Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore

Advantages: A modern city-state that works
Disadvantages: But somewhat soullessly

...When you pass through immigration at Singapore's gleaming new Changi Airport, the official who stamps your passport will smile and offer you a sweet. There is a bowl of them, individually wrapped in waxed paper, ready on his desk. My wife and I smiled in return, accepted the offering, and passed through towards the baggage collection carrousels. "Don't eat it now," I whispered to her as soon we were out of earshot of the official. "They just want to see if you'll drop the wrapping paper, so they can fine you on the spot." I was not, of course, being entirely serious, but I wasn't being entirely frivolous either. There is a local saying that Singapore is a 'fine' city - kept fine by fines. First-time litterbugs carelessly disposing of a sweet-paper or cigarette butt have to fork out S$1000 (£350), repeat offenders more... Read review

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Advantages: Luxurious hotel with all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of that calibre
Disadvantages: Can be expensive

...Our main holiday trip this year took us to Bali Indonesia for a ten night stay and then to Singapore for a further 5 nights. During both of these trips we were lucky enough to enjoy the luxury comfort and service of the Conrad Hotels. In Singapore we checked in to the Conrad Hotel for 3 of our 5 nights staying - we had previously booked into the Swissotel Merchant Quay booked via Travelocity but we missed the Conrad which we had grown very used too during our stay in Bali. The Conrad Centennial Hotel in Singapore can be found at Two Temasek Boulevard Singapore Tel: 65-X-6334-8888 Email: Singaporeinfo@conradhotels.com There are 509 rooms in the hotel, on over 31 floors of the hotel. Its location is in the business district of Singapore but is in close proximity to shopping mall of Suntec City and public transport meaning... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic rooms, equipped with everything you can think of. Extensive facilities and excellent cuisine. Ultimate luxury.
Disadvantages: Slightly impersonal service. A bit remote from the city centre.

..., Swiss, Chinese and Japanese restaurant. The latter includes one of only two Sushi Bars in town. All of these restaurants a very pricey, you should calculate around £ 100 for an extended dinner for two, including exquisite wine. Nothing to throw at the first girl you meet in the streets, but the right treat for a deserving lady like my Sephika. #25; Facilities As you would expect from a top class hotel like the Swissôtel, it offers all the leisure facilities to keep you fit for the job: indoor and outdoor pools, two tennis courts on the roof, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a gym and a massage parlour. You will also appreciate the Swissôtel's extensive park estate, if only to walk and hold hands with someone like Sephika, in a city where parks and green spots are very rare. And those of you whom I still could not persuade to a little affair... Read review

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