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.

***

Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore

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

Marina Bay Sands Review: High-Tech Luxury Staycation in Singapore

ABBEY: If there’s one iconic experience that calls out to tourists and Singapore residents alike, it’s the opportunity to swim in the world-famous infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands Hotel. As part of our pre-cruise adventure, we treated ourselves to a night in the Sands Premier Room in Tower 1—and what an experience it was!

Our check-in coincided with a sudden downpour, temporarily delaying our much-anticipated pool visit. While waiting for the rain to subside, we decided to indulge at one of the hotel’s dining spots; Black Tap. A generously-sized burger and fries, paired with the decadent Crazyshake Brooklyn Blackout, turned the delay into a delightful mini-feast.

Once the skies cleared, we slipped into our swimwear and headed straight to the infinity pool. The panoramic view was absolutely breathtaking. From the glistening Marina Bay to the towering skyscrapers of the Central Business District and the endless sea beyond, it’s a sight that stays with you. We didn’t stop there—we also made time to relax in the hot tub, soaking in the luxurious atmosphere.

The Sands Premier Room was nothing short of extraordinary. Every detail showed sophistication, from the leather accents—yes, even the remote control and notepad covers!—to the thoughtful amenities. To our surprise, bath bombs were already waiting for us by the bathtub—no special requests needed.

Speaking of requests, the hotel went above and beyond to accommodate our sensitive skin concerns, providing alternative toiletries. It’s these small, considerate touches that truly set their service apart.

The bed was a dream; plush linens and perfectly balanced pillows. And the cherry on top? A beautifully presented birthday cake, adding a personal touch to our celebration.

From the stunning infinity pool to the impeccable service, our stay at Marina Bay Sands was unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of luxury, this hotel delivers on every front. We left refreshed, pampered, and with memories to last a lifetime.

Marina Bay Sands Review High-Tech Luxury Staycation in Singapore

WILL: Back in July, Abbey and I booked a room at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Tower 3 for SGD883.78. It was such a great deal! Fast forward to November, we tried to book the same rate but it was already gone, even after calling MBS to check. With no choice and time running out, we booked the available room—and it was completely worth it.

This is probably the best hotel room I’ve stayed in so far:
-- Bright and Well-Lit: The room was perfectly lit, which is very important to me. Good lighting doesn’t just hide imperfections in the room but also creates a breathable and open space that feels fresh and inviting.

-- Soft and Clean Linens: The bed smelled fresh, the quilt had the perfect weight, and everything felt clean and cozy.

-- Toiletries: Since I had allergies last time from the Ferragamo toiletries, we asked for alternatives—and MBS delivered Jo Malone’s. The bath salts placed beside the tub were such a nice touch.

--Teapot Bonus: I love tea, and I was so happy to see a teapot ready to use. It’s rare to find hotels that think of tea lovers like me.

The room had motion-sensor lights on the floors, the balcony’s glass door, and even the toilet area. While it’s impressive and modern, it might not suit you if you want a simple, unplugged staycation.

The MBS Infinity Pool facing Singapore’s CBD and it’s jacuzzi overlooking Gardens by the Bay, was the highlight of our stay. The jacuzzi was equally relaxing. We spent so much time here that we missed the gym again. Maybe next time!

Connecting our laptop to the TV or streaming shows was so easy. The room had cables ready and supported AirPlay, which was very convenient.

Marina Bay Sands is definitely worth the splurge. From the luxurious room to the stunning pool, everything felt special. If you’re looking for a beautiful stay with thoughtful details and a fresh, breathable space, MBS is worth every dollar.

Would you stay here? Newly renovated room cost SGD 1,071.91.

*** 

Marina Bay Sands Singapore 

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/

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Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.