With most country-borders still closed to Covid and as I am still stuck in Singapore, I decided to go on a staycation. Here are three reasons why I like and dislike this IHG property.
This property is a rather unique one in this city of skyscrapers with its ‘shophouse’ wing where the main lobby and Club InterContinental is located (temporarily closed due to Covid), and a connecting tower wing. The historical wing is a protected national heritage building and is reminiscence of Old Singapore where traders from all over the world met and gathered.
The Good
- Convenience
- Hard to beat location in the cultural centre of Singapore with direct access to Bugis Mall and Bugis Markets famed for its cheap and intriguing shopping, as well as an abundance of culinary delights.
- Night life with clubs and pubs abound.
- Linked to major public transport (important in tropical Singapore – you will never get wet), getting to and from major local attractions like Gardens by the bay, Marina Bay Sands and major shopping strip – Orchard Road, is a breeze.
2. Sumptuous breakfast at the Ash & Elm restaurant (Buffet breakfast is temporarily not available)
3. Can’t think of anymore saving grace for this hotel. (This is not a pun)
The Bad
It’s so easy to criticise but I am going to be very subjective here.
1. Lounge Access
The actual club lounge was closed and they carved out a small area in the restaurant for club guests’ use. However, this was not available the whole day despite what was stated in the Welcome letter. I think communication is key here. There was a bit of confusion between hotel and restaurant staff with regard to the lounge amenities. I turned up one afternoon for a coffee and was turned away albeit with a takeaway cup.
2. Housekeeping
Again, this wasn’t communicated to me at Check-In nor specified in the Welcome letter. There will be no daily housekeeping and will be available every three days or upon request. I had my “Make Up Room” light switched on at the door before I left my room but I think unless you request for service through Concierge, you will not be disturbed.
3. Staff in general were very warm, friendly and attentive. However, they were rather understaffed during the busier periods such as during the afternoon tea and evening cocktail service. You could clearly tell that they were overwhelmed and maybe overworked.
4. The Premier Suite was of a decent size. It did show signs of aging (considering the hotel’s age) but nonetheless, it was clean and rather well kept. What bothered me was the lack of amenities in the bathroom, most upscale hotels would provide upgraded or at least more amenities in their bathrooms. This was not the case here. Towels were limited to two of each size and only a bottle of each basic bath amenity. I called for some bath salts and they had no idea what they were.
EXTRAS
I paid for the Premier Suite at about $650++ per night. I get club access and a bigger room. The afternoon tea and evening cocktail at the club lounge (Ash & Elm) was ok (for the lack of a better word).
I even created a ‘promotional’ video for them.
LAST WORD
So in summary, would I pay $650++ for a stay at this property again? Hell… no.