Introduction

There's something undeniably magnetic about certain hotels that tell stories through their walls, and few tell them quite like The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its abundant history throughout time. From the moment you get off the taxi or Grab, you’re transported back into a time of Singapore history. Through the impressive colonial façade, the grandeur of Singapore's past seamlessly intertwined with contemporary luxury and its amazing 5 star service.

I was here for a few nights during my trip to Singapore, and boy, this place did not disappoint one bit.

Background

Before becoming one of Singapore's most prestigious five-star hotels, the Fullerton Building stood as a testament to British colonial architecture and power. Completed in 1928, it initially served as Singapore's General Post Office, the Exchange Room, and the prestigious Singapore Club. The building's Palladian architecture, with its imposing Doric columns and classic lines, was designed by Major P.H. Keys and Shanghai-based architectural firm Messrs Keys & Dowdeswell. If you’re walking around the hotel, you may find yourself admiring the books that document the rich history of the hotel.

The transformation into a luxury hotel in 2001 marked a new chapter in the building's history, while carefully preserving its heritage status. Today, this national monument stands proudly at the mouth of the Singapore River, a pristine white landmark that bridges Singapore's colonial past with its cosmopolitan present.

Premier Courtyard Room | Room 742

My home for next three nights in Singapore was the Courtyard Premier Room, offering a generous 484 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. The room's interior design pays homage to the building's heritage while incorporating modern comforts. Soft beige tones dominate the color palette, complemented by dark wood furnishings and subtle gold accents.

I’d like to highlight that while the hotel may be showing its age, the soft service and the details to the bedding, amenities and shower pressure proves that this luxury hotel is more than capable of holding against the modern luxury powerhouses scattered across Singapore.

When you walk in, the bathroom is to the left and the closet to the right. You’re greeted with a large round table that most use for business work. The king-sized bed, dressed in 400-thread-count linens, proved to be supremely comfortable. The workspace, featuring a substantial executive desk and ergonomic chair, overlooks the sunlit courtyard through elegant French windows. Do note that the windows face into the courtyard of the hotel, not the outside, so at night, you may want to close the blinds to ensure complete privacy.

A Nespresso machine, TWG tea selection, and two glass bottles that utilize their premium water filter (found in the bathroom) are available in the room.

Bathroom

The bathroom screams classic luxury in heavy doses of Italian marble. A huge vanity sink with an illuminated mirror provide ample space for couples or those who appreciate extra counter room. The deep-soaking tub is available, and the separate rain shower offered some of the best water pressures I’ve been under.

The hotel didn’t disappoint with their amenities, providing the lovely Balmain toiletries – a perfect match with its pleasant smell and the hotel theme. Plush terry robes and bedroom slippers complete the spa-like atmosphere, while a hairdryer and other thoughtful additions ensure all needs are met.

Town Restaurant | Breakfast

Breakfast at The Town Restaurant is an event in itself. Housed in a bright, naturally-lit space with views of the Singapore River, the morning spread is nothing short of spectacular. The international buffet seamlessly blends Western favorites with Asian specialties – from perfectly executed eggs Benedict to dim sum and local Singaporean dishes like Nasi Lemak. I really like the laksa and chicken noodle dishes that they provide, as these were quite outstanding, along with their chicken and rice dishes. The fruit section was great, along with an acai bowl section(!), which provided a ton of toppings. This was a super great addition.

The quality of ingredients stands out, particularly in the artisanal bread selection and fresh tropical fruits. Service is attentive without being intrusive, with staff readily available to accommodate special requests or prepare eggs to order. The restaurant's heritage-meets-modern aesthetic provides an elegant backdrop to start the day.

Amenities

I didn’t splurge a ton of time during this trip to explore the hotel swimming pool or fitness center, which was a shame. The 25-meter outdoor infinity pool, perched on the hotel's roof (2nd floor access), offers a sublime swimming experience with views of the Singapore skyline. Comfortable loungers and attentive pool service make it easy to while away an afternoon in this urban oasis. It’s always busy, no matter the time of day, rain or shine.

The fitness center, while not expansive, is well-equipped with modern TechnoGym equipment and free weights. It even comes with a stairmaster machine, which is always instant brownie points for me. The space is bright and maintained immaculately, with complimentary water and fresh towels always available. Early morning visits proved quiet and perfect for maintaining workout routines.

Conclusion

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore successfully walks the fine line between preserving its historical significance and delivering modern luxury. While room rates may be a whopping premium at times (starting at SGD 450 per night for a Courtyard Premier Room!), the experience, unbeatable location and fantastic breakfast justifies the investment for those seeking a slice of Singapore's heritage wrapped in classic five-star comfort.

The hotel's prime location, impeccable soft service, and thoughtful attention to detail make it an excellent choice for both business travelers and tourists. While there are newer luxury hotels in Singapore, few can even match the Fullerton's unique blend of history, location, and refined elegance. You’re essentially staying in a part of history when you come to the Fullerton Hotel Singapore.

Yes, there are a few property's shortcomings – such as occasional wait times for the elevators, its somewhat aging interior property and design – are minor compared to its overwhelming strengths. For travelers seeking to experience Singapore's golden age of travel while enjoying modern luxuries, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore delivers an experience that's hard to match.