Singapore



The Experience

Not only was Singapore's Ritz-Carlton designed by Pritzker Prize winner John Roche, but it's practically a museum of contemporary art, with 4,200 works including such renowned artists as Andy Warhol and Frank Stella. And not surprisingly, since its opening in 1996, this distinctive 32-story high rise has become a Singapore landmark. Set in seven acres of gardens in the Marina Centre, it seems far from the hustle of Singapore, but it's within easy walking of some of the city's busiest areas -- even the financial district.

The Rooms

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia is probably most famous for its 43-square-feet octagonal bathroom windows -- giant portholes through which bathers can gaze out on the city or the marina. In a city where even luxury accommodations don't run very large, the standard 550-square-feet rooms feel especially spacious with their large windows. Upgrading to a Club Room is practically worth it just for the 360-degree views from the 32nd-floor lounge. Still, unless you need two bedrooms, the best rooms in the house are the 1,077- square-feet corner one-bedroom suites, which are flooded with light, and decorated in pale yellows with Tibetan rugs (though the decor is just beginning to show its age).

The Service

Singapore is an odd island of hyperefficiency in Southeast Asia's sea of tropic heat and dysfunction, but the service is excellent. The staff do their best to personalize service in spite of the hotel's large size, and it's easy to forget you're just a fleeting blip on their radar. The concierge is quick to assess what you want and make a reservation, even at the hottest new spot in town.

The Highlights

The outdoor pool area is an oasis surrounded by palm trees, a place where you can have a casual seafood lunch. But this hotel has defined itself by its dramatic space, and takes full advantage in the other restaurants. Sit down to haute Cantonese cuisine (like wok-fried lamb with black-pepper sauce) in the Summer Pavilion with its dramatic waterfall and the outside gardens on display through huge windows. But even more dramatic is the Chihuly Room (named after the massive glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly), with columns stretching up to the curved glass ceiling -- it's the perfect place for afternoon tea.

-- Laurel Delp

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