Singapore Staycation Series 2020

[ycp81]

For mains, we had the Garoupa Spiedini.




And the Roasted Barramundi. Both were well-prepared fish dishes.




For desserts, we had the Zabaglione Freddo and an excellent The Cliff Tiramisu. Nice sweet endings to the dinner.






The next morning, while heading for breakfast, we spotted a parade of peahens.




As well as a peacock trying to attract a peahen (which the peacock failed as the peahen totally ignored it).




Breakfast was served at Kwee Zeen restaurant. The menu in the link below.

https://d2e5ushqwiltxm.cloudfront.ne...-Kwee-Zeen.pdf


Even though we were each officially entitled to only one breakfast set, the restaurant staff were all willing to offer add-ons when requested. We had the American Breakfast Set, Healthy Breakfast Set, and a Belgian waffle add-on.








Also tried the nasi lemak as well. A filling and reasonably good breakfast.




Peahen 'patrolling' the breakfast area.




It was a relaxing stay and gastronomic time at Sofitel Sentosa. The included meals were lovely, with good resort ambience. Certainly provided a real 'vacation' experience.

[MAN Flyer]

Thanks for these reviews. Brings home how much you take for granted when you visit places and then suddenly can't. I miss Singapore and the Grand Hyatt. Yes it is a business hotel, but as you point out there is more to it than that and with so many stays there (my last stay there was my 103rd), I know some of the staff there very well. Sadly I fear a number of them will not return when this sh*t is all over.

God only knows when I'll be there again, even though I really do need to visit.

[ycp81]

#9
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Deluxe Room


The next staycation for the month was a 2 nights stay at Capitol Kempinski Hotel.

Located in the civic and cultural district, the 155-room Capitol Kempinski follows years of restoration bringing out the best of the neoclassical-style Capitol Building (1930) and Venetian Renaissance-style Stamford House (1904).

Today, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel has a pride of place in the integrated lifestyle complex, which boasts Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Eden Residences Capitol, the legendary Capitol Theatre, and retail mall, Capitol Singapore. It is also in close proximity to Singapore’s top attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Chijmes, National Museum and Merlion Park.

The hotel promises no shortage of gastronomic adventure with 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, The Bar at 15 Stamford, Lobby Lounge, Frieda, Berthold Delikatessen, Broadway American Diner, La Scala Ristorante, and El Teatro Tapas.

I had booked the hotel via an online travel platform, for a voucher offering for 2 nights stay in a classic room, inclusive of breakfast and $80 dining credits, at a very attractive rate.

Exterior of the neoclassical hotel building in the day.




Arrived at the hotel porch.




Checked in at the intimate hotel lobby. Service was very personable, with the staff leading us up to the room after checking in.




Hotel interior




We were upgraded from the originally booked Classic Room to the Deluxe Room as I believe the separate wing with the Classic Rooms was still being used for quarantined quests.

Sleek and contemporary lines and a timeless elegant design in a warm natural palette make our Deluxe Room the perfect home away from home. The large windows overlooking the vibrant courtyard or street let in an abundance of natural daylight. The sleek furnishings afford comfort and relaxation while you work, play and sleep. Every room offers a generous bathroom area.

Entering the room was a closet.




Bathrobe and amenities in closet




Turning left is the bedroom area. The bedroom is very cozy and comfortable, with some interesting design elements.






Nespresso coffees and TWG teas offered.




Soft drinks in the minibar were complimentary.

[ycp81]

The highlight of the room is the generous bathroom area.




Double sinks




Shower cubicle with a rain shower which is almost 3m high!




Luxurious bathtub with personal entertainment TV.




Amenities by Salvatore Ferragamo.




Hotel exterior lit up at night with Christmas decorations.




The Bar at 15 Stamford

Singapore is not only known for its rich food culture but also has one of the most exciting bar scenes worldwide. The Bar at 15 Stamford has certainly raised that “bar” with its extensive range of rum varieties, cocktail classics and new artisan and bespoke creations that will seduce sophisticated connoisseurs and cosmopolitans alike. Head down at 8pm to hear the bell ring, not last orders, but time for new cocktail delights. Our signature cocktail Plantation 1840 is highly recommended.






The daily breakfast was served at 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung.

You haven’t experienced the full luxury of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore until you have dined at our signature restaurant, 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung.

Canadian chef Alvin Leung, known as the Demon Chef, is not your typical Michelin-starred chef. Sporting his iconic blue hairstyle and tattoos, this maverick culinary craftsman found fame with the launch of his Hong Kong restaurant Bo Innovation.

The menu at 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung reveals the more subtle aspects of Chef Alvin’s epicurious genius. It showcases a fascinating array of his favourite Asian recipes inspired by his travels around Asia, particularly the cuisines of Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Chef Alvin’s creative twists on well-known Asian classics breathe new life into old, familiar recipes and inspire a fresh appreciation for the flavours and ingredients you always thought you knew.

The centrepiece of the restaurant’s open kitchen is the hot coal grill. Serving up a selection of mouth-watering meats and seafood chargrilled to perfection throughout the week, the Demon Grill is the star attraction of the restaurant.

