Somerset Bencoolen Singapore: Luxury Redefined – Unbelievable Views & Amenities!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sensory experience that is Somerset Bencoolen Singapore. They sell it as "Luxury Redefined – Unbelievable Views & Amenities!"… Well, let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Prepare for a review that's less scripted brochure and more… well, me reacting to the whole shebang.
First Impressions & The View… Oh, That View! (And a Confession)
Okay, the view. Seriously, the view. They're not kidding. My jaw actually dropped when I walked into my room. It feels cliché to say, but the Singapore skyline just breathes from up there. I had a bit of a moment, you know? Like, a full-blown, "Wow, I'm actually here" moment. I even took like, 50 pictures. Don't judge me.
Accessibility & Feeling Safe: Keeping it Real
Now, I'll be upfront – I can't comment extensively on the wheelchair accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair myself. BUT, the hotel does list "Facilities for disabled guests" and boasts an elevator. I'd recommend checking specific details with the hotel directly if you need them. I did see a notice on the property about "CCTV in common areas" "CCTV outside property" and "Security [24-hour]" which made me feel extra safe, not that I'm easily scared, but it's a nice feeling.
They're also totally on top of the cleanliness game. I saw "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. Feels like they are doing all they can to make you feel safe!
Rooms: Home Away From Home (… But Cooler)
The rooms… are very well done. Clean. Modern. The "Air conditioning" is a godsend in Singapore, obviously. They’ve got all the essentials like "Air conditioning", "Coffee/tea maker", "Free bottled water", "Hair dryer", "In-room safe box", "Mini bar", "Refrigerator". I actually appreciated the "Blackout curtains". Slept like a baby, barring the jet lag. They also have some little things like "Alarm clock", "Bathrobes", "Slippers". They even give you one of those "Umbrella" deals.
And a confession – I’m a total fiend for a nice shower. The "Shower" was good, pressure was great, and I think I spent an hour just luxuriating it. They have this "Separate shower/bathtub" situation. I only used the shower, but still. Points for the option!
Spa, Fitness, and Chill: Sweating It Out and Winding Down
Okay, okay, confession time: I’m terrible at relaxing. I always feel like I should be doing something. However… the "Pool with view" almost, almost, lured me in. Stunning. The "Sauna", "Spa/sauna", "Steamroom", plus the "Fitness center" are all very nice. They offer "Body scrub", "Body wrap", "Foot bath", and "Massage", but to be honest, I actually forgot to go to the spa. Maybe next time, I’ll try to just, you know, chill.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Mild Complaint)
The food situation is…complicated. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was alright. "Asian breakfast", "Western breakfast" options – the usual suspects. They have "Restaurants" and "Coffee shop", and a "Poolside bar." I had some pretty good "Soup in restaurant", though. But honestly, the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" wasn’t anything to write home about. It was… passable, to be honest. And as for "Desserts in restaurant", I ate them all, but that's because I have zero self-control.
They offer "Room service [24-hour]", which is a massive win for a night owl like me. Also, the "Bottle of water" was appreciated, especially after a long day of exploring. Also, they had a "Snack bar", which was great for a quick bite, but the choices were not as varied as I wanted them to be.
Service: The Good, the Great, and the Almost Perfect
Their "Concierge" was super helpful. They offered "Cash withdrawal", "Dry cleaning", "Ironing service", "Luggage storage", "Laundry service", which is super convenient!.The staff? Generally lovely. The "Front desk [24-hour]" was a big plus, especially when I arrived super late.
The Things You Missed:
- For the Kids: "Babysitting service", "Family/child friendly", "Kids facilities", "Kids meal". I don't have kids, so I didn't investigate, but good to know if you're travelling with the little ones.
- Business Stuff: "Business facilities", "Meetings", "Meeting/banquet facilities", "Audio-visual equipment for special events", "Indoor venue for special events", "Outdoor venue for special events", "Wi-Fi for special events". Good if you need to mix business with pleasure, I guess.
- Getting Around: "Airport transfer", "Car park [free of charge]", "Car park [on-site]", "Taxi service". Convenient, but I used the MRT, which is super easy in Singapore!
