Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review – Historic Iconic Stay

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review – Historic Iconic Stay

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore can not be missed as it is smack bang in the city centre near the mouth of the Singapore River and it is housed in the iconic monumental former general post office. This building is integral to Singapore’s history as a nation. At the jubilation of Singapore’s Centenary in 1919, a plan for this grand building was conceived. It was finished in 1928 and then named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements.

The building would hold not only the General Post Office, but also the Exchange, and offices for the Governor of Singapore and the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malay States as well as other government offices. During the 2nd world war, the Japanese used the building as the headquarters for their military administration. After the war, the Fullerton became an icon in Singapore with the rapid development of the city. Especially now with the backdrop of the skyscrapers behind it. The post office vacated in 1996 and by the 1st of January 2001, the building became home to the luxurious grande dame 400-room The Fullerton Hotel. This hotel is extraordinary for its historic architecture and for the scale and quality of its 21st-century restoration. The six-star hotel now blends luxurious living with a touch of elegance and the nostalgia of old.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic StayFullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Reception

When I arrived at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore the grand open space of its huge atrium quickly strikes. Wherever I walked history of this grand old building was displayed via old photos and bits of history explained. The photos not only included the building and its uses in the past but also the important people that stayed here or worked here, that formed part of Singapore’s young history. The Fullerton Hotel is embedded in Singapore’s history and that is the top reason to stay here.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

The ground floor houses The Town Restaurant, The Post Bar, Jade the Cantonese restaurant and the Courtyard serving Indian & Japanese buffets as well as afternoon teas. At the Courtyard is where I really appreciate the grandness of this building as it completely covered making it a huge atrium. I felt like I was sitting outside in the cool, whilst the rest of Singapore was suffering from the sweltering heat.

Fullerton hotel Singapore the post bar review

The Post Bar

This is what the Fullerton hotel looks like from the outside area of the Post Bar.

fullerton hotel singapore review jade restaurant

Jade restaurant

My check-in was flawless and swift, the staff were extremely professional, approachable and likeable without any stiffness, the perfect combination.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Grand staircases in the middle of the courtyard

Fullerton Bay

Next to the Fullerton is the six-star Fullerton Bay hotel, this is the hotel for ultimate luxury in Singapore. Both hotels are connected via an underground tunnel and form part of a complex that in total include seven properties. What I liked is that guests at the Fullerton can use the swimming pool at Fullerton Bay and this is a nice infinity rooftop pool including a great pool bar.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Guest at the Fullerton can also use the pool at Fullerton Bay. It comes with amazing views and The Latern pool bar.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Clifford Pier

One of the properties that connect with the Fullerton Bay is Clifford Pier. This historic landmark was built in 1933 as the landing jetty for ships. It used to be known as the Red Lantern Pier due to the many red oil lanterns that used to hang from the pier to guide vessels to shore. The Clifford Pier now houses a fine dining restaurant and bar. As it is a historic listed building it is also open for anyone to enjoy this now great-looking grand hall. This is something I recommend to anyone visiting Singapore.

Lunch – The Town Restaurant

I arrived around lunchtime after flying in overnight from Sri Lanka. I did not have any food on my flights so I arrived quite peckish and decided to have lunch at the Town restaurant which does a great buffet. What I noticed straight away was how busy it was with locals having their business lunch here. From 11:30 to 14:30 the international buffet brunch is served which is a mix of Asian and western cuisines. As I was in Singapore I decided to go for Nyonya Laksa noodles. The Nyonya cuisine comes from the Peranakans, descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca and Singapore.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay - Lunch

Straits Club Quay Room

I stayed at the Straits Club Quay room which had the added benefits of using the exclusive Straits Club. This 36 m2 room had a decor of shades of browns and beiges with the colour scheme matching the rest of the interior and exterior of the hotel. Its design is fitting with the historical grandeur of the building. The bed was comfortable and the room had a nice desk area to work from. There was free Nespresso coffee and tea making facilities as well as a minibar. The complimentary WiFi was fast with speeds over 24 Mbps. The cute Fullerton bear was also on display, with many varieties of this famous bear for sale in the Fullerton store. I loved the Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker as well as the free mobile phone on offer with a guide of Singapore, free internet and free local calls.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

The free mobile to use during the hotel stay

Bathroom

The bathroom was huge and was covered with a lot of classy marble and granite. I liked the fact that there were a large bath and a separate shower. There was plenty of mirror space at the sink and the blow-dryer was easily accessible. The bathroom amenities were from Bottega Veneta.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Straits Club

The Straits Club is exclusive to Strait Club rooms and offers a great meeting, working and socialising area all in the setting of Peranakan décor featuring Straits Chinese artifacts. Guests of The Straits Club enjoy privileges that include round-the-clock personalised service, in-room registration, a complimentary daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and cocktails.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Plenty of Champagne available

The Fullerton Spa

Having not slept during my flight coming to Singapore I felt tense, stressed and tired. So I decided to book in the 90-minute Asian Heritage Signature, an intensive massage based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. The treatment started with a short consultation in which I asked to add some more additional focus on my back, shoulders and neck. I opted for a firm massage and in this case that did mean firm. The treatment was a combination of:

  • Applying physical pressure to pressure points relieving stored tension and stimulating body circulation and promoting healthy energy flow along the body’s meridians.
  • Deep tissue massage with oils that rejuvenate the skin uplifting energy and giving a deep sense of relaxation.

At the end of the 90 minutes massage, I could hear myself snoring, it was the treatment that I needed.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay

Swimming Pool

After the Spa it was time to chill out at the swimming pool area. From this 25 meter pool I really enjoyed the views towards the historic bridges that go over the Singapore river. The pool is set right beside the grand pillars of the building.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay  - Swimming pool

The Lighthouse Bar

One thing I can recommend anyone staying at the Fullerton is making a trip to the Lighthouse Bar. Yes there used to be a lighthouse on the Fullerton building in the past, now this area is a rooftop bar which is located above the 8th floor. From here I enjoyed amazing views over Singapore and the Marina Bay area. In my opinion the views are even better at night.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore Review - Historic Iconic Stay  - Lighthouse bar

Breakfast

For breakfast I had two options, enjoy this in the Straits Club with a glass of champagne or enjoy a greater variety at the Town restaurant. I opted for the latter. As is usual with most almost all Asian hotels the breakfast options were enormous. From Japanese to Chinese, to local and Western options everything was available. The biggest trouble I had was restraining myself with so many options.

Conclusion

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will get a 10 out of 10 for me. It is a combination of staying and experiencing a grand historical iconic building in Singapore. Everything from restaurants to room, to the Straits Club, was just perfect. It is also in the attention to detail, the person coming to prepare your room knows you by name, when you dial reception you are greeted with your name, and to finish it off I had the smoothest checkout to getting in my taxi experience ever. 100% recommended.

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About The Author

Arthur van de Laak

I am an active traveler, snowboarder and technology geek. I write about male fashion and worldwide travel destinations.

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