SPG

Hotel Staycation Review: The Westin Singapore – Of Stunning Bathtubs & Infinity Pools

February 16, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

It is easy to categorize the The Westin Singapore as a “business hotel.” Located squarely within Singapore’s central business district, the Marriott property has the regional headquarters of several banks and multinationals right at its doorstep. But to dismiss it simply as such would be a travesty. The property boasts of a stunning infinity pool and a jacuzzi overlooking the bustling seaport, to name a few bells and whistles. The lobby which is situated at the 32nd floor – is the highest hotel lobby in the country and affords guests with plenty of sumptuous views.

the westin singapore lobby – highest hotel lobby in singapore

If you are staying here on a weekend, you will find The Westin Singapore relatively quieter as the bulk of its guests are business people. The lack of warm bodies is great news for leisure travelers as well as locals on a staycation. During weekends, rates are markedly cheaper compared to its peers – the St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

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Hotel Staycation Review: W Singapore Sentosa Cove – Feeling Cool in this Enclave for the Rich & Famous

December 8, 2020 by Bino 3 Comments

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove stands as a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, with a location that is relatively intimate, relaxing and far from the maddening crowd. This is considering that the resort island where it is situated is more known for lively attractions such as Universal Studios and Adventure Cove Waterpark. With a setting right at the playground of the rich and famous, this W property’s Sentosa Cove location not only creates an atmosphere perfect for a hideaway but also one that is thankfully not touristy.

Part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, this property is a Category 6 for SPG members, effectively tying it with St. Regis Singapore and Westin Singapore. While the W’s sister hotels in the country are all city hotels, getting here’s an easy cab ride from Vivocity which took less than ten minutes for me. Shuttle buses also run from here to the hotel every hour or two. You can check out the shuttle bus schedule here.

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Hotel Review: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – Superb Downtown Location

April 3, 2018 by Bino 1 Comment

The Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is one of the most established hotels in the state capital of Sabah. Located right smack in the city center, just across the seafood and handicraft markets and just a few steps away from the nightlife district; the property is one of a handful of SPG properties in East Malaysia. During a return trip to Kota Kinabalu, I managed to check out the Le Meridien for a couple of nights.

Kota Kinabalu is not a particularly large city but the hotel lobby is more in keeping with large city hotels. It’s hip and happening, with an illuminated ceiling, furnishings decked in gold and plenty of mirrors.

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Hotel Review: W Taipei – Unbeatable Views of Taipei 101

February 11, 2018 by Bino Leave a Comment

There are hotels that are cool without even trying really hard and W Taipei in the city’s Xinyi District is a fine example. Even as Taipei is experiencing a boom in hotel construction in recent years, this property dating from 2011 is still as iconic as ever with the inhouse WooBar still considered today as one of the city’s top nightlife hotspots. I have personally stayed in a number of W properties around the region including the W Bangkok as well as the W Singapore Sentosa Cove so I was curious to see why this particular W property is frequently singled out for awards where Taipei’s best hotels are concerned.

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Hotel Review: The Athenee Bangkok – Elegant With a Colonial Touch

November 19, 2017 by Bino Leave a Comment

The Athenee Bangkok reopened recently after joining the Luxury Collection, a sub-brand of independent hotels under SPG. Previously, the hotel was known as Plaza Athenee, a Royal Le Meridien hotel that was also under SPG. The chain has a strong presence in Bangkok with two Luxury Collection hotels, the other one being Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

Luxury Collection hotels tend to have a unique story in order to qualify for the sub-brand. That was the case with The Andaman Langkawi where I stayed some months back and its strong focus on coral preservation. The Athenee Bangkok on the other hand, prides itself as the site of a princess’ palace. This royal heritage explains the look of the property. It’s akin to the late 19th century/early 20th century Thai interpretation of western sensibilities (other buildings carrying the same architecture can be seen in places like Phetchaburi or the old Parliament Building in downtown Bangkok).

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Hotel Review: The Andaman Langkawi – Stunning Seaside Resort With a Coral Nursery & Fantastic Food

September 20, 2017 by Bino 1 Comment

The Andaman Langkawi is a luxury resort that combines the best of both worlds. Set between the crescent-shaped Datai Bay (which National Geographic declared as the 9th best beach in the world) and a 10 million year old rainforest, this Category 5 SPG property offers much more than the usual plush hotel concept. While the rooms are well-appointed and the in-house cuisine delicious, staying at The Andaman Langkawi is also an educational experience. The property is blessed by an abundant variety of flora and fauna and this is an asset which guests can also immerse in during their stay without compromising on creature comforts.

The luxurious experience is palpable from the moment I stepped out of Langkawi International Airport. Booking airport transfers with the hotel gives you a couple of options including an over-the-top Bentley to whisk you through the 35 minute or so journey to the resort.

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Hotel Review: St. Regis Kuala Lumpur – Ultra Luxurious Hotel in KL Sentral

April 7, 2017 by Bino Leave a Comment

Opened in 2016, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is a 208-room hotel located near the bustling KL Sentral in the Malaysian capital. It had been a while since my last visit to Kuala Lumpur (I had also stayed in a hotel near the area then, the Hilton Kuala Lumpur). The St. Regis is probably the most high-profile hotel to open in the city for a couple of years so it was no question that I was to check out this property during this visit.

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Seafood From the Heart Dinner Buffet at The Kitchen Table, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

March 23, 2016 by Bino Leave a Comment

The Kitchen Table at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove competes within a dining scene where seafood buffets are becoming a dime a dozen affairs. Thankfully, they’ve managed to put a twist into this ever popular buffet theme. I’m not talking about the sustainable sourcing practices of this property though that’s one thing you’re bound to remember after reading their marketing collaterals. To be honest, I came in expecting a run-of-the-mill buffet with the usual cold and grilled seafood items but left pleasantly surprised. Due to the restaurant’s collaboration with celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, Seafood From the Heart is not your typical seafood buffet. During my staycation at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, I found out exactly why.

The design concept of the F&B outlets of any W hotel is always quite decadent and it was no exception when I entered The Kitchen Table. I didn’t even notice what the “concept” was exactly until a staff member pointed me to look upwards and see how the ceiling was actually designed as an upside down kitchen!

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