Hotel Review: Mercure Singapore Bugis

The new Mercure Singapore Bugis is the eighth Accor hotel to open in Singapore. Located within the vicinity of three MRT stations (Bras Basah, City Hall and Bugis stations), the property replaces the former Midlink Plaza which used to be located in the same Middle Road address. The hotel is also the latest property to embrace loft rooms, an increasingly common concept in Singapore’s hospitality scene. I have stayed in quite a few Mercure properties elsewhere and found the lifestyle-oriented proposition associated with this brand to be attractive. It’s also a wonderful contrast to the more business-centric features of the other Accor 4-star brand – Novotel.

queen room at mercure singapore bugis

During a recent weekend, I had the opportunity to stay in this property to check out the loft rooms. There are more conventional room types as well such as the standard Queen Room and a Twin Room while the Loft Rooms are placed at a category above the standard rooms.

hotel lobby

Entering the hexagonal shaped lobby of Mercure Singapore Bugis for the first time, I was amazed to find such well-appointed décor (think: funky furnishings and bold colors) in what is quite a modest space. With heavy usage of books and bookshelves contrasted against snazzy carpets and even Peranakan-inspired tiles, the theme gave off a highly refined look. In a quiet nook behind the reception counter, I also spotted some computers and even a meeting table for guests to use.

There are 4 lifts transporting guests to the 14 floors of the hotel. The highest floor is categorized as a “Privilege floor” and this is where certain Accor Le Club elite members get to stay.

Executive Loft Room

executive loft room

in-room coffee maker

Do note that there are two types of loft rooms in the hotel – the standard loft room and the executive loft room. The difference between the two is that you get extra 2 square meters of space plus a coffee maker in an executive loft room but other than that, both rooms follow a similar layout.

The executive loft room at Mercure Singapore Bugis follows the typical rectangular room shape with the bathroom immediately to the right/left of the door as you enter. The lower level serves as a seating / living space, with a modest sofa, television, minibar and working desk while a short climb up a flight of stairs takes you to the bed.

bed area

The bed area is cozy – a great place to tuck in at night or in the day when a stay-in is preferred. There isn’t enough space to put in a bed frame but the mattress is thick and delightful to sleep on. There is also a TV up there for those who would like to catch up on movies or TV shows in greater comfort. A problem I sometimes encounter in loft rooms is that the height between the “upper floor” and the ceiling can be quite limiting. Fortunately, in my executive loft room, the ceiling was actually high enough for me to stand when going to the bed area.

bath and washing area

The bathroom is modest but is designed in order to maximize the space in the room. Toilet and shower are in separate enclosures, accessible only from the room while the washbasin is situated in the room itself with a clothes rack next to it. Toiletries are from the in-house brand, as with Mercure properties elsewhere.

Facilities

infinity pool at mercure singapore bugis

The most unforgettable feature of the Mercure Singapore Bugis is perhaps the stunning infinity pool and outdoor jacuzzi area located in Level 7. The view of the surrounding area is something to behold. While most pool views look out to office buildings, Mercure’s pool comes with a view of the surrounding skyline with notable buildings such as the National Library, National Design Centre and St. Joseph’s Church in the background – an interesting and quick glimpse into the city’s architectural heritage for visitors.

In the same level, there is also a modest-sized fitness center which has a couple of treadmills and weights. It’s not the most comprehensive gym by any means but it has the basic equipment one would need during a short stay.

Privilege Lounge

privilege lounge

My stay at Mercure Singapore Bugis came with privilege lounge access. The lounge at this hotel is pretty cozy with less than ten tables inside. Breakfast is served here in the mornings but I do recommend dining at Sauces instead as it’s just next door and the food served in the lounge is only a subset of the all-day dining restaurant. Those with privilege lounge access can have their morning meal at either place.

evening cocktails

Evening cocktails is served from 6 to 8pm. While the spread may at first seem small, the food is optimized by removing fillers. For instance, you don’t see those nicely decorated desserts but what you do get are four dishes which can serve as a decent pre-dinner to go along with wine or beer.

outdoor lounge area

If you prefer to enjoy your evening drinks somewhere breezy, there’s a nice lounge area just outside the club lounge with plenty of seating space and well-appointed furnishings. It makes for an attractive hangout place.

Food and Beverage at Mercure Singapore Bugis

steamed cod

warm pear tart

I also had the pleasure of trying out the all-day dining restaurant, Royale (formerly Sauces by Chef Daniel) during my stay at Mercure Singapore Bugis. The restaurant specializes in meat dishes such as steak that comes in a variety of sauces (hence the name!). While I did not have steak during my dinner there, I really loved their steamed gindara fish – succulent and tender. If Asian food is more of your thing, there’s also the Chinese restaurant, Song Garden.

The lobby bar, called Bartistry@122, may be modest in size but the bartender sure knows how to serve some mean drinks. They have a SG51 promotion currently – 2 cocktails and 2 bar bites for SGD 51++ – which I availed of. I chose to have something more conventional – Singapore Sling – and paired it with something quintessentially Singaporean – satay, which came in six and was accompanied by some addicting peanut sauce.

Breakfast at Mercure Singapore Bugis

Breakfast is likewise served at Royale (formerly Sauces by Chef Daniel) from 6am to 10:30am daily. There is a decent mix of western and local dishes, including a generous number of hot meat items. Eggs are cooked ala minute which is definitely a plus. In case it gets too busy at the restaurant and your stay happens to come with lounge access, I was told that guests can sit in the lounge for some peace and quiet.

Tips for Mercure Singapore Bugis

• Thinking whether to go for the regular Loft or Executive Loft rooms? I would personally pick the latter. While there is ~$60 difference, the 2 square meters extra space really creates a whole lot of difference as you get more space between the couch and the working desk. Plus, the coffee maker and club lounge access isn’t a bad deal either
• The standard rooms are on the cozier side but this is priced in as well. I did a bit of browsing and found them for about SGD 170++ per night – the price point is already close to what a 3-star hotel would be offering in Singapore so it may make sense to stay here instead if you are torn on whether to go for a 3-star or 4-star property
• The swimming pool here is among the ten best hotel pools I’ve seen in Singapore. Come here during sunset when the surrounding buildings start to get lighted up and cast an ethereal glow to the evening sky

Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6088
Reservations: Compare best prices HERE