A Historic Gem in the Heart of Singapore
Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, just before it flows into Marina Bay, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore stands out amidst the city’s gleaming skyscrapers. This eight-storey building, with its neoclassical design, has managed to capture the attention of visitors and locals alike. Its location offers a stunning backdrop of central Singapore’s high-rise towers, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands and the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum. Despite its surroundings, the Fullerton remains a visual centerpiece, thanks to its grand architecture and rich history.
A Building with a Rich Legacy
The Fullerton Hotel has undergone several transformations since its inception in 1928 as the Singapore Post Office. It has also served as the stock exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, and the exclusive Singapore Club. Originally constructed at a cost of $S4.75 million (equivalent to over $A100 million today), the building was converted into a hotel in 2005, becoming the Fullerton with 400 rooms. Despite its varied past, the structure feels like it was always meant to be a grand hotel. The lobby features towering Doric columns that reach up to a glass ceiling, reminiscent of the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings now housing the National Gallery.
Inside, guests can enjoy a 25-metre terrace pool, an executive lounge, a rooftop garden, a gym, and a spa. The hotel also boasts multiple dining options, making it a comprehensive destination for travelers. For those interested in the history of the building, there is a 160-page coffee table book available in the room, as well as a small museum located off the lobby.
A Room with a View
The Fullerton Hotel is housed in a converted building, so guestrooms and suites within the same category may vary in configuration. I stayed in a Quay Room on the sixth floor, named for the view of Boat Quay up the river. The room is spacious, rectangular, and features high ceilings, a small couch at the foot of the king-sized bed, a circular coffee table-cum-work desk, and several historic photographs adorning the walls. One of the highlights is the balcony, which overlooks the river. To ensure a peaceful stay, the old balcony doors have been reinforced with newer, double-glazed ones, effectively reducing noise from the lively riverside area.
The marble bathroom includes a large bathtub and a Japanese-style electronic toilet equipped with all the modern features one would expect.
Culinary Delights
The hotel offers two main restaurants: Town, located off the lobby, provides both a la carte and buffet dining with a mix of Asian and Western dishes. There is a particular emphasis on local cuisine, featuring dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice and Singaporean laksa. On the second floor, Jade offers traditional Chinese Cantonese fare, including dumplings and dishes like bird’s nest soup or egg noodles with crab.
The buffet breakfast at Town is exceptional, offering a wide range of cuisines from both Western and Asian traditions. I counted nine Indian dishes alone. Additionally, the hotel serves a traditional English afternoon tea in the lobby courtyard, and there is a cake boutique where guests can enjoy desserts either in the courtyard or take them away.
Exploring Beyond the Hotel
While the modern attractions of Marina Bay, known for its light shows and striking architecture, are just across the water, it’s worth venturing to another historic site. The National Gallery of Singapore, spread across two grand buildings—the former Supreme Court and former City Hall—houses more than 8,000 works ranging from ancient to modern art. It is one of the largest art spaces in Asia, with entry priced at $S20 for adults.
Final Thoughts
Although Raffles might receive more attention as the original grand hotel in the city, several historic buildings across Singapore have been transformed into stylish hotels. The Fullerton deserves to be mentioned alongside its nearby rival, offering a gorgeous, grand, and luxurious stay in a prime location.
Our Score
★★★★½
Key Details
Rooms at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore start from $S610 ($A667) per night for a courtyard room overlooking the atrium. For more information, visit fullertonhotels.com.
Highlights
The building itself and its history are the main highlights. It feels like taking a step back in time to Singapore’s early days while still enjoying the comforts and conveniences of a five-star luxury hotel.
Lowlights
One minor inconvenience is the vintage alarm clock by the bed. While it adds an aesthetic touch, its ticking can be annoying. I ended up moving it under a towel in the bathroom. Additionally, the alarm went off at 5:30 am one morning, which was unexpected.
