Hotel Review: The Westin Singapore (Grand Premier Room) - Quiet Retreat in Marina Bay
The Westin Singapore is one of the newest Marriott properties to reopen for leisure stays in Singapore. Located within Asia Square, an integrated development in Marina Bay, the property may not necessarily be one of the top choices for Singaporeans but it certainly was one of my best stays in a post-COVID world.
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Entrance
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
I have stayed at The Westin Singapore previously as a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member on multiple occasions but this was my first time back at the property since Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening. Even though I did arrive an hour ahead of the official check-in time on a Friday afternoon, my room was ready upon arrival. It is also worth noting that I was not allocated a check-in time for this stay, but I am not sure if that is the usual standard for weekends too. As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member, I was accorded an upgrade from a Deluxe Room to a Grand Premier Room (two categories higher) for the entire duration of my stay. While checking-in to the property, I was also informed of the nightly S$100 F&B credit that I will enjoy in-lieu of the Westin Club Lounge's closure - this is not cumulative and cannot be utilised on the day of departure. The nightly F&B credit (the amount is dependent on the number of occupants that the reservation was made for) will only be awarded to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and higher tier members.
Bedroom
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
The main difference between a Grand Premier room and a Deluxe room (lead-in room category) is the number of floor-to-ceiling windows that it enjoys - the former has two large windows (being a corner room) while the latter only has one. In terms of actual floor space, the Grand Premier Room measures 46 sqm in size while a Deluxe Room can range from 40-50 sqm in size (so the lead-in room category can actually be bigger!). While Grand Premier rooms at The Westin Singapore are all corner rooms, the configuration (and view!) may differ slightly, depending on which one you are assigned to.
Light Controls and Power Outlet
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
The Heavenly Beds here at The Westin Singapore need no introduction but you can be sure of a good night’s rest - I have also found the soundproofing to be done up nicely so if you are a light sleeper like me, you should not have any issues going to sleep here. There is a small panel by the side of the bed where you will be able to control most of the room lights. With that said, you will not be able to control the curtains from this panel - these controls are located by the windows instead. Another thing that you will probably notice is the shortage of universal power outlets. While there are a couple located directly under the television, I was quite surprised to see that most of the power outlets are not universal (especially since this was designed to be a business hotel). Many hotels in Singapore have started to provide a personal care kit that typically contains things like disposable face masks, hand sanitisers, and anti-bacterial wipes. You will find an anti-bacterial wipe by the side of the bed but unfortunately, nothing else will be provided so do remember to pack your own if you are here for a staycation.
Work Desk
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
During my two-night stay at The Westin Singapore, I really appreciated the large work desk by the window as it was the perfect spot to get some stuff done while I was in between appointments. There is a small panel on the side where you will find power outlets so you do not have to worry about running your cables across the room. This is also the perfect spot to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city or the port, depending on the direction that your room is facing.
Sea View
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
As mentioned earlier, Grand Premier rooms are corner rooms and the room that I was assigned to had a nice view of the city from the work desk but also a sea view from the side. The city port’s lease is due to expire in 2027 and the 80 hectares site will be handed back to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) after that - this means that the view from The Westin Singapore will once again change in the future.
Bedroom
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
I really like the abundance of natural light that the Grand Premier rooms enjoy and even though it was incredibly rainy during my stay at The Westin Singapore (it rained for almost the entire week), the views were still fantastic to take in. A wall-mounted HDTV can also be found in the bedroom and it can be adjusted to suit different viewing angles - make sure you angle it towards the bed if you plan on staying in.
Nespresso Coffee Machine
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
While the Westin Club Lounge is currently closed at the time of writing, guests staying at The Westin Singapore will be able to enjoy a freshly-extracted cup of coffee in their rooms by utilising the Nespresso coffee machine located by the minibar. Coffee capsules are provided and they will be replenished during evening turndown and in the morning when the room is made up (if you are staying for more than one night). Complimentary bottled drinking water is also provided but like I have mentioned on several occasions, tap water in Singapore is potable so you do not have to go through the hassle of contributing to land waste.
Teabags from TWG
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
TWG-branded tea bags are also provided here at The Westin Singapore in a slide-out drawer next to the minibar but do note that a non-caffeine option is not available. I am not sure whether it can be requested but if you do enjoy a cup of mint tea or camomile tea before bed, be sure to bring some yourself. Back in 2016, teabags from JING Tea were provided and I personally prefer those over the TWG-branded ones.
Welcome Amenities
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
During my stay at The Westin Singapore, I received some special welcome amenities from the team and one of them is the Buffalo Ricotta & Truffle Honey which is my personal favourite. I used to frequent the bar at Cook & Brew a lot (since the office from my day job was located in Tower 2 of Asia Square) and the team has gotten to know me over the years. While I do not expect this to be extended to all guests, it was certainly a nice gesture that was appreciated.
