The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
"Give us an establishing shot. Why did this hotel catch your attention? The hotel is in a rather grand art deco building, with a main entrance tucked away in an alley so discreet, most cab drivers miss it. But the subtlety is a clear indication of the hotel's restrained brand of luxury. Beautiful French doors open up to a warmly lit, welcoming lobby with embossed wallpaper and the original Chengal wood flooring. Is there an interesting backstory here? The hotel takes up part of what used to be one of Singapore's finest movie theaters, Capitol Theatre, which opened in 1930 as the biggest and most modern cinema in the Far East. Following a decade of meticulous restoration and renovation, it reopened in 2018 as the Kempinski chain's first Singapore hotel, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier. Now, importantly: Tell us about the rooms. The elegant rooms are surprisingly spacious for a heritage building, though the labyrinthian corridors are a reminder of the its age. I felt soothed by the muted cream, teal and beige color palette—it didn't overwhelm the stately historic details, like the colonial wooden-framed windows. Also loved the double vanities in the bathroom, free minibar drinks and the deep, free-standing bathtub (available in every room). Is there a charge for Wi-Fi—and is the quality good? The Wi-Fi was great and free. How is the food here? Is the restaurant one you'd eat at even if you weren't staying here? Breakfast is included for suite guests, but a restaurant from Hong Kong Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung takes pride of place among the food offerings. He's known for his innovative creations, but the menu here is full of hearty, full-flavored fare with a modern touch. The laksa (a spicy noodle soup) is the thing to get; it's pricey for a local dish, but worth it. Leung's is one of the best versions in town. How was the service? Anything notable? Service is polished and professional, from the lobby staff (who magically materialize if you look lost) to the servers in the restaurant. Who are your fellow hotel guests? Young to middle aged, most of the guests staying here are moneyed enough to be comfortable with dressing down. What else will we find in the neighborhood? The hotel sits in the heart of Singapore's civic and cultural district, and is probably its most intimately luxurious stay. All the other hotels in the area are larger affairs that feel less personal, though many are equally posh. Shopping-wise, there's not shortage of fancy stores—like the country's only Carmina Shoemaker boutique—on the premises, plus more plebeian malls like Raffles City and Marina Square are within walking distance. Anything else feel unique to this hotel? There are no fixed check-in or check-out times here - every guest gets a 24-hour stay, that starts from the time they arrive. Outside the hotel itself, the restaurant Jaan at Swissotel the Stamford across the road is a lovely place to splash out for lunch or dinner, and offers some of the best views across Singapore from its perch on the 70th floor. Bottom line: Worth it? It's great if you're willing to splurge for that little extra bespoke touch and have the time to enjoy it. If not, there are plenty of other luxurious, but more 'commercial' hotels in the area for less." - Audrey Phoon
