Hotel Review: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Introduction | Fullerton Hotel Singapore
There's something undeniably magnetic about certain hotels that tell stories through their walls, and few tell them quite like The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its abundant history throughout time. From the moment you get off the taxi or Grab, you’re transported back into a time of Singapore history. Through the impressive colonial façade, the grandeur of Singapore's past seamlessly intertwined with contemporary luxury and its amazing 5 star service.
Before becoming one of Singapore's most prestigious five-star hotels, the Fullerton Building stood as a testament to British colonial architecture and power. Completed in 1928, it initially served as Singapore's General Post Office, the Exchange Room, and the prestigious Singapore Club. The building's Palladian architecture, with its imposing Doric columns and classic lines, was designed by Major P.H. Keys and Shanghai-based architectural firm Messrs Keys & Dowdeswell. If you’re walking around the hotel, you may find yourself admiring the books that document the rich history of the hotel.
The transformation into a luxury hotel in 2001 marked a new chapter in the building's history, while carefully preserving its heritage status. Today, this national monument stands proudly at the mouth of the Singapore River, a pristine white landmark that bridges Singapore's colonial past with its cosmopolitan present.
Location | Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Occupying a prime position at the gateway to the Central Business District, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore offers an unbeatable home base for exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. It is situated directly across from Merlion Park and within a short stroll of cultural heavyweights like the National Gallery Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the ArtScience Museum. Visitors can enjoy leisurely waterfront walks to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or take a ten-minute wander to the bustling nightlife and dining hubs of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. For a taste of local food, the historic Lau Pa Sat hawker center is just minutes away, while major shopping destinations like Marina Bay Sands and Raffles City are easily accessible via the nearby Raffles Place MRT station.
Hotel Grounds
Once the city's General Post Office, the building’s grand neoclassical design is anchored by a soaring, sun-drenched atrium that serves as its heart, where the hum of travelers replaces the sorting of letters. Its massive fluted Doric columns and Palladian symmetry speak to a century of history, having served as a lighthouse for mariners and a strategic stronghold during World War II before its meticulous transformation into a national monument.
The interior elements seamlessly weave these historic stories into a sophisticated aesthetic, featuring polished Italian marble floors and intricate cornices that mimic the original 1928 craftsmanship. Guests can find subtle nods to the past throughout the lobby and common spaces, blending the building's industrial roots with opulent finishes.
The Heritage Gallery: A dedicated space near the lobby showcasing rare postal artifacts and interactive exhibits that detail the building’s evolution from Fort Fullerton to a luxury landmark.
Original Postal Relics: Look for the preserved red pillar post box—the only one of its kind left in Singapore—where you can still mail commemorative postcards.
Architectural Motifs: The lobby features 20-foot tall columns and massive staircases that were once the private domain of the elite Singapore Club.
The Courtyard Atrium: A massive, glass-ceilinged space that allows natural light to illuminate the intricate motifs and historic stonework of the interior facade.
Premier Courtyard Room | Fullerton Hotel Singapore
A quick check-in experience in the afternoon brought me to my room - my residence for the duration of my stay was the Courtyard Premier Room (Room 742), a generous 45-square-meter (484-square-foot) of thoughtfully appointed space. The interior aesthetic pays homage to the building’s storied past through a palette of soft beige tones, anchored by dark wood furnishings and accented with subtle gold flourishes. While the property possesses a classic patina that hints at its history, the impeccable soft service and meticulous attention to guest comfort—from the high-caliber bedding to the exceptional shower pressure—ensure it remains a formidable peer to Singapore’s newer luxury developments.
Upon entry, the room unfolds with classic luxury - elegant marble bathroom to the left and a well-proportioned dressing area to the right. The centerpiece of the living space is a king-sized bed, dressed in 400-thread-count linens that offer a superlative sleep experience. Adjacent to this, an expansive executive desk and ergonomic chair are positioned before elegant French windows. These windows overlook the sunlit atrium; while they bathe the room in natural light, the inward-facing view suggests closing the blinds in the evening for absolute privacy.
The in-room refreshments are quintessentially Singaporean, featuring a curated selection of TWG teas and a Nespresso machine. In a commendable move toward sustainability, the hotel provides chilled water in bespoke glass carafes, replenished via a premium filtration system integrated into the suite.
