Resorts World Sentosa - Festive Hotel

Part of the sprawling Resorts World Sentosa designed by American architect Michael Graves, the Festive Hotel displays Graves' sophisticated postmodern style merged with bright, kid-friendly decor. The interiors have an almost stately quality with wide wood-paneled columns and marbled floors, but are adorned with works by artist Romero Britto that emphasize primary colors, and lend a carnival-like vibe. The lobby's ceiling is hung with bright sculptures reminiscent of paper lanterns, but to a child's eye they may at once be balloons, or giant lollipops.

The hotel is located in Resort World Sentosa, a huge entertainment complex filled with hotels, restaurants, shops, casinos, and clubs in western Sentosa Island. The resort is home to Universal Studios and Marine Life Park, and attracts families as well as a younger crowd looking for nightlife. Sentosa Island itself is located a 25-minute drive from the downtown area and is connected to mainland Singapore by the Sentosa Gateway. It is divided into two very distinct parts -- the tranquil, more secluded eastern half (home to golf courses, quiet resorts, and forests) and the younger, massive tourism-oriented western half, home to Resort World. 

The hotel has 387 rooms, all with modern style that's more understated than what's found in the common spaces -- though most have bold accents in blue and red, as well as large graphic images of flowers. Curved ceilings and rounded archways give many of them playfulness and architectural variety, grounded by dark wood furnishings and patterned carpets. Many rooms have small private balconies, but they're unfurnished. Minibars, electric tea kettles, and flat-screen TVs come standard, but Wi-Fi is a (pricey) extra fee. The larger Deluxe Family Rooms have a sitting area with a sofa bed under a lofted bed accessed by ladder and nestled by walls covered with red cushions (it's best suited to slightly older children due to the height). Most of the tiled bathrooms have large walk-in showers. Some guests complain that the rooms lack the level of luxury expected for this price range, and we did notice some minor wear, such as dust and scratches on the wood veneer furniture and dirty tile grout in a shower. 

As part of the Resorts World Sentosa, guests can access a spa, fitness center, other pools, and restaurants throughout the complex. The hotel's own outdoor pool has water features along a large wooden sundeck with a hot tub and loungers. There's also a kiddy pool and a play area with fountains and interactive water features. The hotel has family-friendly dining all day at PappaMia, serving Asian food and some Western options; sample dishes include curry laksa, chicken satay burgers, and pasta bolognese. It has a thorough kids' menu with special meals that include treats and desserts, as well as bento-style options to go.