Monday, July 13, 2015

Fullerton Hotel: Heritage & Style In The Heart of The City

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Fullerton Hotel is an iconic building in the heart of the city, and I’ve passed by it numerous times. I always stand in awe of its magnificence and historical value in this modern city that I live in. “What a beautiful hotel!” I always thought to myself.

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Finally, we had the opportunity to review a staycation at Fullerton Hotel, and it was one of our best experiences ever because of many reasons. Read on, and I promise you that you’d feel tempted to book a staycation at Fullerton Hotel right now.

The Magnificent Lobby

The majestic feel of the hotel continues as you enter into the lobby. The high ceilings, gigantic pillars and beams make you feel like you’ve entered into a museum of some sort.

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The Extravagantly Spacious Room

We were supposed to check into the Loft Suite of Fullerton Hotel and I was really looking forward to that because I have a soft spot for lofts and a Loft Suite in an exquisite hotel like Fullerton Hotel sounds like a really good idea. Upon check-in though, we were informed that all the Loft Suites had been taken up by guests and they had to upgrade us to the Fullerton Suite. I must have looked pretty disappointed because our host immediately assured us that we would love the space in the Fullerton Suite. Indeed, when we entered our suite, we were wowed!

A personal handwritten note is always a sign of exemplary service. Came with a complimentary bottle of red wines and fruit basket. Warms my heart!

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Our suite had a large living room area with a separate bedroom and it was by far, the biggest hotel room I’ve lived in. The furnishings were luxurious and classic, and I immediately envisioned lots of family time in this beautiful space.

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Our bedroom was huge as well, and the staff had already put in an extra bed for us. You see the balloons because my birthday was a week before that and they had kindly decorated the room and sent a birthday cake. Great service!

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We requested for the extra bed to be moved to the living room and to add in another bed because my mother-in-law came with us as well. The hotel had run out of extra beds as they were at full capacity that weekend, but the staff assured me that they would try their best to figure something out. In the end, they managed to do it. To me, that’s going the extra mile to meet every need of their guests even though it was inconvenient.

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Have you noticed the large outdoor space by now? That was probably the biggest surprise for me. As I opened the balcony doors, I stepped out into a huge windy outdoor area with sofa and it was there we watched the most beautiful fireworks display of our lives that night. The fireworks were from the NDP 2015 rehearsals and to be able to watch everything in the comfort of our room – I was absolutely thankful. More on that later.

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The bar counter in the room was well-equipped with Nespresso machine, hot water flask, ice cube container, mineral water and assorted coffee and tea packs.

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And now, to another huge space in the room – The bathroom. Totally not kidding on this – The bathroom’s bigger than my bedroom at home. Complete with a bath tub, standing shower and a separate toilet.

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Exquisite, isn’t it? Even comes with a corner with a sofa seat. My best bet is that parents can sit there and watch the kids play and bathe in the tub. =P

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Of course, the best toiletries accompany such a fine bathroom – All from Bvlgari. I felt so pampered!

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Food Galore At The Straits Club

It was late afternoon and we decided to enjoy some hi-tea at the Straits Club in the hotel that we were given access to. Like all hotels, the Club serves breakfast, hi-tea and cocktails to guests who either booked rooms that came with lounge access or topped up to use it. From the  Straits Club, we could get a beautiful skyline view of the Marina Bay.

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Food selection was not big for the hi-tea, but the whole Club was quiet and restful, and provided the guests with a good place to relax and spend time with their loved ones with some snacks and drinks.

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When it came to cocktails, the selection was bigger and we continued to feast some more. =X

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I ate so much I couldn’t eat dinner after that! Everything tasted good.

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The only difference between hi-tea and cocktails is the cocktails. I had a Singapore Sling, which I thought was most befitting in a hotel of this kind of heritage.

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The Pool With A View

We didn’t manage to get into the pool during our stay at Fullerton Hotel, but when we swung by to check it out, it was just a glorious sight. What a view!

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The Unforgettable Fireworks

I feel extremely blessed to be able to have a staycation at Fullerton Hotel during this period when there are fireworks from the NDP 2015 rehearsals every weekend. We were wondering where to station ourselves in order to get the best view and made the best decision ever to retreat back to our room’s balcony. We had an unblocked view and the fireworks were just firing away right before our eyes in the dark skies. We were completed mesmerized. These photos do them no justice at all and the best way is for you to book a staycation at Fullerton Hotel right now and enjoy the view with your loved ones.

