Carlton Hotel Singapore

The Carlton occupies a 26-story beige building that sets the tone for the property's upscale, corporate feel. Interiors were renovated in 2015, including the expansive marble lobby dominated by a sculptural light fixture and decorated with plush plum couches. There are some interesting touches, such as pale-purple lights illuminating the front desk, and an open kitchen in the nearby patisserie where pastry chefs are visible at work. Otherwise, however, the common spaces aren't very original, sticking to a fairly bland mix of contemporary and classic decor in neutral shades. The white-tablecloth Wah Lok has a 1980s-style banquet room featuring low ceilings, and carpeting with abstract copper-colored splotches. Cafe Mosaic, meanwhile, feels airy and casual, but very plain and white. The most appealing space is Gravity Bar, where warm lighting and soft armchairs make for a comfy feel, although the floral carpeting screams hotel bar. Tourists and families are the main clientele, though business travelers would also be comfortable here, given the efficient feel and range of places to work with a laptop. 

The hotel sits in a central part of Singapore, which makes it a good choice for tourists who prefer to explore on foot. It's across from the historic Raffles Hotel and CHIJMES, a former convent turned entertainment complex. Plenty of shopping ands tourist attractions are within close proximity. The Singapore Flyer ferris wheel is a 20-minute walk, and Clarke Quay, a riverside shopping complex, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Business travelers can get to most office buildings in about a 15-minute walk. It’s about a five-minute walk to the Bras Basah, City Hall, and Esplanade MRT stations. The Changi Airport is a 15-minute drive or about an hour via public transportation.

Rooms at the Carlton feature streamlined, understated decor with an all-gray color palette that while upscale, feels a bit blah. Beds have Sealy Posturepedic mattresses with all-white linens and gray nightstands built into the textured walls. Large windows are a pleasant touch and have filmy gray curtains. Higher-level rooms include more modern furniture, and pillows in more sumptuous fabrics. Some also have bright pops of red in armchairs and throw pillows. Sleek bathrooms have glass-walled stall showers, glass-enclosed toilets, and some come with separate soaking tubs. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided.

Rooms come in a variety of tiers, starting with Deluxe, Studio, Executive, and Premier Rooms. The higher-level Executive Club and Premier Club rooms and suites include access to two lounges with free breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Mid-tier and higher rooms offers good views of the surrounding area, and guests tend to recommend going for the upgrade if possible. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, safes, and ironing facilities. A notable perk is that rooms also come with smartphones that can be used to make free local and limited international calls, as well as for data. Wi-Fi is free. 

For guests dining on-site, the hotel has two restaurants; Wah Lok serves Cantonese cuisine, while Cafe Mosaic serves international fare, plus buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a la carte choices. Breakfast is not always included with rates. Located off the lobby is the colorful Tuxedo Cafe & Patisserie, where pastry-makers can be seen at work in the open kitchen. Gravity Bar offers a chic lounge environment on the first floor. 

The spacious, wood-floored gym is well-equipped with cardio and weight machines and free weights. The outdoor swimming pool is a slight disappointment, as it's small for a hotel of this scale, and set in an open area next to skyscrapers. It also has a hot tub. The hotel spa occupies two floors and offers a full menu of massages and other body treatments, while a salon offers beauty services. 

The Premier Club Lounge, exclusive to certain rooms, has views of the skyline out to the harbor, while the Executive Club Lounge lacks natural light and a view. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there are several different meeting and event spaces, the largest fitting nearly 600 people.