Merrymaking at its best

Say what you like, it is quite our local culture to hold celebrations in hotels. Staycations for birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant occasions have become quite the thing from a decade ago, and the gears don’t seem to be changing anytime soon. There’s room service, a personal butler, and the minibar means that there’s no need to step out for more drinks.

These five hotels are not only the newest ones to make their marks in our city, they’re all heavyweights in their own right. Ambience? Check. Service? Check. A healthy dose of fun with friends and family? Check, check, check.

Andaz Singapore

It’s been the talk of the town for months now, being the newest hotel to open this year. Not only is Andaz Singapore the 17th Andaz in the world, it’s also the first in Southeast Asia. Occupying the higher floors on one of the two Duo Towers, the hotel promises unobstructed views of the harbor, city and urban life. Plus, its central location (it straddles Kampong Glam, Little India, Bugis and Bras Basah) makes it ideal for those who wish to head out to explore the next day.

Room you should go for: Andaz Studio Suite King. The price differences between a standard room and a suite are nominal, especially when you take into consideration the hotel’s central location and views offered.

Other exciting activities the hotel has planned: Enjoy a buffet at Alley on 25, where you’ll get to sample dishes from each of the seven restaurants. Mr Stork, the rooftop bar on level 39 will also be throwing a party ($148++ per person) where you can and enjoy a free flow of Champagne, wines and Andaz’s very own Pale Ale.

Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 6408 1234

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay

You wouldn’t have to fret about the lack of food options open when here, given that the hotel is surrounded by a eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. Within the cosy hotel itself, you have a choice of four dining options, including Publico Ristorante, an Italian restaurant, and Marcello, a vintage craft cocktail bar. And despite being in the heart of all the action in Robertson Quay itself, provides guests with a space to relax.

Room you should go for: The Penthouse. Not only does it fulfill one of our many #roomgoals, its floor-to-ceiling windows that boast views of the Singapore River and the city. Its dining area and living room also ensures your guests can all get comfortable while mingling. Plus, when all your guests have gone home, have a soak in the tub while admiring the city lights.

Other exciting activities the hotel has planned: The restaurants have quite a number of themed nights, but what caught our attention: the Recovery Brunch and Dinner happening on 1 January, 2018. In all likelihood, we’ll be waking up just in time for dinner, anyway.

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay1 Nanson Road
Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 6826 5000

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach

Since its revamp, the hotel has been welcoming a throng of guests through its doors non-stop. Plus, its Spa by JW provides fantastic express 12-minute massages, perfect for when you’re thinking of catching some me-time before your party.

Room you should go for: Premier Suite. The 100sqm suite looks out to Raffles Hotel Singapore, but it’s not all city and concrete jungle views. Just to the right of the suite, you’ll enjoy a ‘green view’ of a cascading vertical garden. Of course, if you’re expecting more guests, the Chairman and Presidential suites are also an option.

Other exciting activities the hotel has planned: There’ll be a Neon Nights in the City countdown party ($198++ per person) at the Flow18 sky garden on NYE.

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1888

Sofitel Singapore City Centre

This hotel probably best encapsulates the meaning of ‘garden city’. Located on the fringe of the CBD, you’ll view Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar’s shop houses in a new light. At the same time, you’ll feel very much at home with the hotel’s garden landscapes, botanical motifs and poolside gardens on the sixth floor. What’s more, if you take some time to soak in the views, you’d realise you’re sitting on a timeline, where the past (shop houses and older housing estates) is weaved with the present (high rise commercial buildings).

Room you should go for: Joaquim Suite. As you’ve guessed, it’s named after our national flower. The towering ceiling adds space that provides a much-needed breather from the business district. Plus, its 10-seater dining table means you’ll be able to enjoy a sit-down celebratory dinner with your closest pals.

Other exciting activities the hotel has planned: Apart from Christmas brunches, dinners and New Year’s Eve dinners, the 1964 bar will be offering festive cocktail concoctions.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000

The Warehouse Hotel Singapore

Also located on the bank of the Singapore River on Robertson Quay, this hotel’s the preferred choice for cosier gatherings. There are just 37 rooms, each sporting its own character. After all, the hotel used to be a warehouse for spices and even housed a distillery at one point.

Room you should go for: River View Suite. The open-concept suite sits on the second floor, meaning you’ll get have the privacy that rooms on the first floor (that open to the public walkway) don’t. While most boutique hotels may feel slightly cramped (think low ceiling heights and a lack of space), this suite sets the tone right with peaked ceilings, twin sinks and a bathtub.

Other exciting activities the hotel has planned: This one’s our favourite. The hotel’s restaurant, Po, will be offering a selection of local dishes like Popiah, a char siew-style pork collar and Wagyu Beef Rendang. After that, you can head to the lobby bar (188++ per person) and toast to 2018.

The Warehouse Hotel Singapore
320 Havelock Road
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0000