Singapore: A Developed Nation in ASEAN

This sentence introduces Singapore as a unique country within ASEAN, being the only member state to have reached developed nation status. The author then expresses their intention to explore Singapore and uncover its hidden gems, questioning whether it truly lives up to its reputation or if there are aspects that are often overlooked.

Before we embark on our Singapore adventure, let's explore two hotels with contrasting styles and price points. This will provide options for those seeking a relaxing stroll through Singapore without the hassle of finding accommodation.

While Singapore boasts a plethora of lodging options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, the price range is comparable to that of our home country. Although prices may seem slightly higher, the overall hotel rates are on par with those in our own backyard.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton lived up to its reputation as a luxurious 6-star hotel, offering rooms at a surprisingly affordable price of less than 10,000 baht per night. I opted for the most economical option, a garden view room, which was surprisingly spacious, even exceeding the size of my own condo. My stay was generously sponsored by a kind benefactor, as I was attending a seminar. This was also the reason for my subsequent relocation to the Dorsett, my second hotel review.

The Ritz-Carlton is located on Marina Bay, the most expensive district in Singapore and arguably the most expensive in Asia. This is because it is a global center for commerce and finance. The area is not only modern but also resembles the atmosphere of Fifth Avenue in New York. However, it is not exactly the same. It is more like Sathorn, as the main shopping area is Orchard Road. However, there is a large shopping mall under the Marina Bay Sands hotel, a boat-shaped hotel with a rooftop swimming pool and the largest casino. The Ritz-Carlton is much cheaper than the Marina Bay Sands, at a price that I think is reasonable (but I can't afford it, haha). The highlight is the location, which offers panoramic views of Marina Bay if you book a bay view room. You can also walk to the Marina Bay Hotel or take a leisurely stroll around Marina Bay in a few minutes. It is also easy to get to the city center (well, it is the whole city) as there is a subway station behind the hotel, which is a large beach.

The hotel rooms are luxuriously appointed, with butler service akin to that of high-end hotels. The amenities are all top-notch, as expected. The highlight is the spacious bathroom, which features a separate wet and dry area, a powerful rain shower, and a bathtub with a view. The only drawback is the lack of a small TV in the bathroom. The Wi-Fi is exceptionally fast, befitting a country at the forefront of technological advancement. The surrounding area boasts a plethora of large shopping malls, including Marina Bay Sands, Marina Square, and Millenia Walk. A 7-Eleven convenience store is conveniently located behind the hotel, ensuring easy access to snacks and necessities. Overall, this hotel is impeccable.

Let's visit another hotel, Dorsett Singapore, where you can relax with the Light and Sound show held every evening. I actually visited last year, but if you go this year, which marks Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, it will be even more spectacular.

From a luxurious hotel costing tens of thousands of baht, after the seminar ended, I wanted to continue traveling, but I couldn't afford it because I was alone this time. I stayed for two more days because the seminar ended late every day, so I couldn't explore Singapore at all. So I had to find a cheaper hotel. Then I found Dorsett for a little over three thousand baht. I can afford it. And that's it. I can't compare it to the Ritz. And the hotel itself doesn't target its customers like that. Dorsett is an international hotel chain in Asia. I stayed at one in Hong Kong, and I think there are chains in Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen as well. As for Dorsett, it positions itself as a Boutique Hotel. The advantage is that we will meet a lot of young people dressed in cute clothes here, like celebrities at the Ritz Carlton. And there are many cute Korean female tourists here.

In terms of service, it was not comparable to other hotels. As tourists, the staff provided us with a standard level of service, which may be the norm for Dorsett hotels. The service score was average, and we were not particularly impressed. However, the check-in process was relatively quick, which was a positive aspect. The room was small but not cramped, even with large suitcases, as there was a spacious closet. Notably, it was significantly larger than rooms in Japan for the same price. The hotel's design was in the style of a boutique hotel, which was quite stylish. The bathroom was an accessible bathroom, meaning it was directly connected to the bedroom, similar to a studio-style condo. While there was no bathtub, there was a rain shower. However, for those who prefer baths, especially in the hot Singapore weather (which is surprisingly hotter than Thailand), the water pressure was not very strong. Switching to the hand shower provided a more refreshing shower experience. The Wi-Fi was strong and reliable, which is a standard feature of Dorsett hotels. A notable advantage of this hotel chain is that it provides a free handy phone for calls and internet access in Singapore. This handy phone essentially becomes a high-quality pocket Wi-Fi, eliminating the need to pay for internet access, roaming charges, or purchasing an additional SIM card. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Singapore, it is worth checking with Dorsett hotels, as many of them offer this service. This can save you the cost of renting a pocket Wi-Fi.

Dorsett's most prominent feature is its location. Although it is not located in the business district, it is situated in a tourist area. Notably, there is a metro station directly beneath the hotel. Exiting the metro and turning left will lead you to the hotel (turning right will lead to the condominium section, so don't be mistaken). Alternatively, you can take the metro's elevator and press the floor labeled "Dorsett," which will take you directly to the hotel's entrance, eliminating any possibility of getting lost. Additionally, the hotel is adjacent to Chinatown, where most of Singapore's major tourist attractions are concentrated. You can take the metro for a few stations, or if you're feeling energetic, you can walk to Little India in less than half an hour. Notably, if you wish to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, it is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. In the mornings, you can find numerous bak kut teh and kaya toast shops lining the streets near Chinatown. Similarly, there are plenty of food options available at night. However, if you want to go shopping in Orchard Road, I recommend taking the metro. If you want to visit Sentosa Island and Universal Studios, it's just one metro station away. It's incredibly convenient. As always, thank you for reading my review. Next time, I'll take you on a walking tour of Singapore.

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