They say the three most important things about real estate are “location, location, location.” If this is true, the Dorsett Singapore hotel must stand on an incredibly valuable piece of land.
The Dorsett is positioned on the western boundary of Singapore’s traditional Chinese quarter, a beautifully preserved neighbourhood that harkens back to the city’s earlier days. The narrow streets are lined with rows of old-fashioned shophouses, which have been artfully restored and refurbished into a variety of boutique shops, chic eateries, and charming cafes.
There’s no need for a taxi; the area is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Immediately outside the front entrance, hang a right and walk south on Bukit Pasoh Road – and get ready to take a step back in time.
Singapore’s traditional Chinese quarter is just a short stroll from the Dorsett’s front entrance.
The hotel itself is a recent addition to Singapore’s landscape. Opened in March 2013, the Dorsett is a modern 10-storey building with glass façade. The interior design is stylish, yet unpretentious. Fashionable touches like glass chandeliers and contemporary artwork are mixed with more eclectic, artsy elements. For instance, next to each hotel room door is a quirky faux camera that serves as a doorbell. It’s kind of random, but you can’t deny it adds a touch of playfulness to the decor.
The Dorsett’s modern design incorporates some fun artsy touches, such as the quirky cameras that serve as doorbells on the guest room doors.
The rooms have high ceilings, earthy tones and modern features, which help to create a comfortable environment to rest and relax. Rooms are equipped with a 40” LED TV, free high speed Internet access, iPhone/iPad docking app-enhanced stereo and clock radio, amongst other amenities. One nice touch is the complementary Handy smartphone. Guests can use the device anywhere in town to access the Internet and make unlimited local and international calls to select countries – all for free. It’s a very convenient perk for out-of-town guests who want to avoid exorbitant roaming charges on their own phones.
If you feel like treating yourself, the hotel offers a few premium options for rooms. My favourite was the “balcony room” which has a small private deck overlooking a koi pond. It would be a wonderful spot to sip a cappuccino in the morning, relax with a good book at the end of the day, or simply take a timeout for some quiet reflection. Very Zen.
Relax and recharge in one of the balcony rooms at the Dorsett Hotel.
The hotel has a 30-metre outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour gym, so there are no excuses for missing a workout. Once you have built up an appetite, you won’t have far to go to find something good to eat. There are four F&B options in the building (all run by third-party operators). Next to the lobby, Pappasan is a comfortable, stylish restaurant that offers a range of Asian and Western cuisine. The giant oil painting of a woman that adorns the wall is quite impressive too. Around the corner of the building, Roosevelt’s is an all-day diner that serves up modern twists on classic American meals. There is also a cozy sports bar called d’bar, a good place to watch a game, shoot some pool, and have a beer or two.
The best of the bunch is Candlenut. Recently awarded one Michelin star, the restaurant specialises in contemporary Peranakan cuisine, which blends Chinese ingredients with distinctive spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay and Indonesian communities. The food is delicious and packed full of flavour and aroma.
Outside the building, the options for food and entertainment are almost endless. A large number of restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance of the hotel. And with the Dorsett Delights programme, guests receive a discount at participating outlets (just show your room key). Since the hotel is positioned directly above a MRT station, it is simple and fast to get to the city’s business district, major tourist sites, and a wide range of entertainment and shopping options. The only problem you might face is deciding what to take in!
If you are looking for a modern and comfortable hotel, located in one of Singapore’s most charming neighbourhoods, be sure to check out the Dorsett on your next visit to the city.
Dorsett Singapore is located at 333 New Bridge Road. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.dorsetthotels.com/singapore.