The Quirks & The Little Things That Matter
- Soundproofing: Yes! Finally, a hotel that understands the importance of a good night's sleep.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes! Always a win.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yes! And it actually works which is a miracle.
- Cashless payment service: Modern and appreciated.
- The little touches: Things like "Daily housekeeping", "Complimentary tea" in-room. Those little things make a difference!
- That elevator! Makes your life so much easier.
- Things to do: They have a "Terrace" for those perfect pics.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Amazing option!
- First Aid Kit: You never know when you might need it!
My Emotional Verdict: Is Somerset Bencoolen Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Mostly, yes. The "Unbelievable Views & Amenities" are not just marketing fluff. They delivered. Singapore is an expensive city, and to feel pampered within a budget is important in my opinion. I had a wonderful time and I'd recommend it, especially if you're looking for a little luxury with a side of convenience. Just remember to bring your own coffee (kidding… mostly).
SEO & The Final Sell: Book Your Escape!
Headline: Somerset Bencoolen Singapore Review: Views That Will Take Your Breath Away!
Keywords: Singapore Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel Singapore, Somerset Bencoolen, Hotel with Amazing Views, Singapore Accommodation, Hotel Amenities, Pool with a View Singapore, Spa Hotels Singapore, Central Singapore Hotel, Best Hotels Singapore, Accessible Hotels Singapore, Free Wi-Fi Hotel Singapore.
Why Book Somerset Bencoolen?
- Breathtaking City Views: Wake up to iconic skylines – trust me, you won't regret it.
- Relaxation & Rejuvenation: From the stunning pool to the spa, find your inner zen.
- Prime Location: Explore Singapore with ease – everything is at your doorstep.
- Impeccable Service: The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome.
- Outstanding Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, a well-equipped gym, and more to enhance your stay.
- Safety First: Cleanliness and hygiene are top priorities, allowing you to relax with peace of mind.
- Accessibility Matters: Offering facilities for guests with disabilities.
- Family Focused: With their "Family/child friendly" approach, Somerset Bencoolen is a great choice if you are traveling with your beloved ones.
- Breakfast Included: Save money, eat good food.
- Excellent Value: Experience luxury without breaking the bank.
My Honest Plea:
Look, I'm just a traveler sharing my experience. But I'm also a sucker for a good hotel, especially one with a killer view. So, if you're considering a trip to Singapore, do yourself a favor and check out Somerset Bencoolen. Honestly? Book it. You deserve it. And that view? It's worth every penny. You know you want to. Go do it!
Svalinn Hotel Turkey: Your Dream Turkish Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this Somerset Bencoolen Singapore itinerary is about to get a whole lot less "perfectly curated and more… me. Prepare for a rambling, slightly neurotic, and hopefully hilarious journey through my supposed vacation, shall we?
Somerset Bencoolen Singapore: The Pretend Itinerary of a Semi-Competent Traveller
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Incident
Time: Noon (ish? Who am I kidding, probably closer to 1 PM. My flight was delayed. Again.)
Activity: Wrestle luggage from airport, find the MRT (the subway, for the uninitiated). Pray to the travel gods for no epic fails.
Mood: Exhausted. Also, strangely optimistic. The allure of Singapore is strong, like a siren song luring me towards overpriced cocktails and questionable street food.
Anxiety Level: Middling. Mostly, I'm just worried about looking like a complete tourist (which, let's be honest, is inevitable).
Transportation: Taxi from Changi Airport (laziness tax), then MRT to Somerset.
Hotel: Somerset Bencoolen Serviced Residence (sounds fancy, hopefully it's not a glorified shoebox).
Lunch: The Noodle Incident. So, I was starving. Like, ravenous. Spotted a hawker center near the hotel. Looked promising! Ordered laksa (famous Singaporean noodle soup). It arrived. Looked spectacular! One bite… FIRE. Like, actual, physical inferno in my mouth. Turns out, I'd ordered the "spicy" version. My eyes teared up. I sweat profusely. I almost cried. But I powered through. Why? Because I’m a stubborn idiot who hates wasting food… and because the flavor, even amidst the pain, was actually… amazing. (Highly regrettable experience level: 9/10, would probably do again.)
