The Westin Singapore

Singapore, often referred to as the Lion City, is a vibrant city-state known for its modern skyline, diverse cultural heritage, and culinary delights. As part of our family trip, we had the opportunity to stay at The Westin Singapore. After a fantastic time in Bali, our expectations were high for our Singapore stay. And since we’re only staying for 3 days before our next flight to Frankfurt, in Germany, we picked The Westin Singapore Hotel for its’ close proximity to many tourist attractions that Singapore has to offer. 

Arrival and Check-in Experience: 

Arriving at the hotel on this rainy and Chinese New Year’s Day, after a dramatic 25-minute ride from Changi International Airport using Grab, a popular rideshare service, we encountered further complications when we realized that our chosen payment method was set to cash instead of credit card on the Grab’s mobile app. Although we had US Dollars in our possessions, unfortunately the driver wouldn’t accept that. But fortunately, the hotel swiftly resolved the issue by paying the driver directly and billing the ride amount to our room, ensuring a smooth arrival experience.

From this trip: Japan Airlines First Class

 

To complete the check-in formalities, we were directed by the bellmen on the ground floor to the elevator taking us to the 32^nd floor where the hotel lobby is located.

The check-in process itself was a typical Westin/Marriott Hotels process, lacking any special touches. Unlike our welcome experience at AC Hotels Tokyo Ginza, and even at Hilton Garden Inn Jakarta. But as a Marriott Ambassador elite member, I was thanked for my loyalty, and was informed of some of the elite benefits like lounge access, and complimentary breakfast. We were informed we could have breakfast at the restaurant, which was a plus, but reason being the fact that we have a baby.

Also from this trip: Tokyo to Jakarta in JAL Business Class Boeing 767

 

I was assigned a “larger room” on the 43rd floor, which is one of the rooms with a view of the hotel pool and Marina Bay. 

Room Experience: 

The 1 King Bed, Large Room itself fell short of expectations. Compared to other Westin Hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, particularly in remote areas of North America, this room was dated and in need of refurbishment. We were provided with a 1 King size bed, nightstands on either side, but the most inconvenient aspect was the absence of useful power outlets or USB ports near the bed. Charging electronic devices while in bed became a challenge, and it was disappointing that this basic amenity was lacking.

Also from this trip: The Laguna Resort & Spa, Bali

 

The international standard power outlets that pretty much any guests can use are located on the wall next to the work desk and the TV. While useful, it can be quite frustrating when guests are in bed and needed to charge their devices.

However, the bathroom proved to be the highlight of the room. Featuring a deep soaking bathtub situated in front of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the harbor, a separate walk-in shower, a single vanity, and a hairdryer, it provided a serene space for relaxation. 

Also from this trip: Bali to Singapore in Singapore Airlines Business Class

 

Another thing I would like to commend the hotel for, is by accommodating our request for a baby’s bathtub. Having this amenity readily available was greatly appreciated.

The Hotel Amenities: 

Located on the 35th floor is the Westin Club where Marriott Bonvoy platinum, titanium, and ambassador elites plus one guest have complimentary access to. Unlike my lounge experience at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja in Nigeria, where guests were treated to a world-class service, regrettably, my experience at The Westin Singapore lounge was mediocre at best. The self-serve selection of whiskey, vodka, and red wines did not compensate for the absence of snacks or light bites during my visit. Even The Sheraton Lagos Hotel which is more dated than the Westin Singapore provided me a better customer service.

The fitness center at The Westin Singapore, located on the 35th floor along with the Westin Heavenly Spa and the Westin Club, offers a well-equipped space for guests to maintain their exercise routines. With a range of cardio and strength-training equipment, it caters to different fitness needs. The large floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and panoramic views of the city, creating a motivating atmosphere for workouts. The fitness center is clean, well-maintained, and provides a pleasant environment for guests to stay active during their stay.

The pool at The Westin Singapore, also situated on the 35th floor, offers a refreshing retreat for guests looking to relax and unwind. The pool area features comfortable lounge chairs, inviting guests to bask in the warm Singapore sun and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline. 

Breakfast: 

While I chose to skip breakfast on the first morning due to personal reasons, I did have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast on the second day before departing for my flight to Frankfurt, Germany. The breakfast spread at the Seasonal Tastes restaurant, located on the 32nd floor, was undoubtedly the highlight of the dining experience. 

The wide variety of options, including Roti, Chicken and Vegetable Curry, Fried Rice, Grilled Chicken, and an Omelet station, among others, showcased the culinary prowess of the restaurant. And that’s not all, the hotel also offer alcoholic drinks at breakfast.

Other Amenities and Surroundings: 

Despite the inclement weather during our stay, The Westin Singapore lacked the convenient provision of umbrellas that one would typically find at most hotels. Instead, umbrellas were stored inside the bellman/valet station office by the entrance, and guests were required to provide their room number to receive one. It was indicated that failure to return the umbrella would result in a replacement fee of S$20 being charged to the room.

On a positive note, the hotel deserves credit for its internet connectivity. The high-speed Wi-Fi not only delivered excellent performance but also maintained a strong connection throughout the hotel premises. Even as I walked around the nearby Asia Square Towers 1 & 2 and the food court next door, the Wi-Fi connection remained reliable.

One of the hotel’s selling points is its proximity to popular attractions in Singapore, as well as its location in the bustling financial district. This central location makes it an appealing choice for many visitors, with convenient access to public transportation stations, malls, and restaurants.

Customer Service: 

The disappointing aspect of our stay was the lackluster customer service. As we prepared to check out, I requested assistance with luggage, but no one showed up even after a 20-minute wait. In the end, we had to manage our four bags and a baby without any assistance. Such mixed customer service is simply questionable, leaving the impression that the services here at The Westin Singapore is kind of a hit or miss.

Verdict: 

Overall, my stay at The Westin Singapore left much to be desired. The lack of attention to detail and subpar customer service overshadowed the few positive aspects of the experience. Although the breakfast spread was exceptional and the shower in the room provided a great experience, these positives were outweighed by the room’s outdated condition and the mediocre offerings in The Westin Club.

Considering the lacking customer service and overall experience, I cannot envision booking this hotel in the near future. I believe there are undoubtedly other Marriott hotels in the area that would offer better service and provide greater value for the money.