Review: The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

Behind the Fullerton Hotel’s stately edifice, there is more to this Singapore icon than just stylish rooms, exceptional food and a convenient location, says Elizabeth Fritz.

As part of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee celebration, The Fullerton Hotel was listed as the city’s 71st National Monument. Though a remarkable honour, it’s not surprising.

History

The imposing neoclassical building is one of Singapore’s most iconic buildings with a unique history; it was constructed between 1924 and 1928 to house the General Post Office and has witnessed Singapore’s rise from colonial outpost to global metropolis.

It’s not every day that you can stay in a living museum and so, when the opportunity arises, we are prompt to check in.

Atmosphere and services

Singapore Fullerton Hotel Presidentail Suite living room marble floor — The grand living room of the marble-floored Presidential Suite in the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore.

Upon arrival, we enter a grand lobby with soaring ceilings.

Open to the public, this space is not merely for checking in: it houses restaurants, a bar, an art gallery, boutiques, a salon, and The Fullerton Cake Boutique, which is dedicated to some very special sweets that are baked on the premises (you must try!).

The space is bustling with activity: Champagne glasses are clinking, tea is being poured and fine food is being served.

The room

After a speedy and efficient check-in our luggage is whisked away, and my husband and I arrive at our Palladian Suite at the end of a long corridor.

Oh my! The first thing we notice is the incredible view over the city and riverside.

The bedroom has an extra sitting area and is spacious, elegant and squeaky-clean, while the décor is traditional with warm timbers and neutral soft furnishings.

A luxurious marble-clad bathroom with large bath and a separate shower is well stocked with Bottega Veneta toiletries. Extra touches include seasonal fruit, gourmet teas, and Nespresso.

Food

Our room allows us access to The Straits Club: a quiet oasis where we can escape the crowds and indulge in Champagne breakfasts, sumptuous afternoon teas and a daily canapé and cocktail hour.

The hotel passionately embraces Singapore’s love affair with food; the choice is almost overwhelming.

Be sure to make space for classic Hainanese chicken rice at Town Restaurant: perfectly poached chicken in a fragrant broth served with rice and condiments.

Breakfast in The Straits Club is also a celebration of multiple cuisines; we fall in love with the congee and nourishing pork broth with crunchy toppings.

Complementary tour

But beyond the food and cushy interiors, we want to learn more about this exquisite building. We join a complimentary heritage tour run by entertaining historical guide, Florence.

Singapore Fullerton Hotel Palladian Suite Views Marina Bay — The Fullerton Hotel enjoys impressive views overlooking Marina Bay in Singapore
photo: Elizabeth Fritz).

The Fullerton Building, named after Sir Robert Fullerton, first governor of the Straits Settlement, was a major communications hub of its time and the birthplace of modern-day Singapore; it saw mountains of telegrams, money orders and parcels pass through its doors.

During WWII, the building served as a hospital, and was later home to several government departments.

There was even a lighthouse on top of the building, which operated till 1978; it was converted to a hip rooftop bar for the hotel’s opening in 2001 and is a great spot to enjoy fine wine and take in some of the best views across Singapore.

The infinity pool doesn’t fare too badly when it comes to views, either.

Later that afternoon, as I’m enjoying a refreshing dip, it dawns on me how special it is to reside in a landmark property that’s not only steeped in history, but is also a powerful symbol of modern-day Singapore and, now, a National Monument.

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The details

The Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square, Singapore

The IT Verdict

It’s very special indeed to be able to stay in an historical treasure where you can immerse yourself in history while at the same time enjoying everything a first-class hotel has to offer.

Location: 9 / 10

An excellent location in the centre of the business and arts districts. Stroll along the river taking in the public art, walk to galleries, museums, restaurants and to the MRT line.

Style / character: 9 / 10

The understated elegance is a fine example of sensitively combining the old with the new.

Service: 9.5 / 10

I really couldn’t fault the friendly and attentive staff. I was impressed by the attention to detail and the high level of efficiency.

Rooms: 8 / 10

The rooms are in keeping with the heritage of the hotel and are styled in classic neutral tones. The décor is on the safe side, but the fit-out is top quality and will guarantee a good night’s sleep.

Food and drink: 9 / 10

Singapore’s multicultural society translates deliciously into its vibrant food scene. And the hotel’s dining offering matches this with endless choice; you can have anything from Chinese to Indian to Japanese and Italian.

Value for money: 8 / 10

Our Palladian Suite with access to The Straits Club came to $680 per night. For the experience, it was worth it.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.