There is no dearth of hotels in Singapore. From the budget to the opulent, there is one to suit every traveller's budget, taste and preference. Being a long-term resident of the city, I haven't got around to sampling many hotel stays but for the odd staycation, voucher usage etc. I have checked into a few of the city's properties. One such recent experience was at The Royal Plaza on Scotts (popularly known as RP on Scotts).
The hotel is wonderfully located in the Orchard Road belt along the less busier Scotts Road and a stone's throw from Orchard MRT station. Situated right next to the popular DFS Galleria, it is hard to miss the hotel. For obvious space constraints, the hotel does not have an exclusive driveway and you basically pull into the lobby where an efficient bell boy will accompany you to the reception counter. Check-in that particular day was a slow process due to a large tour group checking in. The lobby of the hotel is expansive and the decor is dominated by a large winding staircase which lends a unique charm to the property.
We were given a room on the fifth floor and I must say my first impression on exiting the lift was not exactly positive. It is not very often you get out of a lift and are greeted by a service door and that too which is peeling off at the edges. We walked into our room which was quite small with a compact bathroom to match. The 'view' from our room overlooked one of the many parking lots on Orchard Road and was not what you would expect to look out onto from a plush Orchard Road address. The room had just about enough space for a single suitcase. The bathroom too would be a squeeze if two people were to stand in it.
RP on Scotts is part of the Summit Hotels chain and I have previously enjoyed a very pleasant stay at another of their properties - Hotel Wellington in Madrid - and thus my expectations were on the higher side from the Singapore hotel. There were a few nice touches like a complimentary mini bar which was restocked daily with soft drinks and beers. It is the first time I have seen a Singapore hotel offer this freebie. The front office staff is helpful and cheery. With so many dining options around the corner, we did not get around to sampling the hotel's food. Check-out was a frustrating affair with 2 new staff members at the helm of affairs and each more clueless than the other.
For a first time tourist to Singapore, RP on Scotts is a good hotel which offers an unbeatable location in close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants and MRT station. The hotel usually has some great promotions going on and you should be able to snag a decent deal if you book a bit in advance. For repeat visitors and locals looking for staycation options, I wouldn't recommend RP on Scotts. I believe there is a renovation program underway which should make the hotel a better bet in the future. However, in its present state with small rooms and service staff flitting in and out of sight through the day, it might not be the right choice for that quiet getaway you want.
The hotel is wonderfully located in the Orchard Road belt along the less busier Scotts Road and a stone's throw from Orchard MRT station. Situated right next to the popular DFS Galleria, it is hard to miss the hotel. For obvious space constraints, the hotel does not have an exclusive driveway and you basically pull into the lobby where an efficient bell boy will accompany you to the reception counter. Check-in that particular day was a slow process due to a large tour group checking in. The lobby of the hotel is expansive and the decor is dominated by a large winding staircase which lends a unique charm to the property.
We were given a room on the fifth floor and I must say my first impression on exiting the lift was not exactly positive. It is not very often you get out of a lift and are greeted by a service door and that too which is peeling off at the edges. We walked into our room which was quite small with a compact bathroom to match. The 'view' from our room overlooked one of the many parking lots on Orchard Road and was not what you would expect to look out onto from a plush Orchard Road address. The room had just about enough space for a single suitcase. The bathroom too would be a squeeze if two people were to stand in it.
RP on Scotts is part of the Summit Hotels chain and I have previously enjoyed a very pleasant stay at another of their properties - Hotel Wellington in Madrid - and thus my expectations were on the higher side from the Singapore hotel. There were a few nice touches like a complimentary mini bar which was restocked daily with soft drinks and beers. It is the first time I have seen a Singapore hotel offer this freebie. The front office staff is helpful and cheery. With so many dining options around the corner, we did not get around to sampling the hotel's food. Check-out was a frustrating affair with 2 new staff members at the helm of affairs and each more clueless than the other.
For a first time tourist to Singapore, RP on Scotts is a good hotel which offers an unbeatable location in close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants and MRT station. The hotel usually has some great promotions going on and you should be able to snag a decent deal if you book a bit in advance. For repeat visitors and locals looking for staycation options, I wouldn't recommend RP on Scotts. I believe there is a renovation program underway which should make the hotel a better bet in the future. However, in its present state with small rooms and service staff flitting in and out of sight through the day, it might not be the right choice for that quiet getaway you want.
