Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay

The Novotel brand, like any large hotel chain, has wide array of styles to choose from within its hotel empire -- some hotels are chic and modern and others have seen better days. Their Clarke Quay outpost falls somewhere in the middle. Interiors range from the utterly contemporary to the traditional and tired -- including some elements in guest rooms. 

Guests enter on the ground level to a small arrival lobby, then go up to the seventh floor to the main lobby. The passageway to the front desk is lined on one side with a long standing counter with Apple computers for guests to use. Mirrors and contemporary floral arrangements line the opposite wall. The reception area is modern, if a bit mall-like for its lack of windows. Cozy seating areas provide places for guests to hang out or wait for check-in, which can sometimes be slow. An aquarium and a flat-screen TV help entertain, and an Eiffel Tower statue on the bookcase in a seating area composed of mod papasan-inspired chairs reminds guests of the hotel's French roots. The prime location next to Clarke Quay means that this hotel is always busy with business and leisure guests of all stripes.

The hotel has an enviable location right next to Clarke Quay, a major dining and entertainment hub on the banks of the Singapore River. There are trendy pubs and restaurants in almost any direction. The action in the area picks up as the week draws to a close, as Clarke Quay is popular with both tourists, ex-pats, and locals. In addition to the hotel's ideal location for walking to nearby attractions, a riverboat service is close by that can take guests to other attractions along the river. The Clarke Quay MRT station is less than 10 minutes away on foot, and the popular Sentosa Island resort is about 15 minutes away. Business travelers can get to the Central Business District in less than 20 minutes by car depending on the destination. Changi International Airport is also about 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms come in six categories, from Standard Rooms to high-end Premier Suites. Decor is mostly modern and minimalist, with contemporary clean-lined light wood-veneer furniture, beige and white color schemes accented by red, oversized wooden headboards, white bed linens, and modern light fixtures and artwork. The look is uniform across all categories, though some elements -- like carpets -- are a bit tired. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travelers, all rooms offer at least one additional chair for seating, plus work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, and USB ports. Modern bathrooms feature granite counter tops, above-counter sinks, tiled tub/shower combos, makeup mirrors, and hairdryers. Views in rooms are of Marina Bay, the Singapore River, or Fort Canning Park, though lower-level rooms tend to just look on neighboring buildings. Premier Rooms and suites offer additional space and amenities such as Nespresso coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, and access to the 24th-floor Premier Lounge facing Marina Bay. 

Like any hotel its size, this Novotel offers a fairly wide selection of on-site features to complement its location next to one of Singapore's main entertainment hubs. The Square restaurant serves international and local cuisine for all meals, with a buffet and carving station for lunch and dinner. The space is modern and hip, with wood flooring, orange booths and chairs, and striking blue mood lighting along the ceiling. Guests also can dine alfresco on the terrace, but breakfast is not included with most room rates. Dragon Phoenix serves classical Cantonese cuisine for lunch and dinner and also provides catering for special events. Northern Indian fare is available at Moghul Mahal. Le Bar Rouge off the lobby is a trendy space with red mood lighting along the ceiling, reddish-orange arm chairs, bar stools, and sofas, and a big-screen TV. 

The large outdoor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs with cabanas to protect guests from the Singapore sun. Le Pool Bar is handy for getting poolside drinks and light fare. Guests who upgrade to the Premier Suites have access to the Premier Lounge that includes a free American breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and free use of a boardroom. The lounge has spectacular views of Marina Bay. 

A kids' area has games for the little ones and fun seating. The hotel offers a 24/7 fitness room with modern cardio and weight-training equipment, free weights, and a flat-screen TV. An on-site laundry room has coin-operated washers and dryers for guests to use. Event spaces meet the needs of a variety of gatherings, from small to large. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.