This Ritz-Carlton Singapore hotel review is part of a Southeast Asia trip report; here are the previous posts:
ANA All Nippon Airways Business Class Review, LA-Tokyo
Singapore Airlines Business Class Review, Tokyo to Singapore
St. Regis Singapore Hotel Review
Mandarin Oriental Singapore Hotel Review
TravelSort Clients may book the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore with Virtuoso benefits:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in restaurant
- $100 USD (SGD$120) equivalent Food & Beverage credit (not valid for alcohol)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Ritz-Carlton is right next door to the Mandarin Oriental, so I didn't even need a taxi to get there–I just walked over. The Ritz-Carlton driveway isn't meant for people walking to the hotel, however (no sidewalks on the driveway), so do be careful when coming and going.
The Lobby was a madhouse when I arrived–hordes of people, some waiting to check-in, as I was, some checking out, some having afternoon tea in the gorgeous Chihuly Lounge, and a few gleeful kids running around.
The Ritz-Carlton staff were for the most part managing it well, bringing guests their choice of ice tea, juice or water while waiting in the check-in line, though my first impression at least was that they were a bit more inexperienced and less polished than at the Mandarin Oriental. When I did check in, the associate was very friendly, but politely explained there would be a SGD $50 fee to upgrade me to the Deluxe Marina Bay View from the Deluxe Room I was booked in. I decided to pay for the upgrade, given how fantastic the view was from the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, and given that it was another beautiful clear day. Perhaps if it had been rainy I wouldn't have bothered.
Entering the room, I knew it had been worth it–sweeping views of the harbor and the Marina Bay Sands resort to the left, and in the foreground the stadium where there was a lively rehearsal that went on all afternoon into the night, for the Singapore National Day Parade in August:
And to the right, the Singapore skyline and the Mandarin Oriental hotel:
The associate had asked me if I minded two Twin beds, instead of one King. I didn't mind having the two Twin beds:
The room itself was a spacious 549 square feet: a bit more spacious than the entry level Executive Deluxe Rooms at the St. Regis Singapore, but smaller than the Lady Astor Room I'd been upgraded to at the St. Regis, which was just over 600 square feet. The decor is more light and modern than many Ritz-Carltons, and was more modern and light filled than my rooms at the St. Regis Singapore and Mandarin Oriental Singapore.
I'd say the real highlight of the room, in addition to the view, was the spacious bathroom, with dual vanities, walk-in shower, and separate bath:
And an octagonal window by the soaking tub, affording you incredible views while luxuriating in the bath:
I was disappointed, however, that the bath amenities were just Ritz-Carlton's own brand, and not L'Occitane or Bulgari, which many other Ritz-Carltons offer. I used my own toiletries.
There was also a good sized closet with ultra-soft Ploh bathrobes–the best bathrobes of all the hotels I stayed at this trip:
The outdoor pool is on the ground floor, below the Lobby. The entrance to it is flanked by two enormous “Moby Dick” sculptures by Frank Stella, part of the hotel's stunning art collection:
It's large and a good size for swimming, although didn't seem quite as luxurious as the Mandarin Oriental pool. There is a hot tub, however, which I enjoyed more:
There's also a well-equipped fitness room, although I didn't use it:
Turndown occurred rather late–I was surprised they were still doing turndown at almost 9pm; at most hotels I've been to that offer turndown service, it's done sometime between 5-7:30pm. I'd forgotten to press my “do not disturb” button, so they entered the room while I was in the bathroom (fortunately with the door locked) and apologized when they realized I was there, on the other side of the door. They did leave the customary Ritz-Carlton dark and milk chocolates. There was also a coffee and tea maker, which was convenient as most 5-star hotels don't provide this. I brewed myself hot water for tea in the evening and the following morning.
Verdict: The Ritz-Carlton Singapore enjoys a similarly great location as the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, and standard Deluxe Rooms are much larger with lovely bathrooms that, at least for Marina Bay rooms, enjoy a stunning view right from the tub. Prices tend to be correspondingly higher for entry level rooms, and at least in my experience, complimentary upgrades to Marina View rooms are harder to come by at the Ritz-Carlton. I enjoyed the pool and the service generally at the Mandarin Oriental more, as it seemed more polished and somehow more intimate, even though the Mandarin Oriental is also a large hotel. If you enjoy stunning art and public spaces, a large, modern looking standard room and want to be by the marina and Esplanade, the Ritz-Carlton is for you. If you need a higher level of service, consider either the Mandarin Oriental, or booking a Club Room or Suite at the Ritz-Carlton, since that would give you access to the Club Lounge and Club Concierge.
Note that the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore does not participate in Marriott Rewards, but you could book a free night at most Ritz-Carlton Tier 1-3 hotels if you apply for the Marriott Rewards Premier Card (50,000 points signup bonus, annual fee waived the first year) or see if you can get the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card with 70,000 Points and $200 Gift Card.
Related posts
Four Seasons Singapore Hotel Review
Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Mandarin Oriental Singapore Hotel Review
Best Ritz-Carlton 3rd Night Free and 4th Night Free Offers
St. Regis Singapore Hotel Review
Need Award Booking Help? Our fee is as low as $75 per ticket if you book your hotel through us.
If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: please follow TravelSort on Twitter or like us on Facebook to be alerted to new posts.
Become a TravelSort Client and Book 5-Star Hotels with Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred Partner Amenities!