Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore

The Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore is an upscale hotel situated in a massive white high-rise punctuated with extruding circular balconies and a 20-story central tower that rises above the rest of the building. The entryway is streamlined and sophisticated, though obviously part of a chain property, with glossy floors, hefty square pillars, and a long wood reception desk that's well-staffed and speaks to the constant flow of traffic here. Green plants, vases filled with flowers, and gatherings of framed pictures soften the space -- but, oddly, there are few places to sit down. The brand name delivers on its promise of contemporary comfort and tasteful style, attracting business and leisure travelers in almost equal measure.

This hotel is located along a busy main road near the Singapore River surrounded by other hotels and condos. There aren't many dining options on this side of the river, but it's just a three-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge to the popular Robertson Quay neighborhood, a hub full of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The hotel isn't in the heart of downtown Singapore, but many major attractions can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes via public transit, which includes river taxi and bus options. Popular neighborhoods like Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Chinatown are all reachable in about 20 minutes on foot and as little as five minutes by public transit. Orchard Road is about 25 minutes on foot or 12 minutes via public transit. Singapore airport can be reached in 80 minutes via public transit or as little as 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The hotel offers free shuttle service at regular intervals to points of interest such as Orchard Road, Chinatown, and the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

Guest rooms are pleasant and contemporary -- if a little forgettable -- with a neutral color palette featuring brown carpeting, white walls, and wood furniture. Large windows that let in lots of natural light face the park or city; the higher up, the better the view. Decor varies in bathrooms (from soft beige to checkerboard tiles), and in some bathrooms there's barely enough room to fit in a shower/tub combo, toilet, and vanity. In-room amenities include coffee/tea service (with electric kettles), free bottled water, and empty mini-fridges (upgraded rooms have minibars). Loaner smartphones, free for use during stays, are a big bonus, and feature free internet and international calling to some countries, including the U.S. Rooms also have free Wi-Fi, safes, and flat-screen TVs, though the latter can be outdated in entry-level rooms. Bathroom amenities include robes, slippers, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries.Upper-category rooms may add sitting areas, balconies, or exclusive Executive Lounge access. Entry-level rooms offer an adequate 237 square feet, with upgraded rooms coming in at over 300 square feet. 

Features here are in keeping with the Copthorne King's pearl category and size. There is a nice range of dining facilities, including the Princess Terrace, which is a popular choice for Penang buffet and is open for buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; the more sophisticated Tien Court Chinese Restaurant; the charming Stars Cafe, which serves casual Western fare; and Connections Lounge bar, which is open in the evenings and features happy hour specials and live music some nights. The breakfast buffet, which includes Western and Eastern dishes, is extensive, but it's not usually included in the room rate. Other amenities include a modern gym with cardio and weight-lifting equipment, a sauna and steam room, and a garden terrace with a handful of lounge spaces and a mini putting green. There's also a small but attractive outdoor pool with mosaic tiling and a separate whirlpool, all surrounded by a stone patio with loungers.For corporate travelers, there's a sleek business center with computer stations, five on-site meeting rooms, and a nice Executive Lounge (with perks like free evening drinks) for guests staying in Club Rooms. Another huge plus is that guests receive a smartphone for the length of their stay, which includes unlimited internet and free calls to several international numbers, including to the U.S. Wi-Fi throughout is free as well.Other perks include concierge, laundry, and room service; currency exchange and self-service laundry; and free shuttle service, which is offered regularly to some area locations, including Orchard Road, Chinatown, and the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.