Pullman Singapore Orchard Review | A Staycation Gem in Orchard Road

ABBEY: Another staycation, another new experience and this time at Pullman Singapore Orchard, and it did not disappoint!

Check-in was seamless, and we were pleasantly surprised that our room on the 10th floor was ready by the time we arrived at 2 PM. After a quick change, we headed straight to the pool.

One thing to note: the complimentary welcome drink was only for one guest, as we had accidentally booked the room for one instead of two. Nonetheless, we made the best of our Cosmopolitan and additionally ordered a PSO Beach Sling, and a basket of fries to snack on. The pool water was refreshingly cold, perfect after basking under the afternoon sun. We even had fun riding the floaters and trying (with some effort!) to steer them around.

After a couple of laps, we went back to our room to get ready for dinner. Just then, the reception called and asked us to open the door. Apparently, we had left the “Do Not Disturb” sign on. To our surprise, Pullman Singapore Orchard had prepared a thoughtful celebration for me: a personalized card, a fruit basket, and even a cake to celebrate the completion of my technical presentation. It was such a warm and heartwarming gesture!

Our room was cozy and cool, the perfect place to snuggle under the soft quilt. We had a restful night and woke up refreshed and energized. That’s exactly what a staycation should feel like.

Big thanks to Rina, Iffah, Sufi, and AL for making our stay so special.

Swimming pool at Pullman Singapore Orchard hotel

WILL: Whenever Abbey and I plan a staycation, I always tell him that Orchard is not my first choice. Why?

•It’s a prime location, which means expensive.

•It’s the shopping district of Singapore, which means crowded.

•And with the crowds, comes the noise.

But then… we couldn’t resist the Pullman Orchard signage calling us. 😂 Since we’re Accor Plus members, we decided to give in to it’s SGD120 deal and honestly, I’m glad we did.

The best part about Pullman Singapore Orchard is its location. You are literally at the center of Orchard’s shopping district. Walk to shop, to dine, or simply enjoy a leisure stroll among luxury boutiques.

Need groceries? Just cross the street to Paragon’s basement. Hungry? Orchard has endless dining options, from food courts to high-end restaurants. You will never run out of choices.

Despite being in a busy shopping street, the hotel itself is serene and relaxing. The outside noise doesn’t penetrate the building, which makes it the perfect place to recharge after a long day.

Check-in and check-out? Less than 10 minutes.

Room service? Spot-on and accurate. Everything runs smoothly, which makes your stay completely hassle-free.

Here’s the part that made me fall in love with Pullman Orchard. On their booking system, there’s a section asking what you’re celebrating. I keyed in “successful presentation” and expected maybe a card or a small cake.

But Pullman surprised us with a personalized card and a huge cake from Anabella. 🎂💌 That’s miles beyond what other hotels usually do. The kind of generosity and thoughtfulness that makes your stay unforgettable.

Hands down, yes. Now I understand why one of my acquaintances is a loyal Pullman fan. I can only hope other Accor hotels in Singapore (and beyond) follow this kind of service standard.

For locals, it’s a worthwhile staycation in Orchard Road. For tourists, it’s the perfect hotel in Orchard Singapore if you want shopping, dining, and comfort all in one place.

If you’re searching for the best hotel in Orchard Road Singapore, Pullman Singapore Orchard is worth your attention. Compare rates at Pullman Singapore Orchard via [Expedia link] or check Accor’s direct perks if you’re an Accor Plus Singapore member.

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Pullman Singapore Orchard

(W) https://www.pullmansingaporeorchard.com/

Mercure ICON Chinatown Singapore Review – Brutally Honest Stay at the Largest Mercure Hotel in the World

ABBEY: Another staycation, yay! This time, we checked in at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, and it turned out to be a great choice for a quick city getaway.

We were able to get our room quickly, and to our delight, it came with a lovely view of Chinatown. The bed leaned on the firmer side, which was surprisingly comfortable, and the pillows were soft and cozy. It is perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Overall, the room was clean and well-maintained. The only drawback was a slight odor from the bathroom drain; not overly unpleasant, but noticeable enough to mention. We shared this feedback with the hotel, so hopefully, it gets addressed for future guests.

For food and coffee, ICON LINK at Basement 2 is super convenient. We enjoyed our coffee fix at Tomoro Coffee and even grabbed a quick pizza dinner from Domino’s. Another highlight? The hotel’s close proximity to Chinatown Complex, where we savored delicious dim sum and a comforting plate of sweet and sour pork rice.

