What makes a five-star hotel family-friendly? Is it the service, the location, the facilities or the people? Christine King investigates at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
The expectation of a five-star stay is attention to detail and exceptional service in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere – the very same reasons why families are often hesitant to book these properties. The irony? These are luxuries that families appreciate when spending quality time together.
Our family recently experienced a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and it is our favourite family-friendly hotel to date. The 225-room hotel is located approximately 25 minutes from Changi International Airport and is described as one of the premier luxury hotels In Singapore. Located on the tree-lined Orchard Boulevard and within Singapore’s main shopping, business and entertainment district, this is the perfect spot for traveller’s wanting to explore the main sights of the Garden City.
The Four Seasons ethos is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime, so my family and I were ready to create some wonderful memories – and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore didn’t disappoint.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Four Seasons Executive Suite. At 75 square metres, the size of the room is perfect for families with small children, giving them extra room to play and run around, while parents can still enjoy their own space.
Our room was organised with our daughter in mind: a small cosy tent covered with cushions was set up next to her fold-out bed; a Four Seasons teddy bear was left on her pillow to keep her safe at night; a personalised platter with cookies and fruit juice greeted us upon arrival; and, my little girl’s favourite, a welcome note was painted onto a full-length mirror when we entered the room.
The luxurious king-size bed was just divine. You can pick your choice of mattress topper between plush, signature or firm. The suite features one marble bathroom stocked with L’Occitane amenities plus a guest powder room, which is perfect for the kids. There was even a kid-size toothbrush, toothpaste and bath wash on the basin for the little ones. Overall, the suite is everything you would expect from a world-class hotel: pure luxury.
There are two swimming pools at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. One is an outdoor lap pool (adults only), located next to the Fitness Centre, and the other is a rooftop family pool on the 20th floor. The family pool is surrounded by cabanas and offers a selection of toys, games, floating pool toys, kickboards and other swimming accessories. There is also a fantastic poolside kids’ menu which the little ones will love at a reasonable price. And don’t worry if you forget to bring sunscreen, the pool deck will have you covered!
The spa at the Four Seasons Hotel was the very first L’Occitane Spa and provides massages, wraps, facials, nail services and more.
Hotel facilities
Dining
The Four Seasons Hotel has various casual and fine dining restaurants and bars.
One-Ninety Restaurant offers all-day dining including a delectable buffet breakfast buffet that we dined at on both mornings. It includes house-made pastries, fresh fruits, salads, hot dishes and Japanese, Chinese and Western options. The breakfast was an incredible way to start off the day.
Every Sunday, Western and Asian cuisine is served at One-Ninety Restaurant. What was so impressive about this, apart from the fabulous spread of food, was that they open a Kids’ Playland so that after the kids have dined they can go and play in a supervised room – while mum and dad can spend some quality time together over a glass of Prosecco.
We spent an afternoon in this stylish lounge, tasting a couple of colourful cocktails and delectable chocolate desserts made by their pastry chef.
Jiang-Nan Chun is the signature Cantonese restaurant known for dim sum and Peking duck. Embodying the concept of “Xiang Le Zhu Yi,” or the principle of enjoyment and happiness, the Michelin-starred restaurant is not only evocative of the pastoral lifestyle of the Jiang Nan region’s traditional river villages through its rustic decor, but also through its authentic cuisine.
The in-room dining includes an extensive menu available at all hours, day or night. They also pride themselves on their 15-minute room service menu selection and food options for kids.
Did the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore live up to its label as a family-friendly accommodation offering? Yes, with flying colours. We had a wonderful time at this lavish hotel, the highlight being the staff, who were always incredibly attentive and who always go out of their way to make children feel welcome … they truly make you feel like royalty!
We are Christine, Mev and Lara and together we run www.christinekings.com.au a Melbourne, Australia-based photography, travel and lifestyle blog. We aim to share our travel experiences to help inspire you and your family to travel. Our blog has become an essential website for families planning a trip or visiting Melbourne or abroad. From hotel reviews and attractions to restaurants and travel tips, our blog has all the resources you will need to create some memorable and great experiences with your family. Let us do all the leg work to make your next family holiday as seamless as possible.
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Planning a holiday to Singapore? You can read our complete family-friendly travel guide to Singapore here.
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