vista is very impressive and there is also a large outdoor terrace that gives picturesque views of the Singapore River or the Marina Bay.

The Presidential Suite is the most luxurious option of all at The Fullerton Hotel. This was formerly the card room of the elite Singapore Club and it has been furnished with many traditional luxury items, such as a baby grand piano and a private elevator, which allows additional privacy in the form of discreet access to the suite. The living and dining room in the Presidential Suite are both impressive and extend out to a spectacular glass-enclosed verandah graced by 20-foot Doric columns. There is also a private study alongside a comfortable and spacious bedroom.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel at night

For those who want to learn more about the hotel and also the history of the area without taking the guided tour, I recommend that you pop into The Fullerton Heritage Gallery. This showcases the rich heritage and history of the precinct. It is a large gallery that features some incredible mementos such as old photographs, maps, stamps and philatelic materials. Some of the resources date back to 1932; red pillar post boxes are among the highlights on show. They found their way to the streets of Singapore in 1873 during the British Colonial rule.

With regards to dining, The Fullerton caters for global palates and various dietary demands through their selection of restaurants and lounges. Each of these has a unique appeal and suits a specific occasion.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel has a number of luxury suites

The Town restaurant is predominantly local cuisine and a top choice for the famous Singapore Brunch. Meanwhile, Jade offers exceptional authentic Chinese fine-dining. This is well worth visiting for an elegant and refined experience. The décor is stunning and it features shades of silver and gold. The menu offers some delicious dim sum creations, wholesome soups and hearty signature favourites. You can spot Singapore’s high society here but also many of the movers and shakers in the city can be found sipping the Signature Lychee Martini in the Post Bar. This chic setting is ideal for a cocktail or nightcap. It is a fashionable place with an ambience that attracts a very trendy crowd. It used to be the General Post Office’s transaction hall and this makes the décor heritage chic and truly unique.

The Courtyard offers Indian buffet, Japanese buffet as well as Afternoon Tea, so there is great diversity available. My personal favourite was the Rooftop Bar. This allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings and it is the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. At the Rooftop Bar you can appreciate the amazing panoramic views of Marina Bay and The Fullerton’s waterfront developments. The views of Singapore are fabulous.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel boasts some stylish restaurants

The Fullerton’s 25m infinity pool is also a highlight of the hotel. It the ideal place to admire the views and also enjoy the warmth of the local climate. Flanked by the Singapore River, Doric Columns and peaceful atmosphere you would be forgiven for forgetting that you are actually right in the heart of the city.

Whenever I head off on a city break I like to be able to keep my fitness in check, even though this is not my favourite task of the day. However, fitness doesn’t seem such a chore in a city that is so clean. If the hotel’s newly enhanced fitness centre doesn’t appeal for your cardio (you should definitely make the most of it for weight training), I would suggest that you take a walk through the city streets or a jog along the marina bay past the F1 race pits.

The Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel is popular with the fashion crowd

The spa facilities are always important in a city hotel as it is nice to take some time away from the busy atmosphere. The well-known Aromatherapy Associates is the brand of choice in The Fullerton. The ethos of the spa focuses on delivering visible results while allowing you to escape, renew and relax in tranquil surroundings. The facilities include a number of private treatment rooms and a sauna. I would suggest trying one of the massages as these are regarded as particularly good. The 90-minute Asian Heritage Signature is an intensive massage based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body.

Finally I must mention how attentive and knowledgeable members of The Fullerton staff were throughout the duration of my visit. For a hotel of such large scale they recognise and greet their guests by name. Furthermore, there is always a warm and welcoming smile, with individual advice about the area offered in order to suits the needs of your stay. If you are visiting Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel is an excellent choice. It successfully combines luxury and history with an inviting ambiance.

Watch Katie Ann Lamb’s report from The Fullerton Hotel on Sloaney TV…

The Fullerton Hotel is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts. When booked through Preferred you can be assured to receive the best rates. Find out more here: preferredhotels.com. Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts with an extensive global collection representing more than 85 countries.