Dorsett Singapore

The Dorsett's tame glass facade belies its dramatic interiors -- a highly polished, jarring mix of contemporary and neoclassic styles blended with all the calm of a set designer's fever dream. Glossy black stone floors tie together sitting areas with scoop lounge chairs and soft tufted couches, and a baby grand piano sits in a bright corner of the lobby and is programmed to play by itself. Chandeliers have been turned into posh wall sconces, with walls varying from classical styles with gold molding to faux leather to black mirrored panels. Colorful cherub-like sculptures and Pop Art style canvases printed with images of Singapore decorate the halls.

The hotel is located right on an intersection of busy New Bridge Road, opposite a police station and a large hospital complex. It's on the edge of Chinatown and within walking distance of the area’s main attractions, including numerous restaurants, night markets, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Chinatown Heritage Center. The neighborhood has a lot of historical and cultural significance, with many of its buildings declared National Heritage Sites. It's also known for its nightlife scene, which draws crowds on weekends. The Outram Park MRT line is just a block away, with direct access just outside of the hotel, and there are several bus lines on New Bridge Road and surrounding streets. It's about a 30-minute subway ride to the Orchard Road shopping district, or a 40-minute ride into the downtown core's business district. Expect about a 20-minute drive, or just over an hour via public transportation, to Changi Airport Singapore.

A replica Leica camera is mounted over the peephole of every room's door and serves as the number plate, and it even has LED flashes that go off when the doorbell (the shutter button) is pressed. The modern rooms feature a neutral color palette, with warm natural accents like small potted flowers and faux leather wall coverings behind the beds. Work desks along the wall, plus 40-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and electronic safes come standard in all rooms. The bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers with smoky brown tiles, while Splash Rooms add deep soaking tubs. The Balcony Rooms comes with furnished balconies that overlook a courtyard koi pond, while Loft Rooms maximize small spaces with a couch beneath an open flight of stairs that leads to the bedroom.

The hotel's tiled outdoor lap pool is set on an attractive deck with a hot tub integrated into one end. The sundeck has planted shade trees and several loungers, though nowhere near enough for a full house. For on-site dining, there are an all-day restaurant with a breakfast buffet (not included), a tapas bar, and lounge bar. There's also a modern fitness center with several treadmills and stationary bikes equipped with video screens, along with some weight training machines. The hotel offers meeting facilities and a business center, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.