Rachel AJ Lee checks into the newest Capri by Fraser outpost in Singapore's CBD to find out what the millennial-driven hotel residence can offer to a new generation of bleisure travellers.
Location
Frasers Hospitality has opened its latest Capri by Fraser hotel in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, a buzzing district during the weekdays but a quiet respite on the weekends.
For overseas guests, the 16-storey hotel offers a convenient base from which they can explore the Lion City, as there are four MRT lines (green, red, purple and blue) within a 10-minute walk.
Rooms
My 29m2 Studio Executive has a kitchenette, complete with cooker hood, hob, microwave, plates and cooking utensils. While compact, the room type makes a good option for longer-staying guests, or even those who like to do light cooking while on vacation.
The side tables on both sides of the comfortable king-sized bed came in a special shape, inspired by the tiffin carriers of yesteryears. There were ample USB ports on both sides of the bed, but I especially liked the wireless charger positioned under the lamp on the work desk. This came in extremely handy – and was a relief – as I forgot to bring a cable to charge my iPhoneX.
I did however, find it cumbersome to climb in and out of the bathtub to access the shower, and would have preferred a shower stall instead. The Wi-Fi was speedy, and there was no limit to the devices connected per room.
F&B
JÙN Restaurant is the sole all-day dining outlet on-site, serving local dishes like salted egg chicken and Teochew-style steamed fish, alongside innovative offerings such as chilli crab rillette kueh pie tee and baked chempedak crumble.
This is also where guests go for the breakfast buffet line in the mornings. My stomach was very pleased with the breakfast spread, as most of the dishes I tried were really tasty, in particular the hokkien mee.
Facilities
There is a rooftop pool (with underwater speakers so you can have music while doing laps); steam rooms; a fully-equipped gym that boasts Prama, an interactive fitness platform; and the 24/7 Spin & Play launderette with an Atari Pong table.
There are also two interconnecting meeting rooms, the 45m2 Pod 1 &78m2 Pod 2, on the second floor.
On the same floor is also the executive lounge, The Den, outfitted with plush sofas, business class-esque chairs in muted pinks and blues, as well as wireless chargers. Coffee and snacks were free flow, and I was delighted to see sandwiches alongside the biscuits. There were also several boardgames on offer, which could accommodate one to four players.
Service
Most service staff were courteous and helpful when approached, except for one who was a little rougher around the edges, though it’s nothing a little training won’t fix.
Verdict
Its enviable location, smack in the middle of Telok Ayer, is perfect for staycationers on the weekends as the CBD is quiet, and for bleisure travellers who work in the CBD area.
Number of rooms 304
Rates From S$250 (US$183)
Contact details
Tel (65) 6437 0888
Email reservations.singapore@capribyfraser.com
