Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore Review

Updated on Jul 17th, 2021

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For those who like luxury, glamour and a real sense of place, Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore ticks all the boxes. The hotel is a six-storey modern affair, built on stilts over Marina Bay. It links to the historic Clifford Pier, now a pretty restaurant, where early settlers arrived by boat.

Right on Marina Bay, the hotel is a short walk to Singapore’s famous Merlion, the financial and arts district and Raffles Place MRT station. It offers impressive views of the city skyline and is close to many interesting landmarks in Singapore.

Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

fullerton singapore — Alfresco Area I in the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

First impressions of Fullerton Bay?

fullerton hotel in singapore — Another view of the alfresco area at the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

The entrance through stylish Clifford Pier impresses with its scale and design.

I’m ushered through the opulent lobby to the grand reception with its over-the-top chandelier.

Staff are welcoming, efficient and quick to offer suggestions.

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What are the rooms like?

The premier bay view room has certainly got a “wow” factor.

I’m on level one with a floor-to-ceiling window and a mesmerising, full-on view of the bay and Singapore’s striking skyline.

The outdoor deck is a real treat: there are two lounge beds set right down by Marina Bay’s lapping waters.

This is a good spot to watch the nightly Marina Bay Sands light show directly opposite.

The 58-square-metre room is spacious with a practical work desk plus a sitting area with armchairs and a small table.

The bed has a soft-as-a-feather mattress and, as expected, a pillow menu if you’re fussy about your sleep.

The glass-walled lavish bathroom (phew, there are shutters) invites lazy sessions with full-size bathtub (love the TV over the bath), walk-in shower and separate toilet.

The Bottega Veneta toiletries are a nice touch.

Nespresso machine and quality teas are on hand. Wifi is free.

The Glamour Factor

Clifford Pier and the public spaces were designed by talented Hong Kong architect Andre Fu.

The transformation of the old pier into an upscale lobby and restaurant with its signature floral scent is nothing short of glamorous.

Rooms are decked out in a mix of Asian and European luxury with a contemporary finish.

Fullerton Bay Hotel Restaurants

fullerton hotel buffet — The Fullerton Bay Hotel High Tea may be popular but so is the dim sum lunch.

There are four restaurants at Fullerton Bay Hotel:

the grand Clifford Pier is popular for afternoon tea (don’t miss the lobster roll if you’re ordering a la carte)
the Landing Point is good for light meals or drinks and has a nice outdoor deck
the Brasserie offers breakfast (the gluten-free section is impressive) and French food later in the day
the Lantern Bar on the rooftop is a must for a sunset cocktail and is popular with locals.

The best time to enjoy a cocktail is between 8 pm and 9 pm when you can watch the Marina Bay Sands light show.

Though the rooftop is low rise, it’s set right on the water with clear views across the bay.

The mojitos and merlion cocktails are recommended and you can book seats (advisable at the weekends).

For those who like traditional afternoon tea (as opposed to the heritage afternoon tea at Clifford Pier), the Landing Point is the place to go.

Nearby, a short stroll from the hotel, One Fullerton has a range of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

fullerton hotel restaurant — A casual Singapore style snack – a lobster roll

For something casual, try Starbucks, PS Café or Crab Deli & Bar.

Other restaurants include Palm Beach Seafood, Little Sheep Hot Pot and Jing Seafood.

On the other side of the hotel, the Customs House (also owned by the Fullerton) has several eateries with great views.

Fullerton Bay Hotel High Tea

Afternoon tea at Clifford Pier is very popular with Singaporeans so make sure to book ahead for weekends.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel heritage high tea, which draws inspiration from Singapore’s many culinary influences, is particularly special as it offers a taste of the city’s past.

You indulge in a selection of seven savoury and seven sweet items, including sandwiches, pastries, cakes and scones – all with a local twist.

The restaurant has an interesting history as it occupies the former pier, which was built in 1933, as a landing point for immigrants.

A red lamp used to hang on the pier, giving it the Chinese name of Red Lamp Pier.

It served as a ferry terminal until 2006 when it closed and was transformed into a grand restaurant for the Fullerton Bay Hotel, which was built beside it.

The Clifford Pier high tea combines the best of western and local treats.

You can opt for the traditional kopi (coffee with condensed milk), teh tarik (tea with evaporated milk) or chilled rose syrup milk if you want a change from the usual teas and coffees on offer.

fullerton hotel high tea — Mouthwatering Wagyu Beef Rendang at Fullerton Bay Hotel.

fullerton hotel restaurants — Soup Kambing is another delicious local treat at Fullerton Bay Hotel.

The chilli crab bao and the kurobota port kong bank bau are local favourites and the cruffin with masala potato and nonya chicken curry spice things up a little.

On the sweet side, many classics have been given a twist here so you can graze on scones with mango jam, swiss roll with pandan filling, mini lopi and almond butter buns or traditional Indonesian honeycomb bika ambon.

The Bandung macaron is a pretty pink petit four that’s inspired by the favourite childhood rose syrup drink.

If you’re opting for traditional teas, the hotel has its own Fullerton express tea blend (with wildflowers, jasmine and green tea), silver moon or sencha meicha among the list.

The South African rooibos red tea is another option. Of course, for a really indulgent treat, you can pay extra for red, white or sparkling wine.

The Clifford Pier setting is also the work of designer Andre Fu who has created an imposing space using the full height of the historic pier and transforming it with lots of marble, chandeliers and plants.

Not surprisingly, this is also popular for weddings.

Fullerton Bay Hotel High Tea: Monday-Friday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm, S$48; weekends 3 pm-5 pm S$55.

Fullerton Hotel Spa

There isn’t a spa onsite but the one at the nearby historic Fullerton Hotel is definitely worth visiting.

The experienced masseurs here aren’t your average therapists.

An hour on the bed will cure any jetlag or aches you may have.

If you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to follow the underground passage across, the hotel car will deposit you at the spa.

Onsite the large 25-metre rooftop pool is hard to resist and the gym is kitted out with the latest equipment.

Bonus

The heritage tours are a must – there are free sessions for both guests and the public.

Bill Jee is an excellent guide on the nearby historic Fullerton Hotel (it occupies the old GPO) and the Fullerton Bay’s maritime tour, which talks about the significance of Clifford Pier in Singapore’s history.