Bathroom
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
The bathrooms at The Westin Singapore are amongst some of the nicest ones in Singapore - they each have a freestanding bathtub and if I am not mistaken, most of them do come with a floor-to-ceiling window which allows you to look out to the city (or the sea!) while taking a soak. There is also an automated roller blind by the window if you prefer to shower in secrecy but there is nothing like a nice warm bath with a view.
Separate Shower and Toilet
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
There is also a separate shower area here in the bathroom so you do not have to deal with a shub (shower + tub) here at The Westin Singapore. The roller blind (same one as there is only one control for the bathroom) located right next to the shower area can also be lowered using the button located outside the bathroom.
Bath Amenities
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
If you have been to a Westin property before, you should know that the bath amenities are from the typical Fragrant Westin White Tea Heavenly™ range. While they do smell quite nice, these are not premium amenities that you will find in W Hotels or St. Regis properties around the world. With that said, I did enjoy the scent and the bath experience here at The Westin Singapore. Soft bathrobes, as well as slippers, are also provided in the room to create that perfect experience for you at the property.
As I have mentioned at the start of this review, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and higher members will receive a nightly F&B credit of S$100 on eligible stays - this is given in-lieu of the Westin Club Lounge closure. Now you might remember that Marriott Bonvoy members can save up to 30% off the total F&B bill (through 31 January 2021) and this exclusive discount actually stacks with the S$100 nightly credit. This means that you can spend up to S$121++ (before the 30% F&B discount) and you won’t have to fork out a single cent if you do not go beyond that.
Lavender Balm
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
At the time of writing, it is unclear whether the 30% F&B discount will be extended again (since it was supposed to end by 31 December 2020 but was extended by a month) but on a regular day, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and higher members can enjoy up to 20% discount which is still pretty reasonable. I chose to spend the F&B credits from my first night at Cook & Brew - there is also a daily happy hour happening there but do note that these promotional prices will not get a further 30% discount. I retreated back to a nicely turned-down room at the end of the evening and made use of that signature Lavender Balm for a good night’s sleep.
City View
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
While I do live fairly close to the CBD, waking up to the beautiful city view the next morning reminded me a little bit of New York. Perhaps it would be even nicer on a clear day but it felt great to be a tourist in my own country.
In accordance with Safe Management Measures, hotel guests are required to book a time slot at Seasonal Tastes for breakfast. At the time of writing, there are three breakfast time slots available for guests on Saturdays and Sundays:
6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Each breakfast time slot spans over two hours and you can arrive and depart anytime within that period - I highly recommend that you arrive at least one hour before the stipulated end as last orders are taken approximately 30 minutes before the end of that window. Additionally, you should also try to book your breakfast time slot as quickly as possible - it goes without saying that the 9-11 AM time slot is the most popular. Most of the dishes served at breakfast are actually quite good but if you want a recommendation, try the Eggs Benedict and the Nasi Lemak when you are there.
Swimming Pool
The Westin Singapore
While this may not be applicable to everyone, one of the things that I love about The Westin Singapore is its location and proximity to the studios that I typically go to. The property is less than 10 minutes away from leading studios like Barry’s Bootcamp (Raffles Place Reserve), Absolute Cycle (Downtown Gallery), Virgin Active (Marina One), and Pure Yoga. There are plenty of fitness studios located around the hotel so you can actually get a workout in even during your staycation. If you do prefer to stay on property, you will be able to book the gym and pool as well but do try to book these slots as quickly as possible - pool slots, in particular, are extremely popular.
Bar Snacks
Lobby Lounge - The Westin Singapore
If you are staying at The Westin Singapore over a weekend, the food options in the immediate vicinity may be limited but there are actually plenty to choose from if you walk a little further to Marina Bay, Telok Ayer, Amoy Street, or even Tanjong Pagar, just to name a few. As it was storming hard during my stay, I have decided to eat most of my meals on the property, and the in-room dining menu (which is quite reasonably-priced) actually looks good as well.
Bedroom
Grand Premier Room - The Westin Singapore
One common criticism that I hear a lot about The Westin Singapore is its location - it is great on a weekday since the property is located in Marina Bay and the CBD is within walking distance but people generally do not like this location on the weekends. It goes without saying that most of the usual CBD lunch spots are closed during the weekends but there are still plenty of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. I personally love the location of this property and it is truly a hidden gem as it complements my lifestyle in allowing me to run errands, head to a studio for a workout, and still grab a coffee from my favourite joints. Staying at The Westin Singapore is a no-brainer for me (especially since I get a S$100 nightly F&B credit) but I am curious about how the Westin Club Lounge experience will change and I have already made a few more bookings for the months ahead.
The Westin Singapore
12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
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The JW Marriott Auckland is still refurbishing its guest rooms and suites (with an expected completion date in November 2024). I stayed in a Deluxe Room (non-refurbished) and have found the experience to be lacking of a typical JW Marriott property.