Overview of the Sofitel in Singapore

you won’t find better value for this room size in Singapore – understated luxury in an unbeatable location

the sofitel, singapore

Ok I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a hotel chain snob and delight in finding the amazing local “boutique gems” that aren’t part of a big hotel group. There’s something about the quieter, more local feel and unique design of these boutique hotels such as Mai House in Ho Chi Minh or Torel 1884 in Portugal that can make a stay feel more personalised and special.

Despite my big brand misgivings, it’s really hard to look past the Sofitel on Wallich Street in Singapore (there’s another Sofitel hotel on Sentosa island). Singapore really is the city of convenience, and the Sofitel nails it just on this front alone – proximity to the amazing foodie scene in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, direct access to the Tanjong Pagar MRT and small shopping mall connected underneath the hotel, and all 3 incredible hawker markets in 5 minutes walking distance (Maxwell, Amoy, Chinatown Complex).

A bit more about the Sofitel itself for those who like to get their bearings – it has 223 rooms all pretty much the same bar the Prestige Suite and Joaquim Suite. The Sofitel also has a large pool overlooking Tanjong Plaza, full gym, a lobby bar and Racines, a French restaurant reflecting the origins of the Sofitel brand. There’s also a Club on the pool floor that you get access to if you book one of the Club class rooms – from what I’ve seen though it’s nothing special and on my many stays I haven’t seen many people taking advantage of the Club facilities (a small cordoned off area overlooking the pool).

the rooms

The standard Sofitel rooms are generous and well designed – 38sqm of carpeted bliss (I have a weird aversion to tiled hotel rooms – which is often the norm in tropical South East Asia), complete with separate desk and reading area, and a generous bathroom containing a full bath, separate walk in shower and separate toilet. It feels like a very lavish use of space in the tiny metropolis that is Singapore!

I love the design of the room itself – the floor to ceiling windows (ask for the “historic view” if you prefer overlooking the red old town shophouse roofs or the “city view” if you prefer the skyscrapers and neon lights!), heavy draping curtains and the use of tan leather and dark grey throughout. It feels at once both cosy but luxurious, and this extends through to touches such as their inclusion of large L’occitane toiletry pump packs, TWG tea replenished daily, a sleek Braun alarm clock, and my favourite feature when traveling – a filtered drinking water tap. Nobody needs the additional mental load of “oh shit we need to pick up some bottled water on the way home” on holiday!

The mini bar and tea station comes with a nespresso pod machine and TWG tea (replenished daily), and a large fine bone tea set with two cups. I also appreciated the inclusion of nice glassware – thin stemmed wine glasses and heavy bottomed tumblers. Sometimes hotels can overlook these small details (cue more robust but cheap feeling wine glasses) that can detract from the overall feel of a room!

The bathroom is large and covered in marbled tiling – again, adding to the luxurious feel. The full size bath is an added bonus, and also ability to close off the toilet if you’re sharing a bathroom and need a bit more privacy! Bonus points for the heavy plush bathrobes so you can pretend you’re Diane Lockhart swanning about her grand New York apartment after a hot shower.

The room looks even better in the daylight, and the views are just wonderful. Check out the shophouse roofs below, and the clear view all the way across the west Singaporean horizon!

around the grounds

Admittedly there’s not much else to the Sofitel beyond the pool, gym and a restaurant – but given its CBD location, one can’t be expecting rolling fields and palatial grounds!

The pool is a very decent size (great for doing laps), with lots of loungers and chairs and never feels too busy. It’s a lovely spot for a dip, to read your book and have a snooze – be aware it’s in a bit of a wind tunnel between all the surrounding skyscrapers so can get a bit cold at times. We also wished there was a pool bar – there’s a QR code but they don’t seem to be encouraging pool side service as there are no happy hours, very limited food and drink options and long estimated wait times for service. Given the hotel’s location though, we were happy enough to step outside for food and drink – and with Singapore often a stop off for us to other more beachy holiday destinations there’s always plenty more opportunities for luxuriating by the pool!

in the area

The Sofitel is located in Tanjong Pagar, right in the middle of the Central Business District and neighbouring financial district of Chinatown. I cannot say enough about how great this area is – so conveniently located but yet teeming with all the culture, food and nightlife you could possibly cover in one Singapore trip! If you’re more of a shopper (not me), you can easily get to Orchard Road via the Maxwell MRT – less than 5 minutes walk from the Sofitel. It’s next to the Maxwell Hawker Centre, so pick up a snack on your way through…

Some of our favourite places near the Sofitel (is all we do in Singapore go to Hawker markets and nice bars? …looking at this list below, maybe…):

• Hawker markets
  • Amoy St – the best cendol and curry puffs from J2!
  • Maxwell – the Ren Min craft beer stall is a huge drawcard, also don’t miss the roasted meats and some cracking laksa options
  • Chinatown Complex – an absolute maze, go with plenty of time and a hungry belly, and don’t go if you’re claustrophobic! Great cendol here too
  • Tanjong Plaza – lesser known option but a more local feel, go for the mee rebus. The chye tow kueh here is also meant to be excellent (on the list for my next trip)
  • Lau Pa Sat – only for Satay Street though. The rest is a tourist trap and food is mediocre
• Bars
  • Jigger & Pony
  • Cat Bite Club
  • Night Hawk
  • Col
  • No Sleep Club
  • The Otherside
  • Native

Until next time Singapore, we love you!