The Hotel Located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar right above the MRT station, I finally checked in to Sofitel Singapore City Centre recently by means of utilising my SingapoRediscovers Vouchers. Although I have dined at Racines multiple times and have used the pool at the hotel multiple times by virtue of my Virgin Active gym membership, I was still excited for my stay.

While the main entrance of the Accor property is on ground level, the lobby of the hotel is on level 5. I received an email from the hotel prior to my stay to indicated my check-in time, and I was happy that my room was ready at 1pm. The check-in process was extremely smooth and thankfully no long queues. The lobby of Sofitel Singapore City Centre is spacious as it also houses 1864 The Bar. Overall, the interior of the hotel finishing is luxurious and contemporary.

Another noteworthy mention is that Sofitel Singapore City Centre is the third Sofitel property in Singapore, after So Sofitel Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

The Room At 38sqm, the Luxury Room is the entry level room type in this property which I booked and it is definitely spacious enough for a basic stay. My room faces the pool, which is great to assess the crowd at the pool.

I like the fact that the room is very well-maintained, clean in general and is decked in soothing neutral tones. There is a spacious work desk if you ever need to work during your stay, a comfortable king size bed, Nespresso coffee machine and TWG tea. These are the standard amenities I am expecting for a five star hotel so no surprises there.

The bathroom is another highlight of the room as it is very spacious for a entry level room type. It comes with a bathtub (though without a TV or window view) and separate rainforest shower area. The Lanvin amenities excite me a little as well.

The Facilities Most of the hotel’s facilities are on level 6, and that’s where the gym SoFit and pool are located. The gym only admits 4 persons for each 45 minutes slot currently, and it is frankly too short for a work out. That said, I appreciate the good service of the staff in being flexible of allowing me to extend my session if there is a vacant slot. It is not a huge gym, but well-equipped. In normal times, hotel guests are able to make use of the neighbouring Virgin Active gym but this has been suspended till further notice.

The pool of this property overlooks the surrounding office buildings, so there is not much privacy in that sense. However, it is designed in a long shape which makes it ideal for lap swimming. There is also a separate jacuzzi zone! If you love a big sofa seat, do note that there are only three available.

If your room comes with lounge access, Club Millésime is also located on the same level as the pool. The lounge only opens to booking for one hour slot in the evening, where canapés and beverages are served. I would say the spread is limited and average, though champagne is served which should be a crowd-pleaser.

In terms of the space of Club Millésime, there are outdoor seats overlooking the pool, otherwise there are different sections indoor for various group sizes. My pick is the indoor table overlooking the pool as the high neck seats give that added privacy.

The Restaurants At the lobby is 1864 The Bar, the bar concept of the hotel which is also the space for afternoon tea in the day. For all-day dining and breakfast, Racines is the resident restaurant of the property. The cuisine at Racines is French-Chinese for its lunch and dinner menu. The space of Racines is spacious and beautiful in the day with ample natural light.

During breakfast for my stay, the spread is not that extensive as compared to other stays I have done post circuit breaker. Most of the selections are western options like eggs and pancakes, with limited oriental options like dim sum and noodles.

Rants No carpark redemption for hotel guest, and the carpark charges at Guoco Tower can be hefty on weekdays. The current 45 minutes for the SoFit gym slot is too short as well.

Overall Experience I had an overall pleasant stay at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Service is generally good, room is on par with my expectations, and the shortfall is the breakfast as I expected better standards from Racines.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885

For more information, do check out Sofitel Singapore City Centre website.

Ranted by The Ranter