Westin returns to Singapore to wow its guests – Westin Singapore, Singapore

After 12 years of absence, Westin returns to Singapore to wow business travellers and leisure guests. Smacked in the middle of Singapore’s prime Marina Bay area, the five-star hotel occupies levels 32 to 46 of Asia Square Tower 2, a new commercial building. Not only does it have an impressive address, Westin Singapore boasts an equally exceptional lobby (the highest in Singapore). When I arrived at the 32nd floor lobby, the panoramic view of the Keppel Container Terminal and Marina Bay area blew me away. I don’t recall any hotel in Singapore that has a view like this to match.

Opened for less than a month, I was eager to try out the new Starwood hotel. And despite some of its limitations, I’m beginning to like Westin Singapore more than any of its sister Starwood hotels in Singapore.

Westin Singapore Lobby

My first impression of Westin Singapore is that it reminds me a lot of the St Regis Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The dark wood panelling in the lobby lounge and luxurious soft furnishing complement each other and they definitely appeals to Westin’s target audience, the discerning business travellers.

Westin Singapore Room

The check-in was relatively fuss-free and smooth. The hotel offers 305 rooms and suites, which all of them feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Depending on your room location, you might be able to get a glimpse of the iconic Marina Bay Sands. But frankly, I wouldn’t pay extra for the view unless you want to catch the New Year fireworks. Even that, I rather walk to the adjacent Marina Bay Financial Centre for a better view of the New Year Fireworks.

Westin Singapore Bathroom

The room is nicely decorated and I would say it’s the best among all the Westins that I’ve stayed. At 40-50 m², the room size is reasonably big. Decorated in a smoothing deep earthy colour palette, the room is inviting and cosy. The Heavenly® Bed is so comfy that I didn’t want to wake up for my breakfast. The bathroom is equally luxurious with its marble flooring and wall panels. My only criticism is that I wish there are his and hers basins. It is so dated to just have one basin in the bathroom. Another faulty design that the engineering team needs to rectify is the glass shower door. Water seeps through the glass door whenever the rainforest shower head is used. Other than that, the room is spectacular for a Category 5 SPG property.

Seasonal Tastes

Unfortunately, the food & beverage outlet, Seasonal Tastes, fails to impress. Seasonal Tastes is one of the four F&B outlets within Westin Singapore. My partner and I went to Seasonal Tastes after we checked in. The Singapore Fried Noodles is a tad too salty and the char siew is too dry and tough. The fried chicken drums are forgettable too. I had to dip the drumlets into accompanied chilli sauce for more flavour. The only consolation is the fish & chips. The fish is nicely coated with a thin batter and fried. The fish is soft, light and not oily at all. The breakfast spread is disappointing as well. Although it has a reasonable selection, the quality is questionable. You can fill your stomach but do not expect to start your day on a great gastronomic note.

Lobby Lounge

As for the Lobby Lounge, it has a nice ambience and great view of the Keppel Container Terminal and the South China Sea. The drinks are reasonably priced too. It’s just unfortunate that they close at 12midnight even on a weekend. For this stay, I didn’t get to try Cook & Brew nor Daily Treats.

WestinWORKOUT ®fitness studio

The Executive Lounge is located on level 35. Level 35 also houses the infinity pool, Westin’s signature WestinWORKOUT ®fitness studio and Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Other than the spa, which is still undergoing some rectification works, the other facilities are opened.

Infinity Pool

The Westin’s infinity pool boasts a magnificent view of the port, cruise centre, Sinmonsoon season. The fitness studio has all the basic equipment but it’s not monsoon season. The fitness studio has all the basic equipment but it’s not huge.

It’s rather surprising that Westin Singapore does not provide complimentary car park coupons to its guests who drive. It can get rather expensive if you park your car during the day. For weekend, it’s SG$3 per entry.

Lobby Lounge

One area which needs improvement badly is the front desk staff’s knowledge on the hotel and airport facilities. One of the staff couldn’t answer me when I ask her about the difference in room size for the regular and executive rooms. She handed me a pamphlet with the hotel facilities information and repeated after me when I pointed out to her that they are of the same size. I also overheard one of the front desk staff couldn’t answer a guest’s simple question on which Changi Airport terminal is Singapore Airlines flight departing from. These are common questions which front desk staff encounters on a regular basis. They must be able to answer such basic questions.

Infinity Pool

Overall, I have to say that I enjoy Westin Singapore the most among all the Starwood hotels (yes, St Regis Singapore inclusive). The room is luxurious and well designed. And the location is convenient, relatively quiet and not overly crowded with children. I’m sure I’ll be back in the near future to enjoy another quiet weekend.

The Westin Singapore
12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

 

 

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