Bathroom | Premier Courtyard Room
The bathroom of the Premier Courtyard room is a masterclass in neoclassical luxury, swathed in generous expanses of Italian marble. A grand vanity with an integrated illuminated mirror offers a spacious environment, ideal for couples or the discerning traveler who values ample counter space. The centerpieces of the suite are the deep-soaking tub and a separate glass-enclosed rain shower, the latter of which delivers an exceptionally powerful and invigorating flow.
The hotel’s commitment to quality is further evidenced by its choice of Balmain Paris bath amenities; the sophisticated scent profile perfectly complements the property's heritage character. With plush terry-cloth robes, oversized slippers, and meticulously curated essentials, the space successfully evokes the tranquil atmosphere of a private spa. Even with it’s age, the soft product easily outweighs the bathroom’s current limitations.
Town Restaurant | Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Breakfast at The Town Restaurant is an event in itself. Housed in a bright, naturally-lit space with views of the Singapore River, the morning spread is nothing short of spectacular. The international buffet seamlessly blends Western favorites with Asian specialties – from perfectly executed eggs Benedict to dim sum and local Singaporean dishes like Nasi Lemak. I really like the laksa and chicken noodle dishes that they provide, as these were quite outstanding, along with their chicken and rice dishes. The fruit section was great, along with an acai bowl section(!), which provided a ton of toppings. This was a super great addition.
The quality of ingredients stands out, particularly in the artisanal bread selection and fresh tropical fruits. Service is attentive without being intrusive, with staff readily available to accommodate special requests or prepare eggs to order. The restaurant's heritage-meets-modern aesthetic provides an elegant backdrop to start the day.
Amenities | Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Regrettably, my scheduled itinerary left little room to fully immerse myself in the hotel’s recreational offerings—a missed opportunity, given their caliber. The 25-meter outdoor infinity pool, situated on the second level, provides a sublime retreat with a sweeping vista of the Singapore skyline. Framed by comfortable loungers and supported by intuitive poolside service, this urban oasis remains a vibrant focal point of the property, retaining its allure regardless of the hour or the weather.
The fitness center, though intimate in scale, is curated with precision. It features a sophisticated suite of TechnoGym equipment, a comprehensive selection of free weights, and notably, a StairMaster—a welcome addition for those committed to a rigorous cardio regimen. The facility is bathed in natural light and maintained to an immaculate standard, with chilled water and fresh linens readily available. For those seeking a more solitary experience, the early morning hours offer a tranquil environment perfectly suited for maintaining one's wellness routine. Given the limitations of the hotels’s architecture, the facility is still well designed and useful during peak work hours.
Curated for Class?
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore masterfully navigates the intersection of colonial heritage and contemporary opulence. While its premium positioning is reflected in the nightly rates—with Courtyard Premier Rooms typically starting from SGD 450—the investment is well-justified. Guests are rewarded with an unrivaled location, a world-class breakfast curated for the discerning palate, and the rare opportunity to reside within a national monument.
While the property maintains its classic charm, guests may notice minor vestiges of its age, such as a traditional interior aesthetic and occasional pauses at the elevator banks during peak hours. However, these are negligible footnotes in an otherwise stellar narrative. For those yearning for the golden age of travel without sacrificing modern comforts, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore delivers an experience of timeless prestige that remains difficult to surpass.
Beyond its grand neoclassical facade, the Fullerton distinguishes itself through impeccable soft service and a meticulous attention to detail. This makes it a premier destination for both corporate leaders and leisure travelers. While Singapore’s skyline continues to welcome avant-garde luxury developments, few can rival the Fullerton’s storied soul and refined elegance. To stay here is to immerse oneself in the very fabric of Singapore’s history.
Curated for Class Final Score | 40.5/50
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a masterclass in heritage luxury, seamlessly blending the building’s storied neoclassical past with impeccable five-star service. While its classic design reflects its history, the unrivaled location and meticulous attention to detail make it an essential stay for those seeking timeless prestige in the heart of the Lion City.
Ambiance: 8/10
Room: 8/10
Food & Beverage: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Does it Feel Special: 8.5/10