I've had the pleasure of staying in the Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore twice now, once in a standard room and once in a premium room. I can be picky about hotels, as my other opinions will probably indicate, but I've already reserved myself a room at the Ritz Carlton for my next visit.

This hotel, to put it simply, is a gorgeous property that earns each one of its five stars.

To begin with, the entrance to the hotel is a little out of the way. Many people go in through the back way, through a shopping arcade, which is quite unimpressive. However, the main entrance (through which anyone traveling in a taxi will enter) is grand and inspiring. The foyer opens onto a cascade waterfall, which forms the backdrop to a sweeping staircase. The rest of the lobby area is divided into semi-enclosed restaurants and bars, a lounge area and the reception area itself. Predictably enough, the receptionists are unfailingly professional and charming, and the check-in process has always been smooth. My folio has been prepared for me before arrival both times, which was nice, and each time I've been escorted up to my room, which was even nicer.

As for the rooms, I must mention that the rooms are divided according to the view. There's a city view, and a marina view, and the marina view is by far the biggest selling point of this hotel. It's a gorgeous, sweeping view of the central business district, the marina and the downtown core, and in the evening and at night, it's breathtaking. Furthermore, the windows are large, and designed so that one can sit on the sills and enjoy an unmarred view of one of Singapore's most captivating vistas. The bathroom takes full advantage of this: while sitting in the bathtub, the window is positioned such that there is an unobstructed view outside. It's really quite marvelous.

The rooms are furnished tastefully well, and there is a large screen television in each. I've been told that they intend to replace the standard televisions with flat digital monitors in the near future, so when I return I might be able to see that. Also, there are wireless keyboards and Internet links built into the television itself, so that you can surf the Net from bed. Nice touch! The service is a tad slow, but it's still extremely cool. The bathrooms are spacious, elegantly done in marble, and the amenities offered are of high boutique quality (in contrast to many other luxury hotels in Singapore, which use generic brands). And, the beds are very comfortable as well.

Since it was built to take advantage of the view of the central business district, the hotel suffers from not actually being in, or anywhere near, the district itself. Therefore, it's a little out of the way. The nearest train station is quite far away, and there isn't much in the way of great shopping underneath. However, there are shopping arcades, and in Singapore it's relatively easy to get to the popular shopping districts from any downtown hotel. The Ritz Carlton's location simply means that you can't really walk anywhere interesting, unless you're prepared for a long walk, and that you'll be relying on taxis to get around.

With rack rates starting around SGD$465 per night, this hotel is one of the five most expensive in Singapore, and getting the excellent marina view means paying a slightly higher rate on top of that. If you plan on spending time in the hotel, enjoying the view and the facilities and relaxing, then by all means spring for the marina view, and prepare to be dazzled. I certainly was!

I really enjoyed staying in this hotel very, very much.


Recommended: Yes