Hotel Review: Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena (Premier Skyline Room)

The Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is one of the newest hotels to open in Singapore. While many hotels did open in Singapore last year, there are only a handful more that are slated to open in 2018. Located just a short stroll away from Novena MRT Station, the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is the tallest hotel in the area and it is also a stone's throw away from some of Singapore's best hospitals (making it perfect for medical tourism as well!). 

Click HERE to check out the room rates of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena!

Urbana Rooftop Bar
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

As you may already know, the Courtyard by Marriott brand was first introduced into the market about 30 years ago and it was created at that time to meet the expectations of business travellers. Over the years, the brand has evolved into providing business travellers as well as leisure guests a comfortable environment that celebrates openness and collaboration - this is why you will find plenty of open spaces in this property. 

Bedroom
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

There are five main room categories here at the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena and I do believe that it is important to mention that the rooms are all identical - the only differences are the location of the room (higher floor rooms are typically more expensive) as well as the amenities that you can find within each room. During my stay, I was booked into a Premier Skyline Room (which is just one category down from the highest room category, Premier Corner Room) which is located on the highest floors of the property - the view from the bedroom speaks for itself. 

Bedroom
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

The Premier Skyline Room here at the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is 22sqm in size and while the room size is definitely below the average room size of this category in Singapore, there use of space is actually quite smart. The wardrobe is cleverly hidden away by a sliding door that can be closed - another door located directly in front of it can be used to 'close' the bathroom up so you get some privacy in the event that you are sharing the room. 

King-size Bed
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

The king-size Serta bed in my room was a dream to sleep on and the air-conditioning worked perfectly. For those of you who like to sleep in very cold rooms (like myself!), it is definitely possible here. Reading lights are also provided on both sides of the bed and the master light switch is also conveniently located on one side of the bed so you do not actually have to step out of it (and trust me, you wouldn't want to) once you are comfortable. 

View from Room
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

As mentioned earlier, the view from the Premier Skyline Room is really quite amazing and with the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena being one of the tallest buildings in the area, the view is truly breathtaking. On a clear day, you would even be able to spot buildings that you never knew existed in Singapore! For myself, I was just thankful to be looking out to that patch of lush greenery on the top left hand area. The large windows in the bedroom also make the room feel larger than just 22sqm as it creates a greater sense of space. 

USB Charging Port and Power Outlet
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

International travellers will also be able to power up their laptops and other devices easily here at the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena since all the guest rooms are equipped with universal power outlets. A USB charging port is also provided by the bed for you to charge your mobile phone (since it truly is the first and last thing we see every single day). 

Welcome Amenities
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

I received a platter of green apples and a bottle of pomegranate & elderflower beverage as a welcome amenity. There was also a card (addressed to me) to welcome me to the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. 

Nespresso Coffee Machine
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

Apart from the location of the rooms, one of the key differentiating factors of the Premier Skyline Room as compared to the lead-in category room type is the existence of a Nespresso coffee machine in room. While it may not seem like a big deal for a lot of people (since the price difference can probably buy you a lot more coffee outside), it is important to me and there is nothing I like more than waking up to the smell of freshly-extracted espresso shots. Complimentary coffee pods are also provided in the room and these are replenished each day when your room is made up in the morning. 

Complimentary Teabags
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

Alternatively, if you prefer to have tea instead of coffee, the teabags (as well as freeze-dried coffee) can be found in the other drawer directly opposite the coffee machine (I did not manage to see them initially). You will also find cups and glasses in this drawer which I thought was a rather nice touch since various select-service properties in Singapore only provide you with a single mug which you will then have to use for everything. 

Mini Refrigerator (Empty)
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

You will also find a mini refrigerator here in your room - they are not stocked with expensive beverages so feel free to buy your own and fill them up. There is a supermarket located in the shopping mall next door so you are in good hands where drinks and snacks are concerned. 

Bathroom
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

The Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena features an open-concept bathroom in the guest rooms but with that being said, it is possible to close it up (via the use of sliding doors) if you require some privacy. The only thing to take note however is that there is no lock on the bathroom doors so make sure you keep this in mind if you are sharing the room with an acquaintance (even though you probably shouldn't). 

Bathroom
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

There is no bathtub here but there is a rain-shower which is great for those warm afternoons in Singapore where you feel like you really need multiple showers throughout the day to stay cool. 

In-house Branded Bath Amenities
Premier Skyline Room - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

Bath amenities are provided by Nirvae which I believe is created for certain brands within the Marriott portfolio - nothing too exciting but it does the job. 

Buffet Breakfast
Sky22 - Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

If your room comes with a breakfast-inclusive rate, it will be served at Sky22 (which is the property's all-day dining restaurant). I was told that my room did not come with breakfast (even though it did!) and therefore there would be an additional charge but this was quickly ironed out when I checked-out of the property. If breakfast is not inclusive in the room rate that you have paid, there are plenty of dining options in the area that range from fast food chains to local breakfasts - I would actually suggest for you to roam about the area for food since there are so many options!

Infinity Pool
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

I have not stayed in a Courtyard by Marriott property so the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is my first. While I was previously expecting it to resonate the same values of a select service property like the Holiday Inn Express or the Doubletree by Hilton, it has proven to be that much more - the rooms are nice (albeit small) and the higher-tier rooms even have a Nespresso coffee machine that even some five-star properties in Singapore do not have. The relatively high price-tag of this property may put locals off since the competition may be quite tough on weekends but if you do have to visit Novena for work or medical tourism, this is probably the best property you can stay in in the area. 

Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Rd, Singapore 329568
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