Stately Doric columns point into the sky; cornices, and coffered ceilings leave one amazed, even breathless. The venerable Fullerton Hotel stands like a mighty fortress against a shining cityscape at the mouth of the Singapore River. High-ceiling suites, Italian marble floors, and a lobby museum meld ultra-luxury with the building’s revered history.
The Fullerton is located in the heart of colonial Singapore, just steps away from the pedestrian 1870 Cavenagh Bridge fronting the Asian Civilizations Museum. Walk another few minutes to Raffles Landing, and you are at the place that marks the site of the city’s 1819 origin, that being the New and Old Parliament buildings, National Gallery, and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.
Three minutes walking further takes you to Boat Quay, a lively row of historic trading houses with restaurants and bars, and another five-minute walk brings you to Quay Clarke’s bustling nightlife bathed in shifting red and green lights. Chinatown and Little India are only a few subway stops away.
Style and Character
The Fullerton Building was once Singapore’s largest central edifice. The 1928 Fullerton Building housed the General Post Office, a social club, and government departments. Retaining its behemoth neoclassical façade, the hotel was proclaimed Singapore’s 71st National Monument after it opened.
The lobby’s museum-like Fullerton Heritage Gallery showcases this history, also explained with two complimentary guided tours. The entire hotel evokes a luxurious feeling, as one gazes upon the marble two-tiered stairwell dominating the pillared, elegant central atrium accented with leafy palm trees.
Service and Facilities
Smiles and thorough attention to detail combine with superlative service as a desk clerk, for example, will leave his post to retrieve water bottles for overheated guests. The outdoor second-level infinity pool also provides cooling relief against the backdrop of Doric columns with views of the river and every famous Marina Bay.
Massive, rounded chandeliers illuminate three ballrooms holding up to 600, while the fourth-floor Straits Room is an ideal wedding and banquet venue for up to 220 guests.
A 10-minute walk leads to several other Fullerton Heritage waterfront properties with restaurants and entertainment venues, including the sister Fullerton Bay Hotel.
The hotel is a “must-see” on your city-visiter’s list, and surely a hotel for your stay choice consideration. before your next visit to free enterprise, freedom-fabulous, Singapore.
Editor Note: It is not fair to hotel or you for me to quote prices as the world economy is in such flux.
Ammenities
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Laundry
Room service
Pool
Sauna
Spa
Wi-Fi
Fitness center
Steam room/hammam
Rooms
A soft-vanilla color theme dominates. From elegant Courtyard and balconied Premier Quay rooms to high-ceiling, two-story lofts and suites with outdoor terraces, the Fullerton’s 400 rooms offer many choices with panoramic skyline and/or waterside views. Standard rooms feature spacious bathrooms with extra-wide shower heads and comfortable chairs.
The upper-floor Fullerton Suite opens to a backyard-like terrace, while the exquisitely-furnished Presidential Suite has its own glass-enclosed veranda beneath the Doric columns. Plush bedding and free Wi-Fi for all rooms.
Food and Drink
Five restaurants please global palates. Appropriately named, the Lighthouse Restaurant and Rooftop Bar were once a working lighthouse but now specialize in Italian fare including Trittico Della Baia an antipasti seafood trio of citrus tuna tartare, marinated red prawn and giant scallop with crispy bacon. Taste dim sum specialties like sautéed Wagyu beef with garlic and black pepper sauce in Jade, which offers creative Cantonese dishes.
The buffet spread at Town Restaurant gives new meaning to power breakfast, while the contemporary Post Bar pays homage to the hotel’s previous life as the General Post Office. Enjoy light fare in the lobby courtyard, while the concierge-level Straits Club offers complimentary champagne breakfast, afternoon teas, and daily buffets.
Value for Money
Prices are competitive prices for expensive Singapore.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Two hotel rooms have special adaptations including lowered card key slots, switches, and bed height. Grab bars besides water closet and shower area and handheld shower with chair and bathroom telephone.
Family-Friendly?
Children are welcome. Complimentary amenities include a welcome pack and daily ice-cream passes. Playpens, cots, and high-chairs are available. All restaurants have children’s menus. Pets are not allowed.
