Capri by Fraser, Singapore
This young hotel was only officially launched in January this year.
Colourful, bright and energetic, this 4-star hotel ostensibly targets the e-generation. Instead of the traditional concierge, it has an e-concierge—3 large touch-screens which guests use to find out what to do in town, dining suggestions, cultural events etc.
The ground floor showcases “seamless” design. Areas “flow” seamlessly into one another—the reception flows into the business corner, which flows into a lounge area, complete with bean bags and many cushions. The idea is that patrons/ guests can order a coffee/ drink and “curl” up on a bean bag/ funky cushioned bench. The lounge flows into the bar, which flows into the restaurant, which flows into the deli.
As typical of new hotels, the rooms are small.
The design is undoubtedly modern—the work desk is large and features very clean lines, sockets are hidden under wooden panels, the desk lamp is controlled by touch. The room also has Geneva radio/ iphone charger and Herman Miller ergonomic chairs.
There is a foldable luggage bench in the closet.
All rooms in this hotel, regardless of the tier of the room, have same design. There are no suites in this hotel. The highest tier room is Studio with terrace, which has a hammock outside on the terrace.
Capri is the only hotel in Singapore to offer Malin+Goetz toiletries. The M+G toiletries are available in all rooms, regardless of the tier of the room. They smell really nice and are oh-so-hip.
The hotel is connected to an outlet shopping mall. Some outlets found there include Adidas, Puma, Nike, Samsonite, Lacoste, Timberland, G2000 (mediocre quality office wear), Esprit, Bossini. The basement consists of a food court and F&B outlets.
You are able to save some money if you stay here thanks to the kitchenette. Each room, regardless of the tier, comes with a kitchenette, complete with a microwave, induction kitchen hob, deep sink, Luzerne tableware, spatula, ladle, frying pan (with lid), saucepan (with lid), can opener, wine opener, steel cutlery. In other words, you can buy groceries from the supermarket in the connecting mall and then whip up a simple meal in your own room.
Free wifi. Essential.
This hotel offers Davidoff coffee. Wow! Mighty Sofitel only offers Nescafe. Davidoff coffee is nice.
The hotel offers an hourly shuttle to all 3 terminals of the Singapore airport. Even if you miss the shuttle, no problem. The hotel is 5 mins on foot from the subway station. You are able to cut through shopping mall to get to the subway station. In other words, you and your luggage will remain dry even if it rains. There are also ramps so you don’t have to worry even if you have luggage with you. From the subway station, it is very easy to get to the airport (1 stop away) or to go downtown for shopping/ casino/ Universal Studios. When you lie at the pool, you may see planes flying above you. The airport is that near.
The safe in the room has a socket in the safe—you are able to charge your phone/ laptop even while they are securely locked up inside. That is a great innovation, one that makes great sense.
As befitting a hotel that targets the e-generation, there are many, many power sockets in the room and around the hotel. Though there are many sockets in the room, not all are universal sockets (accepts all countries plugs).
One fun concept the hotel offers is Spin and Play. On every floor, there is a laundry room. Tokens for one load of laundry come free with every reservation. There are different concepts for the laundry rooms— some have ipads, some have Wii, foosball table, TRX equipment, stationary bike.
Another fun thing to do at the hotel is the pillow menu. The following is available for your picking:
Baby pillow: allows for a relaxing sleep and reduces pressure on a baby’s head by as much as 50%. Recommended for babies, up to the age of 5.
Hypo-allergenic: relieves sneezing, morning headaches, sinus congestion and other symptoms associated with allergies to feathers, fibers and dust. Recommended for all sleeping positions.
Swedish Memory: Self-moulding, heat sensitive foam shapes to the body and responds to temperature, keeping sleepers cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Great neck supports yet conforms to the head. Recommended for those who sleep on their back or side.
Upper Body: Super supportive body pillow designed to relieve pressure on the spine, back and hips. Recommended for pregnant mothers and those who sleep on their side.
Bamboo Charcoal Pillow: eliminates moisture, noxious smell and air. Possess sterilization effect of killing germs and bacteria.
Gingko Pillow: helps in blood circulation and improves brain function. Leads to a better sleep and promotes overall health.
I tried the Gingko Pillow. It really works! I had a really deep sleep that night. I am looking to buy a Gingko pillow for my own use at home.
Breakfast in this hotel is nothing to shout about—the selection is not huge and the quality is not extraordinary. However, they use Narumi china for breakfast. Narumi china for high-traffic breakfast???!!! Wow. It was a pleasurable albeit incongruous experience to hold fine Narumi china in a workhorse type lobby breakfast café.
The standouts of this hotel are its dining outlets. Read my posts on Delite and Capri-licious. Come for the food.
The unexpected delights of this hotel (the fine Narumi china, the Davidoff coffee, the Malin+Goetz toiletries) make this a memorable stay.
Booking.com