Talking about stamping his mark, be sure to look out for Chef Alvin’s signature demon logo as you dine. It is hidden among the motif designs on all the crockery.

[ycp81]

Breakfast offerings at Capitol Kempinski is touted as one of the best.

https://kempinski-dev.s3.amazonaws.c...u-26082020.pdf

The famous breakfast wagon trolley.




Breakfast was served ala-carte buffet style. Variety was simply amazing, and the widest spread of all the hotels I stayed in. Additionally, anything breakfast items not on the menu could be requested (yes, I requested for a special order of Avocado toast, and they delivered!) and quality were all excellent.














Exploring the Civic District near the hotel.






Also took some time to work out at the hotel's temporary gym, which was converted from one of the hotel room. The hotel's gym and pool were under renovations during the stay, but I understand they should be reopened now.

[ycp81]

The dining credit was used for a very satisfying lunch at 15 Stamford.

New Zealand King Salmon
Honey Pineapple, Kaffir Lime, Thai Basil, Toasted Rice Powder




Foie Gras Kaya Toast
Organic Egg Foam, Kaya Gel, Brioche




Baby Sea Bass
Buah Keluak Sauce, Broccolini




Pork Prime Rib Char Siew
Pickled Kyuri Cucumber, Korean Char Siew Sauce




Rotisserie Pineapple Masala
Dark Rum, Lime Salt, Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream




Another fabulous breakfast on the next day.
















Even though The Capitol Kempinski does not have the fancy facilities as big hotel chains, the comfortable room, very personable service, sumptuous breakfast and the overall classic experience, made the stay a very pleasant and enjoyable one.

[ycp81]

#10
Hilton Singapore
King Hilton Deluxe

The last staycation I had in the month of November was at Hilton Singapore.

Hilton Singapore is centrally located in the heart of Orchard Road - Singapore’s vibrant shopping district and a 5-minute walk to Orchard MRT station. The hotel is an ideal choice for business travellers being only a 10-minute drive to the Central Business District and 20-minute drive from the Singapore Changi International Airport. Our 423 modern rooms and suites offer city or boulevard views, ergonomically designed workspaces and Wi-Fi access. The hotel also offers six innovative dining options including an evening grill for charcoal-grilled steaks and an award-winning rooftop Italian restaurant. Other thoughtful facilities include an outdoor rooftop pool, 24/7 fully equipped fitness centre, two-floors of luxury boutiques and in-house therapeutic massage services.

I booked the Treasures of the Sea High Tea Staycation for this stay, which included a nights stay in a Deluxe room, Treasures of the Sea High Tea Set for two with seafood platter and a bottle of prosecco.

Arriving at the hotel




Hotel Lobby




Deluxe room is the lead-in category room. It is as run-of-the-mill Hilton room, clean and functional.

32 sq. m. modern room, city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, WiFi, bath tub, work desk & chair. Enjoy your stay in this stylish guest room featuring city views, one king bed, and convenient amenities. Work away at the desk with the Herman Miller ergonomic chair, browse online with WiFi, or unwind with a movie on the LCD TV. Special touches include bathrobes and slippers.






Herman Miller ergonomic chair at the workdesk.




TWG Teas and instant coffees.




View from the room




The bathroom is very classic but clean.






Amenities by Crabtree & Evelyn.

[ycp81]

Breakfast was served ala-carte style. We are able to mix and match from the breakfast menu set selection.

https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&r...S-0_Que8cVixy1

Starting with pastries, muesli, fruits and a coffee.




Scrambled eggs




Asian selection




Hotel gym is big and well-equipped.




Rooftop swimming pool.






View of Orchard Road from roof top.






We had the Treasures of the Sea High Tea set after check out. It was of good quality and well-presented.

https://www.hiltonsingaporerestauran...h-Tea-Menu.pdf










It was a reasonably pleasant stay at Hilton. Even though rooms were 'classic', they were well-maintained and spacious, with some refurbishment done. Facilities were as per any other 5-star hotels and service was professional.

[ycp81]

During the staycation, we also had a fine dinner at Alma at the nearby Goodwood Park Hotel. It was an exquisite and enjoyable experience.

Nestled in the historic Goodwood Park Hotel right in the heart of town in Orchard Road, Alma by Juan Amador is a 1-Michelin-starred restaurant for 4 consecutive years since 2016. Alma by Juan Amador has also been awarded the 2018 Traveller’s Choice Awards by TripAdvisor for its culinary excellence and warm hospitality as one of the top restaurants out of 11,736 establishments in Singapore.

Alma, which is Spanish for soul, brings to the table an unforgettable experience with outstanding dishes shared over great conversations and ambience – the true soul of eating.

Our kitchen is helmed by Singaporean Executive Chef Haikal Johari, who has a distinguished culinary career in some of the finest restaurants in the region. Chef Haikal marries his training in European cuisine with hearty Asian flavours and ingredients to create exceptional modern-European dishes with Asian influences.