Getting a hotel which is accessible to malls, hospitals or anywhere important is greatly convenient. Personally for me, I don’t mind if a hotel is secluded from society because I’m naturally not an outdoor person anyway. However, it might also be a factor for you to consider before making a room booking, regardless if you’re a tourist or a business-traveller.
The next hotel that we’re going to is an upscale business hotel, located super near to the Central Business District area. It’s great for me since my office is nearby. Some may dislike the idea of their retreat or getaway being so near to the their workplace but it gives me the calm assurance that everything is fine at work while I’m away. I don’t know, that’s just the workaholic side of me talking!
CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE
Perfectly situated right in front of Raffles City Shopping Centre, getting to the hotel is as simple as can be. If you’re getting there using public transport, the best way I’d suggest is of course, our world-class MRT train. Just stop at City Hall and you’ve reached! Having a huge mall right in front of the hotel is an absolute convenience. Everything you need is there! Be it restaurants, supermarkets.. and my favorite place to get bathbombs! LUSH! Shout out to Lush for being the very best. Do I SMELL a future sponsored post?
Boasting a total of almost a thousand rooms and suites, Carlton Hotel is definitely one of the biggest business hotel there is in Singapore and it’s a total pleasure for me to review the hotel today.
HOTEL LOBBY
The interior of the hotel is designed by the world-renown international designer, Hirsch Bedner Associates. An expert in creating luxury touches to hotels worldwide, you can definitely see the grandeur of their works from the lobby, straight to the furnishings and outlook of the hotel lobby and guest rooms.
CHECK-IN
I always believe the guests’ experience starts from the front desk. The way the staff interacts with the guest ignites the whole impression of the hotel, or the hotel brand if you may.
Everything was smooth, something you would expect from a luxury branded hotel. I’ll give credit where credit is due, my impression of the hotel is always amazing. I was served by a male indian staff, he was everything you could ask for in a hotelier; quick and efficient. I’m sorry! I’m really not good with names. I’m sure his name is Payabarthi or somewhere along that line. Send me an email if you are reading this! You are amazing.
ROOM
Thanks to “Payubarthi”, my room got an upgrade to the Premier Room! I would love to think that it’s one of the perks of doing hotel reviews, but I don’t wanna flatter myself! Let’s just say it was my lucky day.
One thing about hotels is that, most of them have the same standard room layout. Nothing is any different here in Carlton but certainly, the room is slightly bigger than most rooms you get in other business hotels in Singapore. To my knowledge, the standard room of any hotel is at least 24 square metres. The premium room in Carlton (the room which I’m staying at) offers a space of 34 square meters. I’m not good at maths, so I honestly can’t visualise that for you. But if a room can accommodate a full sequence of my Britney dance-routine to Slave 4 U, I can safely say it’s big enough for me. Free Britney!
The bed in the room is king-sized. Despite the bed being a big one, the room is still spacious and that’s what I love about Carlton. The rooms are really spacious, no matter what choice of bed you prefer. The pillows which are prepared for you also varies in their firmness so that’s a great aspect! The preferred choice of pillows that Carlton Hotel Singapore uses are the micro-gel ones. Micro-gel pillows are indeed very soft and comfortable. They’re made out of synthetic fibers that are really similar to silk. This makes the pillow feel just as fluffy as feather pillows even though the fibers are all synthetic. The pillows will stay in shape over time, unlike other pillows that become flat or limp after a long time of usage.
While the room is named Premier, I was underwhelmed by the fact that most of the features of the room isn’t premium at all. Let’s start with the most basic functions of the room, the switches.
For a business hotel, it’s really disappointing that you don’t see a USB charging slot anywhere. What’s worst is that, there isn’t any power plug near to the bed. I’m not a full-blown business individual or a businessman per se, but surely I do not want to charge my phone at the very end of the room while I’m asleep on the bed. What if you’re deep in your dreams and you got an urgent call or email?!
At the end of the room is a work-study space. Again, there is no USB ports anywhere for you to charge your devices. However, I find it really cute that there’s a drawer filled with the basic stationary that one could use for work
You got an eraser, stapler and a ruler.. you probably won’t need it? But it’s a great addition since it’s a business hotel anyway.
The usual every-day amenities like bathrobes, slippers are provided as well.
But one thing I really disliked was the absence of a coffee machine. I remembered being here, and there’s a coffee machine in the room but apparently it’s not standardised throughout the whole hotel which is sad. Not only that, the brand they used for the tea and coffee is sub-par at best.
Instant packet of coffee from SUPER? The last time I had that was during my guard patrol when I was in the army. you definitely don’t want to see that in a luxury, branded hotel.
I do not understand why a 4-star hotel would opt for a 1-star brand for their choice of coffee and tea.
BATHROOM
Carlton Hotel Singapore has one of the slightly largest bathroom I’ve seen in a business hotel. I really love how the bathroom is designed in marble furnishings, from the floor to the ceiling. It’s really spacious, the only downside is that the toilet doesn’t have any bidet and the distance of a working tap is super far, so definitely it’s a little hassle for me because I never understood “cleaning” yourself with just a tissue.
I greatly appreciate bathtubs having their own section of the bathroom. Here in Carlton, it’s separated from the main bathroom space with a glass door. I feel truly uncomfortable if bathtubs are in the same space as the toilet bowls, it doesn’t seem sanitary to me at all. I don’t honestly understand why it’s a standard layout for a toilet bowl to be just right beside a bathtub but I’m glad this isn’t a concern when I’m here at Carlton.
The only hotel I’ve been that has this same bathtub layout is Ascott Raffles Singapore. If you haven’t read my review there yet, click here!
BREAKFAST
I opted for the hotel breakfast before checking out. Underwhelming is a great understatement, it was a major disappointment. Breakfast is served at Cafe Mosaic, one of their affiliated F&B establishment in the property. The cafe really looks dated, considering how grand and elusive the hotel is.
I had the American Breakfast and you can definitely see the huge difference from the breakfast set I had in Grand Hyatt Singapore. One thing I love though, is the cappuccino but that is prolly from an instant packet anyway.
CHECK-OUT
For an upscale hotel, Carlton Hotel Singapore definitely has a lot to improve. The Premier room doesn’t feel premium at all but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy my time here. Despite all the downsides, it’s really a beautiful property; outside and out. Certainly have a lot of potential! But was my expectations exceeded? Not close.
However, I do recommend this hotel to all of you who wants a short retreat yet not far from society. It’s affordable, near to public transports, a huge mall just in front of the hotel.. I couldn’t ask for more.
If you want standard rooms that are spacious and price-worthy, this hotel is perfect for you. Whether you’re here with your family, friends or a significant other, Carlton Hotel Singapore is suitable for everyone.
If you stayed here before, tell me all about it! I truly enjoy getting different opinions about your hotel stays here anywhere in Singapore. Also, if you need any hotels to be reviewed, don’t be shy to say hi! I’m always here. Prolly on a hotel bed with a cup of coffee in my hand (because that’s where I am right now as you’re reading this!).
More hotel reviews coming your way! Till we meet again.
Aliff Daniel.
Aliff Daniel 