Hotel Review: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore (Terrace Room) - Heritage Building in City Hall
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore opened in September 2018 after a series of delays and after checking out the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates last year when I had a stopover in Dubai, I was really curious about Kempinski's first property in Singapore. The 157-room property was restored by acclaimed Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Richard Meier and it features a selection of rooms and suites that have been uniquely configured to complement the architectural features of the building. As some of you may already know, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is housed within Capitol Piazza which is also home to some of the most expensive apartments in Singapore - there is a S$23 million apartment for sale at Eden Residences Capitol.
Bedroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
As a DISCOVERY Loyalty Black (top-tier) member, I was accorded a double-upgrade into a Terrace Room from the lead-in category (Deluxe Room). While individual rooms within the same room category may have different layouts, all the Terrace Rooms here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore come with a private outdoor terrace that overlooks the area. While the Terrace Rooms (45sqm) are not huge, they do come equipped with everything you require for a comfortable stay. There is a large work desk located towards the end of the room and the entrance to the private balcony can be found on the side of that - the weatherstripping on this door is great since it managed to block out all the noise (despite being located on a relatively low level) from the street.
Bedroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
The bedroom of the Terrace Room here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore comes with a massive and comfortable king-size bed (unfortunately, this room type does not come with a twin bed configuration) - if required, an additional roll-away bed can be added to the room for a fee. There is a chair located by the side of the bed which is great for helping you put your shoes on before you leave but if you are thinking about lounging, I would highly recommend the private terrace (since that is one of the unique selling points of this room type). There is a large LCD TV located here in the bedroom with a wide range of cable and satellite channels so it is definitely possible to spend the entire afternoon here in bed if you find something decent enough to watch.
Wireless Charging for Mobile Phones
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Next to the bed is where you will find a control panel for the lights and curtains (which is fairly common in luxury hotels) but what I really appreciated was the wireless charging pad on the bedside table. There is no substitute to a charging cable when your mobile device needs power urgently but I would very much rather leave my phone on a charging pad overnight as opposed to having it plugged in.
Bedroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
All of the rooms and suites here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore enjoy high ceilings and that certainly helps to create an even greater sense of space. However, since the Terrace Room that I stayed in was actually located on the highest floor, it actually has a higher-than-usual ceiling height which I really appreciated. The bedroom might not be excessively big but it was definitely a good size if you are not traveling with too many personal belongings otherwise opening a full-size luggage (or two, if you are traveling with a partner) in this room might become a real challenge.
Nespresso Coffee Machine and Minibar
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
The Terrace Room at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore comes with a fully-stocked minibar (chargeable) as well as complimentary tea and coffee. Unlike most other Kempinski properties, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore did not have a dedicated Executive Lounge (or equivalent space) during my stay but from my understanding, they now offer drinks at the Lobby Lounge for suite guests but I am not sure what is officially included in that newly-introduced benefit. In any case, staying in a Terrace Room will not grant you access to that benefit but having a Nespresso coffee machine in the room certainly helps when you are suffering from a post-lunch syndrome.
Welcome Amenities
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
I received a handwritten card, a bowl of fresh fruits (including longans!) as well as a platter of macarons for my welcome amenity as a DISCOVERY Loyalty Black member. If you are looking for a fast track to DISCOVERY Loyalty Black and do not wish to satisfy the 30-night requirement, the Citi Prestige Card gives you immediate status. While it is not official, cardholders have reported success with getting an extension to the validity of this status so you may wish to try applying for that card if you meet the income requirement. Some of the unique perks of holding Black status in the DISCOVERY Loyalty program includes complimentary pressing of two garments during the stay (something that was not highlighted to me at check-in) as well as a private check-in by Lady in Red.
Private Terrace
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
As you would expect, the Terrace Room here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore comes with a private terrace that looks out to the city or surrounding areas. My room actually looked out to Raffles City (as well as the Swissôtel The Stamford) but you have to actually step on the ledge to have a better view of the area. Now obviously the terrace is not the most exciting looking area and it does not actually have an insane view (since the rooms are located on such a low floor) but it was nice having the space to enjoy the morning sun.
Working on the Terrace
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
In fact, it was actually nice enough to convince me to move my work outside - I grabbed my laptop, a cup of coffee as well as that plate of macarons and actually got quite a bit done in an hour. Do note that hotel guests occupying the rooms next to you can easily peek in to the terrace (if they so desire) so make sure you are decent before stepping out in the open.
Bathroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
The bathroom of the Terrace Room is beautiful and while it is not extremely elaborate, it is decked in timeless classic. There is a deep-soaking (and free-standing) bathtub that is located next to the window at the end of the room so you can enjoy the natural light if you wish. If you prefer to enjoy your bath in darkness, pushing one of the buttons will lower the blackout curtains. Additionally, if you are looking for entertainment while enjoying a soak, there is a TV located in front of the tub.
Bathroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
On the other side of the bathroom is where you will find a separate standing rainshower and the toilet. As mentioned earlier, the rooms here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore have really high ceilings so the rainshower is actually located comparatively higher than most rooms in Singapore. The result of this is an even greater shower experience since you will not be able to touch the shower head when you are standing up (or stretching) - this might sound trivial but it does make a world of difference!
Bath Amenities from Salvatore Ferragamo
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Bath amenities here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore are provided by Salvatore Ferragamo - a brand that I have only gotten at high-end properties like the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund and the Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Taipei. The Tuscan Soul range of products feature notes of bergamot and magnolia - these were also replenished during the morning but unfortunately evening turndown did not happen as requested on one night (I stayed for two nights). On one evening, I have actually specifically requested for evening turndown service but returned back to my room two hours after to find out that it was not done (even though the person over the phone said they would send someone to the room immediately).
Bathroom
Terrace Room - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
The bathroom of the Terrace Room also features double vanity sinks which are great if you are sharing the room - this makes getting up and going to bed so much easier since you do not have to wait for the other person to be done. Complimentary drinking water is also provided in plastic bottles here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore but tap water is potable in this city so feel free to drink from the taps if required - or boil them in the water kettle if you wish to be extra safe.
Interiors
15 Stamford by Alvin Leung - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
If your room rate does come inclusive of breakfast, it will be served at 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung. By booking the Virtuoso Rate here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore (find out more about Virtuoso Rates and what it means), you will get to enjoy the following benefits regardless of your DISCOVERY Loyalty status so I would highly recommend it if you do not hold any status (especially since it is the same price as the flexible rate):
Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
USD 100 equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Champagne Breakfast
15 Stamford by Alvin Leung - The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Complimentary Champagne is served during breakfast here at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore and while they do not really publicise this benefit, you will definitely notice it on the buffet table so feel free to pour yourself a glass after (or before) getting a cup of coffee. There are only a handful of hotels in Singapore that offer a Champagne Breakfast experience and just off the top of my head, I can think of the PARKROYAL on Pickering (Orchid Club rooms and above) as well as the Valley Wing at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.
There was a really nice selection of food from the buffet table during my visit and there was even an eggs menu that you could order from. While the variety may not be as extensive as much larger hotels, I did find most of the dishes to be of higher quality to comparable hotels in the area. If you are looking for food around the property, there is plenty to choose from - crossing the street over to Funan or Raffles City will open up a plethora of food options for you.
Saltwater Relaxation Pool
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
I have enjoyed my stay quite thoroughly at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore - the room rates have gone down slightly (when compared to the initial room rates when the hotel first opened) and while the rooms are not big, they are luxuriously-appointed and they exude timeless elegance. While the client-facing staff on property are all great, I have found the housekeeping staff here to be slightly disgruntled during my two-night stay - they typically avoid eye-contact (or any form of contact for that matter) and missing that turndown request is definitely something you do not expect in a five-star property like The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. With all that being said, the property is located in an amazing location and the hard product is definitely something worth checking out if the price is right.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is part of the Virtuoso network and booking a Virtuoso Rate (essentially the Best Available Rate) will give you exclusive amenities like property credits (typically USD 100), room upgrades and complimentary breakfast. These perks can only be accessed when you book with a Virtuoso advisor and The Shutterwhale partners with ClassicTravel.com to bring these perks to you at no additional charge. Most importantly, you can still earn elite-qualifying nights and points if the hotel participates in a loyalty program (e.g. Marriott Rewards).
Booking Link: Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178906
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Swissôtel The Stamford offers stunning views of Marina Bay and a prime City Hall location, making it an excellent choice for international visitors. While the L65 Lounge serves substantial evening food, the limited alcohol selection might not suit all guests, but the hotel is still a great option for those wanting to experience Singapore’s iconic sights.