W Singapore Sentosa Cove

This seven-story hotel announces its hip factor right away, with a sleek, modern, curving glass exterior that shines purple after dark. A huge W encrusted with floral motifs stands tall out front. Doormen greet guests as they enter the expansive lobby through glass doors. Inside, the lobby is a study in the funky and stylish, with bright pop art on the walls, wood accents all around, and floral motifs everywhere, while gold accents on white sectionals and chairs add a touch of luxury and ultra-modern lighting gives everything a cool glow. While the W can frequently lean towards the bright and garish, this hotel manages to feel light, sophisticated, and breezy, while still embodying the brand's edgy style. In the center courtyard, a huge gold-wrapped candy sculpture takes center stage with a grassy lawn and palm trees surrounding it -- despite all of the brand's luxury trappings, this location is still a good deal of fun and the atmosphere is lively. The hotel allows children, but is best for couples wanting a stylish retreat with plenty of buzz, or those who don't mind trading decent commute to mainland Singapore's sights for a trendy setting.

This W is situated on the resort island of Sentosa next to an upscale marina in exclusive Sentosa Cove. The hotel is on a quiet and private part of the island, surrounded by high-end residential properties and next to Quayside Isle, a two-story waterfront complex of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. A free hotel shuttle transports guests around the island and to the mainland, making this feel like a removed getaway as opposed to a hotel that's right in the middle of the action. It will take at least 15 minutes by car or taxi to reach the CBD and Clarke Quay area of Singapore, and a bit longer to the Orchard Road luxury shops. Guests also can get to the mainland by bus, cable car, taxi, or boat, though the metro does not reach Sentosa. Resorts World Singapore, which includes Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and S.E.A. Aquarium, is a five- to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Changi Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. For boaters, the hotel has a private dock with seven berths. 

Rooms carry W's typically catchy names, starting with entry-level Wonderful Rooms and moving up to Spectacular, Fabulous, Away, Marvelous, Fantastic, and the top end, Wow and Extreme Wow categories. All rooms are modern and hip and feature LED TVs, DVD players, eye-catching wall art, mood lighting, Bose sound-systems, and iPod docking stations. Color schemes range from neutral grays to vivid purple to bold red and black, with sleek wood veneer pieces next to seating with amorphous, futuristic lines. Lighting and other accents are funky and fun. Some rooms even have barrel chairs hanging from the ceiling and we particularly liked the rustic, boho accents in the Away Suite that we visited (think: hand-spun headboards next to shaggy-chic chairs and carved hardwood accents). Bathrooms are stylish and modern as well, and can feature quirky design elements like a sculpted hand mounted on the wall that holds a vase. Amenities include robes and slippers, makeup mirrors, hairdryers, Bliss toiletries, and separate tubs and showers. In some guest rooms, furnished balconies have nice island views, and some rooms even have their own plunge pools. Lower-floor rooms may have unimpressive views from their windows.

Like every other aspect of this shimmery, modern hotel, the dining and drinking destinations have plenty of see-and-be-seen pizzazz. The hotel's signature restaurant, The Kitchen Table, serves international selections, while also providing the hotel's impressive breakfast buffet with plenty of hot and cold options and live cooking stations. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included in room rates. Skirt restaurant serves Argentinian, Australian, and U.S. steaks and seafood with dining inside or out. The hotel also has two bars, one in the lobby and one at the pool. The huge 24/7 pool is among the biggest in Singapore, and services include sunglass polishing, wet wipes, green apples, ice, water guns, and reading materials. Lounge chairs and umbrellas line the pool deck, and a swim-up bar serves drinks and light fare. Bean bag chairs and hanging hammocks are nice for lounging on the lawn under palm trees, and cabanas are available. The hotel has free bicycles for guests to use to explore the premises and around Sentosa Cove. The Away Spa is a hip, modern space offering a variety of indulgent services such as massages, facials, and body treatments, and a decompression area features a sauna, steam room, vitality room with body jets, and several special showers. The hotel's fitness center is more like a true gym. It's a bright space with funky lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden. Equipment includes modern cardio machines, weight-training machines, yoga mats, exercise balls, and free weights.  The Wired Business Center offers computers for guests to use, as well as free office supplies, faxing and printing services, and packing and shipping. The eight meeting rooms are suitable for business and social gatherings, and the outdoor terrace is a lovely place for receptions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and car services can be arranged. Additionally, the hotel runs a free shuttle to select destinations around Sentosa and mainland Singapore.