Arrival/Check-In: I arrived in Singapore in the evening after a long flight from Korea and used The Ritz-Carlton’s complimentary Mercedes pickup at Changi Airport. The driver offered water, Wi-Fi and friendly conversation during the short ride to the hotel. The sweeping driveway leads to one of the most impressive entrances and lobbies I have seen. The valet escorted me through a floor-to-ceiling geometric glass entryway that filled the two-story marble lobby with light. The lobby features notable art and custom sculptures. At the registration desk, tucked to the side, a staff member greeted me personally and escorted me to my room for a quick in-room check-in.
Guest Quarters: My club-level premier suite felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. A bright, long hallway opened into the suite, where warm light wood, large windows and neutral-colored furnishings created a calming, comfortable atmosphere. Natural light flooded the living room, and a seating area to the right included an entertainment corner with a 46-inch flat-screen TV. An espresso machine and a well-stocked minibar were set along the adjacent wall. My favorite feature was the large wooden desk facing the windows, which let in sunlight and provided excellent views of Marina Bay. The desk included plenty of convenient outlets for charging devices.
Double doors led to a bedroom with a king-sized bed and a comfortable mattress. Each bedside table had accessible power outlets and master switches for the suite lighting. Large windows offered a refreshing view to wake up to.
Another set of double doors opened to an expansive marble bathroom with double sinks, a generous mirror and bright, flattering lighting. The freestanding, glass-enclosed shower featured a rain shower head and high-quality Asprey bath amenities. A large hexagonal window beside the tub showcased the Singapore Flyer and allowed abundant natural light. A small walk-in closet just off the bathroom provided ample storage for clothing and personal items.
Services and Amenities: The Club Level on the 32nd floor is a comfortable place to relax, dine or work. I used a full-service meeting room there, which was ideal for private conversations with clients. The lounge itself felt like a refined living room, with a marble buffet that resembled a home kitchen but with professional chefs preparing a polished breakfast service. Each morning I sat by the windows to enjoy my meal while taking in the skyline.
The hotel’s sizable gym on the ground floor sits next to a well-maintained pool area and includes a variety of cardio machines, free weights and a stretching zone. My only critique was the gym temperature, which felt quite warm; only a few fans were running, and it was not ideal for an intense workout.
The property offers several dining options, from sushi to classic afternoon tea to light lunches, each presented in spaces that showcase notable art and thoughtful design.
The Experience: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia is now my favorite hotel in Singapore. The staff are consistently welcoming, and the hotel blends a classic, comfortable ambiance with an impressive art collection. The location is central to shopping and entertainment and a short taxi ride from the financial and business district. When taking a taxi from the hotel, allow at least a 15-minute buffer for departure, as taxi queues and flow can cause delays—an ongoing challenge in Singapore.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
Turn-down service
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Ave.
Singapore 039799
tel 65 6337 8888
ritzcarlton.com