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Best fireworks experience ever.

Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

I’ve said this many times and I’ll say it again – I’ll always wake up for hotel breakfasts because they are always awesome. Breakfast at Fullerton Hotel is no exception, if not better. I don’t have to say much – Just see the selection they have. Virtue of the fact that the hotel carries such a strong heritage of Singapore, you can also find traditional kaya toasts and coffee served in vintage ceramic cups here. Tourists would be thrilled to find those, I’m sure.

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COMPLEMENTARY HERITAGE TOURS

If you are wondering what you can do during your staycation at Fullerton Hotel, you’ll be pleased to know that there are FREE heritage tours organized for guests, and you can join one of the tours to know more about Singapore at various heritage sites near the hotel. More information at this link. I think it’s a great activity for families to participate in and meaningful for kids to know more about Singapore, especially when we are celebrating our jubilee year of Independence.

We didn’t join the tours but downloaded the free map for our own walkabout. Didn’t manage to venture too far but it was a nice evening stroll for the family. With views like that, we really have nothing to complain.

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Our family enjoyed a 2D1N SG50 staycation at Fullerton Hotel and the SG50 promotion includes the following benefits:

· Daily Breakfast at Town Restaurant

· A Merlion mocktail at Post Bar for 2 persons per room per stay

· Complimentary In-room Internet connectivity

· One-way arrival or departure limousine transfer per room per stay

· A Limited Edition Fullerton Merlion Plush Bear per room per stay

· Dining credit of SGD50nett per room per stay

With the S$50 dining credit, we ordered lunch via room service and enjoyed it in the comfort of our room. The limousine transfer was also very useful for us as we did not drive. It got us home really fast during peak hours. The limited edition Fullerton Merlion Plush Bears also delighted the kids, and served as a great memento of our stay there.

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Fullerton Hotel National Day 2015 Specials

With the National Day celebrations taking place at the Padang and in the Marina Bay on Sunday, 9 August 2015, the iconic Fullerton Hotel offers the perfect vantage point from the centre of it all. Take in breathtaking views of the spectacular fireworks and aerial displays from the privacy of your own guestroom. Available from S$1,088* per night for a Quay Room, the room package includes local and international buffet breakfast for two persons at Town Restaurant as well as complimentary Internet connectivity. Valid with a minimum 2-night stay with check-in on 8 August 2015. As part of the Golden Jubilee weekend celebrations by the bay, fireworks will also light up the Marina Basin on 8 August 2015.

Alternatively, choose to enjoy Singapore’s biggest National Day Parade from the exclusive adjacent rooftop at One Fullerton. Available from S$598* per night for a Courtyard Room, the room package includes a local and international buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old at Town Restaurant, complimentary Internet connectivity and exclusive access to the One Fullerton rooftop for viewing of the fireworks display for two adults and two children (below 12 years old) with a free flow of beer and soft drinks during the parade on 9 August 2014.

In celebration of Singapore’s 50th Anniversary, The Fullerton Hotel has also lined up a 9-day tribute to our nation’s journey that will see the hotel’s majestic façade illuminated at night  with a visually and compelling musical extravaganza that recaptures the spirit of the Singapore’s rich history and heritage. The video projection light-up, “A Celebration of Our Heritage”, will showcase significant moments in Singapore’s history, taking viewers through decades of our nation’s triumphs and tribulations that have characterised the Singapore Story. Taking place on the evenings from 1 to 9 August 2015, the public can expect a visual treat that will both tug at their sense of national pride, as well as leave a deep and memorable impression in their hearts and minds.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH FULLERTON HOTEL NOW.

Disclosure: The J Babies was provided with a complimentary 2D1N stay at Fullerton Hotel for review purposes. All photographs and opinions in this post are solely mine, and no other financial compensation was received.

All photos in this post were taken on the Canon G1X Mark II. The camera was loaned to me by Canon for review purposes, and I love how vibrant and sharp the photographs turn out to be, a signature capability of Canon cameras. It was a tad too heavy for my liking but it has several functions that my current Canon G15 does not have, such as fisheye, wifi function and adjustable lens for zoom in & out. It is a good camera because it delivers high quality photographs especially day shots and is easy to operate, even for amateur photographers. The wifi function is also useful for easy transfer of photographs and on-the-go transfers for those of us who like to use good quality photos for instagram postings.