Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy

This massive hotel is contemporary in style, but not overly so, which suits the even mix of businesspeople and tourists that tends to stay here. The high-ceilinged lobby is dominated by thick white columns and curved shapes, including the decorative front desk and upper balcony, accessed by escalators. A pair of low-lying couches in red and gray sit in the middle of the space, while traditional Peranakan tiles -- which are a nod to descendants of Chinese immigrants that helped found Singapore -- accent the main elevator bank. Styles differ among the several restaurants and bars, most notably at Feast@East Buffet Restaurant, where Peranakan cuisine is served amid a mosaic-tile buffet bar and varying tones of wood furniture. Other restaurants are somewhat more colorful -- one has columns painted with bamboo shoots and chili peppers, while another offers bright aqua chairs. Still, the overall feel here is pretty safe and unsurprising. Guests looking for a little more panache might prefer the nearby Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality. 

The hotel sits on the quiet side of a main road in the Katong suburb on Singapore's east coast. It's north of the water and surrounded by other hotels and condominiums. There's a shopping mall next to the hotel, with other dining and shopping options at Parkway Parade, within a five-minutes walk via a pedestrian bridge. It’s a 15- to 20-minute walk to East Coast Park, which has a beach. Attractions in the city, including the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel and Clarke Quay, are about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, or up to 50 minutes away via public transportation. Unfortunately, there is no metro station within walking distance and travelers will have to rely on buses. Business travelers in the aerospace industry and with offices on the eastern part of the island are well-located. The Changi Airport is a 15-minute drive and the hotel operates a free roundtrip shuttle, as well as one-way shuttle service in the mornings to Orchard Road in the city center.

The 576 rooms are fairly plain, but soothing, with gray carpeting or light-wood floors, beige walls, and dark-wood furniture. Red and gray throw pillows and modern paintings on the walls lend subtle pops of color, but the look will be familiar to business travelers around the world and there aren't many decorative surprises. Beds are topped with white feather duvets and everything has sharp, clean lines, creating a modern overall effect. All rooms have the option of a minibar for a fee. Flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, air-conditioning, and ironing facilities come standard in all rooms. Executive Rooms and Suites offer nicer city and sea views plus access to a lounge with exclusive perks detailed below. Bathrooms are modern and elegant, with beige tiling, long vanities, and shower/tub combos with glass doors. Toiletries and hairdryers (some more modern than others), as well as bathrobes and slippers, are provided. Higher-level rooms and Suites have stall showers and separate soaking tubs, plus mosaic-tile and dark-wood accents.  

There's a nice array of restaurants at the hotel, three in total, although breakfast isn't free for most guests. The Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant serves dim sum for lunch and dinner, while Feast@East Buffet Restaurant serves buffet-style cuisine that ranges from traditional Peranakan to international options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breez Bistro Bar has a pool view and serves lunch and dinner, with occasional live music. Wave Cafe is a bar serving snacks and drinks from midday through the evening. Outside is a large L-shaped pool and a separate children’s pool, with lots of lounge chairs, along with tables shaded by umbrellas. There's also an impressive 24-hour gym equipped with cardio machines, including several treadmills, weight machines, barbells, and free weights. A shower room is available near the gym. A few coin-operated laundry machines are also available. The bright and airy Executive Lounge has views of the city and the water, as well as a small conference room, and a computer and printer with faxing services. Those staying in Executive Rooms and Suites are entitled to free breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, and welcome fruit on arrival in the lounge. The hotel has 10 different meeting spaces with audiovisual equipment and space for up to 400 guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free shuttles run to both the airport and Orchard Road, though timings may be limited.