Mercure ICON Chinatown Singapore Review –  Largest Mercure Hotel in the World

WILL: In the never-ending stretch of hostels and boutique hotels in Singapore’s Chinatown, one building stands tall and gleaming — Mercure ICON. With over 900 rooms, this isn’t just any Mercure — it’s the largest Mercure ICON in the world.

So… why did Abbey and I check in here? Simple. We fell for the Red Hot Deal from All Accor. Yes, FOMO got us this time.

The Room is Small, but not claustrophobic. You can still open two 20-inch luggage inside but will be  blocking the walkway. But here’s my honest take — the bed was not my friend. This is the first hotel bed that actually gave me a backache. My planned “sleepcation” quickly turned into a “tossing-and-turning” marathon.

As for the bathroom — small, as expected from the room size. But the real works they need to do is the soundproofing. I could clearly hear people talking in the hallway, which made me wish they invested more in thicker walls. 

The location is where Mercure ICON wins. Step outside and you’re minutes away from Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and even Singapore’s CBD. Plus, food is everywhere — hawker stalls, cafes, and restaurants in every direction.

My Verdict – Would I Recommend It?

•For tourists: If you’re out exploring all day and only crash in the room at night — yes, it’s a solid choice.

•For locals on a staycation: You can try it, but don’t expect a plush, spa-like escape.

•For light sleepers or  hard bed sensitive: Maybe skip — your back and ears might thank you.

Mercure ICON Chinatown central, and convenient — but not exactly cozy.

***

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre Hotel

(W)https://www.mercure-icon-singapore-city-centre.com/ 

(A)8 Club Street, Singapore , 069472

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Dorsett Changi City: Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport?

ABBEY: If you’re looking for a comfortable and well-located hotel near Changi Airport, Dorsett Changi City Singapore is a fantastic option. Whether you’re in Singapore for a layover, business trip, or a quick getaway, this hotel offers a relaxing and convenient stay.

During our stay, we were provided with a clean and well-equipped room, complete with a kitchenette—a great feature for those who prefer some flexibility with their meals. The bathroom was spacious and modern, while the soft, pristine sheets and plush pillowsensured a restful night’s sleep.

Although we couldn’t take a dip in the outdoor pool due to the rain, we made the most of the sauna and steam room, which provided a relaxing retreat after a long day. These wellness amenities make Dorsett Changi City a great choice for travelers looking to unwind.

For dining options, guests can enjoy meals at the Cosmo Bar and Restaurant within the hotel. Alternatively, Changi City Point, a shopping mall with various restaurants and retail stores, is just a short walk away—perfect for those who want more choices.

One standout feature of Dorsett Changi City Singapore is its day-use option, ideal for travelers who need a short but comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy full access to the hotel’s amenities, making it a convenient choice for a quick rest or layover.

WILL: Looking for a hotel near Changi Airport? Many travelers visiting Singapore need a hotel close to the airport, whether for business trips, layovers, or short-term stays. While Changi Airport is about 30 minutes from Singapore’s main attractions by train, some visitors prefer to stay nearby for convenience.

If Crowne Plaza is fully booked or not within your budget, another great option is Dorsett Changi City (formerly Capri by Fraser, Changi City), which is just one train stop away from Changi Airport.

Why Stay at Dorsett Changi City? Dorsett Changi City is strategically located in Changi Business Park, a key hub for IT professionals and international banks. Unlike Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), this area is quieter, making it ideal for business travelers and short-term guests.

During our stay, we had a twin room with a kitchenette—a pleasant surprise! The room included a complete set of plates and utensils, which made our stay more convenient. If you enjoy having basic kitchen facilities in a hotel, this is a great option.

A bonus feature was the tap water access, making it easy to refill bottles. 

The bathroom was clean, and the Elemis toiletries were a pleasant bonus—I honestly didn’t expect that kind of quality here.

I was particularly excited about the sauna—one of the reasons I booked this hotel. Unfortunately, it was not as hot as expected, which was a letdown. If you’re hoping for a proper spa-like sauna experience, this might not be it.

Aside from that, the hotel offers a well-equipped gym, pool and a business area but quieter than the Central Business District (CBD) location. 

