I’ve been visiting Singapore since I was 7 years old.
I must have been more than a dozen times by now, and while the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is usually my family’s Singapore hotel of choice, for my most recent visit I stayed at The Fullerton Hotel.
This may sound odd, but whenever we visited Singapore as kids, my mum would always take my brother into The Fullerton to use their restrooms while we were in the city.
I have weirdly fond memories of washing my hands with their fancy soaps before gazing up at the large open lobby, wishing that one day I could stay there instead of just stopping by for a rest stop, haha.
Finally, twenty-five years later, my childhood dream had come true…and it was worth the wait!
Arriving at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Aftab and I arrived at the acclaimed five-star The Fullerton Hotel on the Saturday evening after a long 14-hour flight from London, to balmy temperatures and a strong welcome from the hotel staff.
Doors were flung open, suitcases were lifted from the boot of the car, and we really didn’t have to do a thing other than walk to the front desk past the super cute giant teddy bears in the lobby, and then up to our large Quay Room that overlooked the Anderson Bridge and Singapore River.
Our suitcases soon followed, brought up by the friendly bellboy, and we were given a quick tour of our room and the features it included.
We spotted the kind gifts left for us on the table: a platter of fruit and sweets, and complimentary bottles of water.
Our Twin Quay Room
Because Aftab and I were travelling together we had a beautiful twin room.
Both of the beds were large and super squishy and comfortable! We both slept SO well at The Fullerton!
The room was immaculate and had all the right things: sockets next to each bed, and light switches next to the bed too so we didn’t have to jump out to switch off the lights.
There was plenty of storage space to place belongings and hang up clothing in the closet, and we also really liked the big closet space and full length mirror – perfect for pre-dinner outfit selfies!
The only thing we found was missing was a dressing table or desk with a chair and mirror.
Honestly this would have made the room a little more accessible for those with disabilities (like me, as I faint after 10-mins of standing thanks to PoTS so standing to do my make-up and hair is actually a bit tricky), and it would be handy for drying hair and putting on make-up while the other person was using the bathroom.
The hotel had kindly left a cute platter of fruit and little cakes on the table, which was very much appreciated!
The bathroom was luxurious and large and decked out in beige marble and Balmain amenities.
A large bath tub stood opposite the sink area (which came complete with filtered water tap) and the shower (which tbh was really weak).
In a separate room behind a door was the magic toilet, which had sensors that meant the lid lifted up as soon as you walked through the door.
Aftab literally shrieked and called me to come and see this magic toilet, haha!
Overall, the design of the room was calming and sophisticated with soft beiges, creams, and greens.
The room came with a super cute balcony that overlooked Anderson Bridge and the old colonial buildings on the opposite side of the Singapore River.
Also if you’re staying in a king room rather than a twin, they have rooms overlooking the Marina Bay Sands and Merlion.
Watch my room tour video to see the full room!
The Rooftop Swimming Pool
You really can’t visit The Fullerton without using the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool.
Located on the Singapore River side of the hotel, the rooftop pool is large and beeeeeautiful!
With a backdrop of the hotel’s towering columns shadowing the river and its buildings opposite, it’s a lovely place to relax and read a book in the warm afternoons after a morning of sightseeing.
We found plenty of sunbeds and extra-large, plush towels by the door on arrival.
Food & Drink at The Fullerton
With so many incredible restaurants and bars in Singapore to try, we only tried the breakfast at The Fullerton.
We had access to the Club Lounge, however, we tried the Club Lounge one morning and the ‘normal’ buffet in the hotel’s ‘Town Restaurant’ the second morning to compare.
Both involved a beautiful buffet spread with something for everyone’s tastes, as well as a la carte options in the Club Lounge, and an omelette station in Town.
We also loved the juice choices and the pastry selection – pandan cake was a highlight!
The Fullerton Hotel Location
And if all that hasn’t sold it for you, the location certainly will!
Nestled between the Merlion and Boat Quay, it is the perfect location for sightseeing and first timers.
Even for me, having been to Singapore possibly a dozen times over the years, it felt a real treat to be in such close proximity to everything we wanted to do and see.
You can easily walk to most places, and for those too far away it’s a very quick MRT ride or Uber drive away.
I felt very spoiled after so many times staying on Sentosa Island which is much further away from the action.
As well as being very close to the main sights, you’re also right by some of Singapore’s best bars and restaurants.
KOMA at Marina Bay Sands is a favourite of mine, and we loved Atlas, which has been named one of the world’s best bars.
Read my 2-Day Stopover in Singapore Itinerary!
You’re also just a 10-minute walk away from Lau Pa Sat on Raffles Quay, one of Singapore’s best hawker markets.
And if you’re in search of a famous Singapore Sling from the Raffles Long Bar, it’s simply a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber.
Final Thoughts
The Fullerton Hotel really is the ideal historic hotel for any traveler visiting Singapore!
With an unbelievable location, unbeatable customer service, and truly stunning guest rooms as well as the rooftop pool, you won’t find anywhere else that’s comparable to The Fullerton.
We had a really incredible two-night stay and I can’t wait to revisit the next time I’m in the city. It certainly lived up to those childhood expectations from all those years ago!
