Sofitel So, Singapore

Housed in colonial building, the 134-room Sofitel So Singapore offers French elegance, chic and luxury.

As soon as one walks though the revolving entrance, one is struck by the dazzling glass light installation hanging over pots of intense purple orchids. One is also struck by the amount of natural light flooding the lobby. Modelesque staff walk around the lobby in Karl Lagereld-designed Chanel uniforms.

After you ride up to the upper floors in the elevators with transparent doors and quilted walls, you will find that the hotel itself is divided into two wings. The So-Hip wing consists of the smaller So Urban rooms. The Heritage wing consists of the larger So Heritage rooms. All So Urban rooms have the ‘The Lion’s Seal’ emblem designed by Karl Lagerfeld on the front door.

As one enters a So Urban room, one is welcomed by the elegant French design walls.

A pop art of Napoleon Bonaparte designed by Isabelle Miaja hangs in each room.

Light boxes inspired by French cupolas hang illuminated three meters above each signature Sofitel MyBed.

Separated from the bedroom by a glass wall is a large, marbled bathroom with separate bathtub and shower stall. Instead of hooks, they have funky wall installations on which you can hang your towels and clothes. Sofitel So has its own signature scent, Urban Forest, formulated and available exclusively to this hotel. Formulated in Grasse, France and evoking the scents of spices, local flowers and topical woods, the shampoo, conditioner and shower gel all contain this signature scent. The hotel has also thoughtfully provided a small vial of Urban Forest eau de parfum. I don’t know how but somehow when I got home, I found the eau de parfum in my suitcase.

In each room is a private bar. There is an Illy coffee machine. The vote, has thoughtfully provided three espresso capsules. Their thoughtfulness extends to provide a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages—- there are health bars, M&Ms, salty snacks, spicy snacks, soft drinks and beer. There are also bottles of wine in the bar but these are chargeable.

Sofitel So understands the need to stay connected, so the hotel has generously provided complimentary wifi. On top of that, they have provided unlimited complimentary landline calls (only to landline numbers). You can make your calls through the Apple phone they have provided. To access control of the curtains, alarm clock and lighting moods, you can do so on the iPad provided beside your bed. This is probably the most technologically advanced hotel I have been in.

Other benefits of this luxurious room:

• Daily international and local newspapers upon request.
• So stylish in-room magazines
• So Singapore Wine and Dine welcome amenities
• Daily breakfast inclusive of French champagne.
• Daily Wine and Dine S$30 credit valid at Xperience Restaurant and Bar.

• Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning or pressing service for 2 garments per day.

Should you feel restless, you can try out the rock-climbing wall in the small gym.

Alternatively, you may want to take dip in the gold-tiled rooftop swimming pool and admire the surrounding city skyline.

For epicurean pleasures, you may want to savour excellent fusion cuisine at Xperience, Singapore, helmed by celebrity chef Mrs. Anne-Cecile Degenne.

Located near Raffles Place, in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, the hotel is minutes away from the city’s landmarks.Embrace the cosmopolitan vibe of the island – taste the culinary wonders of Lau Pa Sat and Chinatown, shop at Orchard Road, be part of the nightlife at Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, and enjoy the attractions of Marina Bay.

Whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or family fun, timeless French elegance blended with modern Singapore chic at Singapore’s top luxury boutique hotel is always a good choice.