Today I woke up with the strongest urge to fly to Singapore after my sister told me airfares were dropping right now. Unfortunately we are unable to leave the country at the moment.
I have an urge to go and eat chicken rice, with no pressure to shop till I drop unlike in Hong Kong. I wish I could just stay in a really nice hotel, lie down and relax for a few days. I can just wish, can’t I?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Singapore and how many different hotels I’ve stayed in — from the “never again” to the touristy, from the posh and to the out of this world.
My most recent, exciting place to stay is Singapore’s newest boutique hotel called Quincy. Conveniently located on Mount Elizabeth, the Quincy is a just a few minutes’ stroll behind the Paragon mall on Orchard.
It is also literally a walking distance from the Mount Elizabeth Hospital, just in case you’re coming for treatment.
Opened last February, the Quincy stands out from all hotels I’ve stayed in because of its all-inclusive package. The room rate includes the following:
Airport pickup in a luxury car. Take note that the car has WiFi inside, as if you have time to check e-mail in traffic-less Singapore.
All free meals. I know it sounds unbelievable, but there is buffet and an a la carte menu served in the lobby café for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All you have to do is sign.
Consumable minibar. Love this part. All hotels should have free minibar.
All local calls free and free Wi-Fi.
Two pieces of laundry free, per room, per night.
Cocktails from 6 to 8 p.m. Plus fresh fruits, coffee and tea all, day for all guests. Unlike other hotels where only guests on the executive or club floor get free afternoon tea or merienda, all Quincy guests enjoy these perks.
We experienced the Quincy last month when we were in town for the Great Singapore Sale. My husband Jeroen and I were picked up at the airport by the friendly driver Mr. Kong.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the general manager Franck Hardy. I was surprised to see a really young and good-looking GM for a change. The name Franck Hardy sounds like a fashion label, but he looks like an artista.
At the front desk, guest service executive Sue surprised us with a personalized sketch of my husband and I. (I had a feeling Google was involved.)
We were given a couple of high-tech key cards that you tap on the door to enter the hotel, work the elevators and enter your room.
The Quincy has 108 studio rooms with only nine to a floor.
The bed is deliciously covered in 400-thread-count sheets, and you can rest assured that the modern, spotless bathroom with Molton Brown toiletries has my seal of approval.
After settling into the room Jeroen and I went down to check out the “free food.” Jeroen enjoyed his nasi goreng, while I enjoyed the free Wi-Fi.
The rest of the day was spent shopping all over Orchard, enjoying the room and all the freebies.
The following night a couple of friends came over to hang out at the poolside on the 12th floor, right next to the gym.
Right there, by the illuminated, glass-enclosed infinity pool on the side of the building, I knew that two nights were not nearly enough.
I’m just raring to go back.
If only Singapore were a train ride away, that would be perfect.
I can dream, can’t I?
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The Quincy is a owned and operated by the Far East Organization, Singapore’s largest private property developer. To know more about this exciting new hotel, go to http://www.quincy.com.sg/