12 Reasons Why The Fullerton Hotel Makes For a Great Staycation + GIVEAWAY!

Media Review

I have passed through its regal-looking lobby once and the one thing The Fullerton Hotel struck me was how different its interior was compared to the usual hotel chains. Clearly being conferred the title of a national monument is already testament to its splendid architecture and imposing presence but how does the building rate in terms of a staycation?

But given that the 5-star hotel is housed in a Singapore icon, I guess it should come as no surprise that a staycation at The Fullerton Hotel ranked as one of our best staycations yet. And with Mother's Day coming up, here are the reasons - all 12 of them - why the hotel makes for a great staycation choice with the family.

1. Rich Heritage

If you wish to stay in a five-star hotel in Singapore that boasts rich history, look no further than The Fullerton Hotel. This grand Neoclassical building situated at the mouth of the Singapore River was once Singapore’s General Post Office, and housed several government departments, where some of Singapore’s pioneer leaders began their careers. It has also been witness to several historic events during the Japanese Occupation and the post-war period.

On 7 December 2015, the National Heritage Board (NHB) gazetted the Building as Singapore’s 71st National Monument, concluding a series of gazettes in celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee.

Stepping into the atrium of The Fullerton Hotel is an experience in itself. The high ceilings, gigantic pillars and beams all contribute to the majestic aura that the building exudes.

For a building that has been featured so significantly in the history of Singapore, I would say that the Fullerton Building – with its beautiful Palladian facade – is a landmark that even locals have to step inside at least once in their lifetime.

2. Lavish & Comfortable Rooms

Of course, the acid test when it comes to any staycation involving the monkies will be the hotel's guest rooms. So I guess the sight of them zooming right onto the comfy bed (and refusing to get up) upon entering spoke volumes then.

We stayed in the Palladian Suite, a one-bedroom suite with an adjoining spacious living area.

From the soft vanilla coloured walls to freshly-pressed sheets, everything was undeniably plush.

All rooms come with a fully stocked mini-bar, coffee and tea making facilities, fresh fruits, complimentary WiFi, and a bathroom with separate bathtub and shower room. Oh and speaking of the bathroom, it too boasts a stair stepper machine... because the buffets at the hotel are too good to resist, I presume.

And yes, even luxurious Bottega Veneta bath amenities!

But the clincher for me had got to be the magnificent view that our suite was blessed with.

Seriously, I can just laze in bed and soak in the view ALL DAY. 

Not that the monkies will let me though.

3. Free 'handy' Smartphone Usage

Each room also comes equipped with a smartphone which is free to use for guests during the duration of their stay.

No games in this smartphone nicknamed 'handy' though. Rather, the phone comes pre-loaded with chock-ful of helpful articles on food, shopping, and attractions in Singapore. And the best part is guests are able to take it out of the hotel as well as it comes with unlimited mobile internet, unlimited local and overseas (selected destinations) calls - all FREE! Nice.

4. Wonder Full Light Show

Yet another reason to stay in a room at Fullerton Hotel with a view facing Marina Bay - be rewarded with this spectacular sight come nightfall.

Billed as Southeast Asia’s largest light and water show, Wonder Full at Marina Bay Sands is a stunning showpiece of visual effects crafted with interweaving lasers, searchlights, LEDs, video projectors and giant streaming water screens.

Perfomances are scheduled nightly at the following times: Sunday to Thursday at 8pm and 9:30pm; 

Friday & Saturday at 8pm, 9:30pm and 11pm.

5. Kids Are Well Taken Care Of

At Fullerton Hotel, kids are made to feel like kings and queens, thanks to the personal attention and gifts lavished upon them during the stay.

'Our Fullerton Adventure' colouring books are provided to all little guests but these are not just ordinary colouring books - kids will be able to learn more about Fullerton Hotel and its surroundings through solving puzzles and colouring.

But the icing on the cake for the monkies has got to be these passes.

Yes, ice cream passes. And ONLY kids are eligible for these passes, as the wifey and I sadly found out. The passes allowed them to redeem a scoop of ice cream daily at Town Restaurant. Well technically it is only one scoop per day but the staff are more than happy to oblige any kids who fancy more than one scoop. How's that for sweet service!

6. Fullerton Spa Experience

Now who doesn't love a spa experience - especially when it allows parents to relax and spend a little time away from the kids?

And the treatments at The Fullerton Spa definitely will not disappoint. Score plenty of brownie points with the missus when you pack her off to the Spa for its signature 60-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience, which is included in the Mother’s Day Stay, Spa and Dine promotion package by the way. More details of the package at the end of the post but let's just say the massage experience will have the wifey skipping happily back to the room.

7. Club Lounge Access

If you need another reason to book the Mother’s Day Stay, Spa and Dine package at The Fullerton Hotel, how about this?

Privileged access to the hotel’s executive lounge, The Straits Club!

Privileges of The Straits Club include round-the-clock personalised service, in-room registration, a complimentary daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and cocktails in a dedicated lounge with a vintage Peranakan decor featuring Straits Chinese artefacts.

Little wonder the monkies were always glancing at their watches to keep track of the next chomping session at The Straits Club!

8. Visit The Fullerton Heritage Gallery

The Fullerton Heritage Gallery showcases the rich heritage and history of the precinct.

