AT the Regent Singapore, I experienced Singapore’s reputation as a food paradise even without leaving the hotel.
The quality of the food at the Regent is outstanding, from its award winning Summer Palace Cantonese restaurant down to the evening canapés served at the Club Lounge for guests staying in Regent Club rooms, everything is of the highest quality and good enough to satisfy even the most jaded palate.
The service at Capers, which offers both international buffets and a-la-carte meals, is irreproachable and attentive. I had the Sunday champagne brunch buffet and throughout the 2.5 hours I was there, I never had to ask for refills because the service staff kept my glass constantly full. Someone instantly appeared to offer assistance whenever a diner was spotted standing at the buffet spread looking lost.
The hotel’s club rooms and club lounge had gone through an extensive renovation just last year. As a club guest, I had a comfortable check-in at the lounge, where I was given a short tour and introduced to all my benefits, including two hours free use of the meeting room, free Internet workstations, free local telephone calls and free unlimited pressing of garments for the duration of my stay.
For a fee, guests can also make use of various secretarial services.
The hotel also has a business centre for non-club room guests.
My Regent Club executive suite, which was divided into a sitting area and bedroom, was spacious and well-lit by natural light during the day. No wonder angels always look so well rested, if I could sleep every night with the Regent’s pillows, which are as fluffy as the clouds in the sky, I would be too! All guestrooms are stocked with L’Occitane bath amenities and made me smell heavenly.
Although small, the health and fitness centre at the Regent is well equipped with treadmills, free weights and other exercise apparatus.
At the pool, guests can help themselves to sunblock and staff are there to hand out beach towels, cold cloths and facial sprays to keep them cool.
The centre has a steam room, a sauna, a hot water jacuzzi and two spa treatment rooms. I had the aromatherapy spa massage, which costs S$90 (US$55) for 45 minutes. Guests can select their own music and a choice of two oils. Under my therapist’s expert ministrations, I felt relaxed enough to slide off the table when it was over. The treatment was interrupted only occasionally by a noisy water cistern whenever someone turned on a tap somewhere in the centre.
The hotel has 11 function rooms each with its own foyer for coffee breaks and cocktails.
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Orchard Road.
Tel: (65) 6733-8888
Fax: (65) 6732-8838
Verdict: Five-star at its best.