Who Should Stay at Dorsett Changi City?

✅ Business Travelers – Close to Changi Business Park and well-connected by MRT.
✅ Layover Passengers – Just one train stop from Changi Airport.
✅ Staycation Seekers – Comfortable rooms with great amenities.
✅ Day-Use Guests – A great option for short stays before a flight.

If you're looking for a hotel near Changi Airport that’s affordable, convenient, and comfortable, Dorsett Changi City is a fantastic choice.

Dorsett Hotels - Luxury Worldwide Hotel Chain

(W) https://www.dorsetthotels.com/

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Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations

ABBEY: Celebrating my birthday with a staycation at Swissotel The Stamford Singapore was the perfect treat! Timing worked out wonderfully as we were able to redeem our hotel stay and enjoy a relaxing celebration in style.

From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless. Check-in was quick and seamless—within minutes, we had our room key and were on our way to what would be a memorable stay.

Our room was absolutely massive and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and convenience. It featured a luxurious bathtub, a spacious living room with a plush sofa, and a large wooden table that easily doubled as a workstation. The best part? Two private balconies offering breathtaking views of Suntec City and Marina Bay—an absolute feast for the eyes!

Since this was a staycation, we fully embraced the art of relaxation. The enormous bed, with its soft, fluffy pillows and crisp, clean white linens, was pure indulgence. To top it all off, the hotel went above and beyond by leaving a personalized birthday greeting on the bed, accompanied by a decadent chocolate cake. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the day extra special.

With rainy and cloudy weather setting the tone, we spent most of the time lounging in the room, enjoying the cozy atmosphere. And to make things even better, our request for a late checkout was kindly granted, giving us a little more time to soak in the experience.

A huge thank you to Swissotel The Stamford for making my birthday so unforgettable!

Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations 

WILL: Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore’s tallest hotel, is not only famous for its breathtaking skyline views and annual vertical marathon but also for its exceptional hospitality. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, this hotel goes above and beyond with thoughtful extras that make your stay unforgettable.

As part of Abbey’s Accor Plus membership, we enjoyed a complimentary stay and decided to make the most of it by upgrading to the Signature Suite for his birthday. Here’s a detailed review of our experience.

Why Swissôtel is Great for Celebrations

Thoughtful Birthday Surprises:

• We were greeted with a room decked out in celebration mode, rose petals, a birthday banner, and creative towel art.
• Just when we thought the surprises were over, a medium-sized birthday cake was delivered during our stay. These extra touches made Abbey's birthday feel truly special.

Luxurious Signature Suite: With a King-sized bed, two private balconies, and stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the suite was perfect for a celebratory stay.

Spacious Workspace for Business Travelers: The large office desk in the suite caters perfectly to guests who mix work with leisure.

Comfortable Bed & Premium Linens: The bedding was plush and inviting, though the TV placement in the room could be improved for better viewing comfort.

Balconies with Stunning Views:The unobstructed view of Marina Bay Sands was breathtaking. However, the balconies lacked furniture, which could have enhanced the experience of soaking in the scenery

Convenient Location:Nestled within Raffles City, the hotel provides easy access to both luxury and mid-range dining options, perfect for celebratory meals.

Well-Equipped Gym & Sauna:For fitness enthusiasts, the gym offers modern equipment, and the sauna is a relaxing bonus (though I regret not having enough time to try it).

For Improvement - 

Awkward TV Layout: While the bed was comfortable, the TV placement made viewing awkward. You have to turn to your side to watch, which isn't ideal for relaxation. Additionally, connecting our own devices to the TV was not possible.

Balcony Design: The balcony offers an incredible view of Marina Bay Sands, but it lacks functionality. Without tables or chairs, it felt like a missed opportunity to fully enjoy the outdoor space.

Shower Tub Design:The suite features a combined shower and bathtub, which I find impractical. Using it as a shower or a tub alone didn’t feel as comfortable or intuitive as separate installations.

Swissôtel The Stamford is a top choice for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, thanks to its personalized service and generous freebies like cakes and room decorations. These thoughtful gestures make it an ideal spot to mark special occasions.

While it’s a fantastic option for celebratory stays, the hotel is also highly suitable for business travelers, given its central location, spacious workspace, and excellent amenities.

Would we return? For celebrations, yes—for the thoughtful extras alone. For business, definitely.

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Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore

(W) https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford/