Royal Plaza on Scotts

Having previously been a Holiday Inn and a Crowne Plaza, this hotel has been the Royal Plaza on Scotts since 1991. Unfortunately, while everything is well kept and sparkling -- with a few modern nods to design and decor -- the hotel is showing its age from a style perspective. It's located in a nondescript 15-story beige building with few windows on its facade. Several steps lead up to the glass entrance doors. Inside, the lobby is a grand space with stained glass domes at its center and two curved staircases leading to the mezzanine. Shiny marble floors stretch in every direction, but the effect feels tired and slightly chintzy rather than glamorous. Tables and chairs provide places for small meetings, and sofas and chairs invite guests to hang out. While the hotel is a bit dated, all sorts of travelers find it meets their needs, especially since rates tend to be lower than other properties in the area. Shoppers especially like its location.

The hotel is situated just off of Orchard Road in the heart of Singapore's shopping belt. Guests who stay here can shop and dine to their hearts' content, and the location is a major draw. Stepping outside the front door, it's shopping malls galore, and there are also many dining options in the area. For those who need some caffeine to fuel their retail pursuits, a Starbucks is right next door. The hotel also makes for a good base for exploring other tourist attractions in Singapore, as the Orchard MRT station is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. Business travelers can reach the Central Business District -- as well as major convention and exhibition centers -- in 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, or 25 minutes by metro. Vibrant Little India is a 20-minute metro journey from the hotel for all manner of shops, bars, and restaurants, while lively Clarke Quay is just over 20 minutes away by metro. The city's famous Henderson Waves Bridge, part of the Southern Ridges Trail, will take about 20 minutes to reach by taxi. Changi International Airport takes about 25 minutes to reach by car, or an hour by public transportation.

While room categories include Superior, Deluxe, Premiere, and Club-level rooms, as well as Suites, there's not much difference when it comes to style. All are reasonably pleasant, and nominally modern. Rooms feature beige color schemes accented by pops of red, with decor that includes clean-lined, dark wood furniture, patterned tan carpeting, and oversized headboards flanked by mirror panels. The soft floral paintings and landscape prints on the walls add an unintentionally dated look to the rooms. There are large desks and ergonomic chairs in Suites and Club Rooms that make them ideal for business travelers. All rooms offer free nonalcoholic minibars and Nespresso coffeemakers -- both replenished daily -- as well as flat-screen TVs, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Corner rooms have sofa beds, while suites add extras like iPod docks and Bose speakers. Many rooms have city views, but they aren't especially remarkable. Contemporary bathrooms have black marble countertops with recessed square sinks, rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries -- they're far more sleek than the rooms themselves. Superior and Deluxe Rooms have showers only, but others have tubs as well. 

All meals, as well as afternoon tea, are served in the lobby-level Carousel Buffet Restaurant, which draws good reviews from guests, especially for its extensive breakfast selection. The huge space is sunny and bright, with citrus green and orange chairs in one section and purple mood lights in another. It's worth noting that alcohol is not served in the restaurant and there is no bar, though alcoholic drinks can be delivered to rooms via room service. Guests staying in Club Rooms have access to the Club Lounge for free breakfast, snacks and soft drinks throughout the day.

The rooftop pool is small but suitable for cooling off in Singapore's notorious heat. Lounge chairs are lined up on the wooden deck, and potted palms add a tropical touch. Umbrellas are provided, but surrounding buildings block much of the sun. The pool is open around-the-clock. The compact fitness center is a bit small for a hotel of this size, but it provides the requisite cardio and weight-training equipment and it's also open 24/7. Large windows overlook the pool and allow in natural light.

The internet lounge offers several computers for guests' use, as well as a printer, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout. Tables and chairs are available for small meetings. Eight meeting rooms total 8,890 square feet and can accommodate business and social gatherings of various sizes. Other amenities include babysitting services, parking for a fee, free Wi-Fi, and discounts at the on-site Mosche Hair Salon.