The 800-square foot gallery features displays that include photographs, maps, stamps and philatelic materials that date back to 1932. Some of the highlights include two red pillar post boxes, which found its way to the streets of Singapore in 1873 during the British Colonial rule, and the return of the Foundation Stone laid by the first President of Singapore, Mr Yusof bin Ishak.

The gallery’s opening hours are from 9am to 10pm daily, and admission is FREE.

9. Go on a FREE Fullerton Heritage Tour

If you wish to find out more about the rich history of The Fullerton Building and its surrounding areas, I highly recommend signing up for one of the two Fullerton Heritage Tours that the hotel conducts - both of which are FREE.

For those wanting to know more the building's past, go for THE FULLERTON MONUMENT TOUR where a guide took us back in time to 1928 when the story of the Fullerton Building first began. As “Mile Zero”, from which all of Singapore was measured, the historical building had famously hosted the General Post Office – known then as the “Most Important Post Office in the East.”

Not only did the monkies learnt more about the history and architecture of the building, the tour also gave us exclusive access to preserved areas within the hotel... with our final stop being the roof of the building, where a lighthouse used to stand.

Needless to say, the view from the top was definitely the highlight of the 1-hour guided tour.

Unfortunately, we did not had time to join the other tour, A MARITIME JOURNEY TOUR. This tour brings visitors around the hotel's premises, where they will be told stories of how the forefathers of Singapore first stepped ashore on Singapore's soil via Clifford Pier.

More details and timings of the tours can be found HERE.

10. Sumptuous Buffet Breakfast at Town Restaurant

Other than comfy rooms ranking number one, buffet breakfasts at hotels probably come up next on the monkies' 'Things an Awesome Hotel should have' list. And in the words of the monkies, the buffet breakfast at The Fullerton Hotel's Town Restaurant is "AWESOME".

I guess it has to due to the large variety of food... and the presence of Japanese Cold Noodles and sushi for the boys.

For Ale though, it was for an entirely different reason. 

This.

All-you-can-drink Yakult. Yes, she's easily contented.

As for me, I am also easily contented when there's comfort food in the form of kaya toasts and kopitiam-style coffee!

11. Have a Splash at the Infinity Pool

Obviously, no staycation is complete without some splashing at the hotel's pool.

On its own, the 25-metre is nothing to shout about. But coupled with overlooking the charming Singapore River set against a backdrop of majestic Doric columns, I have to say this infinity pool clearly makes for a fantastic instagrammable spot.

There isn't any children's pool though, although there is an elevated area right next to the edge of the pool where the jacuzzi jet streams are.

But children's pool or no children's pool, the monkies still managed to clock in more than an hour's worth of play time in the pool!

12. Attractions Galore Around the Hotel

I did not realise it before but it struck me (while I was chillaxing in the pool) that The Fullerton Hotel is located right smack in the middle of numerous family-friendly attractions!

Of course there are the obvious ones - the Merlion just across the road at One Fullerton, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, and Boat Quay. But the hotel is also just a 5-minute walk away from Asian Civilisations Museum and a 15-minute walk to National Gallery of Singapore - both of which offer FREE entry to Singaporeans and PRs!

Come night time, the hotel's surrounds also make for a great stroll after dinner... as the monkies will attest to.

Want another reason to stay at The Fullerton Hotel? 

How about A FEW MORE???

Just in time for Mother's Day on 8 May 2016, the Mother’s Day Stay, Spa and Dine package at The Fullerton Hotel includes the following perks from S$538++ per night for a Straits Club Courtyard Room:

- Privileged access to the hotel’s executive lounge, The Straits Club for two persons

- The Fullerton Spa’s signature 60-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience for one person

- S$90 nett Dining Credit to spend at The Fullerton Hotel and The Fullerton Bay Hotel

- Complimentary late check-out at 2pm

- Complimentary Internet connectivity

Mothers will also receive a bouquet of flowers to commemorate the occasion!

This package is available on April 29 and 30, and May 1, 6 to 8 and 13 to 15 2016. For reservations, call 6533 8388 or email reservations@fullertonhotel.com.

For more details, visit www.fullertonhotel.com/default-en.html.

[GIVEAWAY] CLOSED

Congratulations to GERALDINE LOW! You have won a Mother's Day Staycation at The Fullerton Hotel! You may select the stay on dates between 6 to 8 and 13 to 15 May 2016, subject to availability.

Please email me at kelvin@cheekiemonkie.net for your prize redemption details by 3 May 2016. Thanks!

Also, a huge thanks to everyone who have participated. More awesome giveaways are coming up in the month of May so stay tuned! :)

WIN a Mother’s Day Staycation at The Fullerton Hotel!

Looking to pamper the most important woman in your life, or in need of some pampering of your own? I have ONE fantastic Mother’s Day Stay, Spa and Dine package* at The Fullerton Hotel with a one-night stay for two in a Straits Club Courtyard Room to give away!

*The winner may select the stay on 6 to 8 and 13 to 15 May 2016, subject to availability.

For a chance to win, all you have to do is do the following:

1. LIKE The Fullerton Hotel's Facebook page HERE.

2. Tell us why you wish to win the staycation package for your wife, mum or yourself!
Leave your comment either in the comment section of this blog post OR on our Cheekiemonkies' Facebook corresponding post HERE.

WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING?
SHARE this blog post of the giveaway on Facebook for a bonus chance! Remember to set your profile to public so that I can see the shared post.

Giveaway ends on 30 April 2016, 2359 hours.

Good Luck! :)