Afternoon: Check in to Somerset. Pray the AC works. Nap. A long, glorious, blessed nap.
Evening: Explore the area around Somerset. Maybe find an actual cocktail. And a digestive biscuit. Please God, a digestive biscuit.
Day 2: Gardens by the Bay and Questionable Fashion Decisions
Time: Sunrise (HA! Okay, more like 9 AM. Sleeping in is practically a national sport of mine on vacation).
Activity: Gardens by the Bay. Because, Instagram. And because, let’s face it, it looks ridiculously cool.
Mood: Excited! Still slightly traumatized from the Laksa Incident, but ready to conquer the day (or at least, attempt to).
Anxiety Level: Lower, thanks to the nap. Still wary of any food labeled "spicy."
Transportation: MRT to Gardens by the Bay. Probably. My phone will guide me. Or lead me astray. We shall see.
Morning: Wander through the Supertree Grove. Take approximately 5,000 photos. Feel the fleeting pang of existential dread as I contemplate the vastness of the universe. But, seriously, those trees are insane.
Lunch: Food court at Gardens by the Bay. Gonna play it safe. Chicken rice. Can't go wrong, right? (famous last words)
Afternoon: Cloud Forest dome. Mist. Orchids. More photo ops. Think about the meaning of life. Maybe.
Shopping/Shopping Experience/ Fashion Disaster: Orchard Road. Saw a t-shirt with a particularly offensive slogan. I mean, seriously offensive. Debate whether to buy it for ironic reasons. Decide against it, knowing deep down I'd actually wear it unironically. Admire the glitz and glamour of the shops. Feel completely out of place. And probably over-dressed. Again. Singaporeans dress well.
Evening: Dinner somewhere near Orchard Road. Maybe a rooftop bar. Need a strong drink after that shopping experience. And a pep talk.
Day 3: Hawker Heaven - A Culinary Adventure and My Personal Hell.
Time: 10 AM (ish. I need to get better at mornings)
Activity: Maximum hawker centre exposure. I'm talking full immersion. I'm talking… maybe a food coma.
Mood: Cautiously optimistic. Laksa-induced trauma partially healed. Slightly worried about the bill.
Anxiety Level: High. The sheer volume of choices in a hawker centre is overwhelming. And the fear of bad food is real.
Transportation: MRT.
Morning: Tiong Bahru Market. Explore the stalls. Try everything. (Or at least, try some things. My stomach is not a bottomless pit, sadly).
Lunch: Hainanese chicken rice (a classic). Maybe some chili crab (a risk. A delicious risk. But a risk). Hope I have enough tissues.
Afternoon: Maxwell Food Centre. More food! Satay! Roti Prata (I hope they have roti prata) ! Maybe even, gasp, durian. (Maybe not. I’m still a coward.) The sheer chaos of navigating a hawker centre is a life lesson by itself.
Quirky Observation: I am pretty sure I saw a cat wearing a tiny hat. Or maybe I imagined it. Food coma is slowly kicking in.
Dinner: Another hawker center. I am not sure where. My brain is not working right now. The only thing that is alive right now is the thought of food.
Evening: Collapse. Re-evaluate my life choices. Wonder if Singapore ever sleeps.
Day 4: Culture and Regret
Time: Whenever I wake up.
Activity: Something cultural. Gotta pretend I know things, yeah?
Mood: Slightly less hungover than expected. Fuelled by iced coffee.
Anxiety Level: Surprisingly Low. Probably because I'm too tired to care.
Transportation: Train, taxi, or whatever random wheeled contraption gets me there.
Morning: Visit Chinatown. Wander the streets. Browse the shops. Buy more things I'll never use. Haggle with a vendor. Feel incredibly awkward. Then buy a souvenir.
Lunch: Dim Sum.
Afternoon: Little India. Colour! Chaos! Spices! Smells! Shop for something I definitely do not need.
Shopping: Probably will buy something stupid, like a singing toy. I’m weak.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Contemplate the meaning of Singaporean cuisine (too much chili, I think).
Day 5: Departure and the Unspoken Truth
Time: Early. Depressingly early.
Activity: Get to the airport. Try not to cry. Or at least, try not to cry too much.
Mood: Sad. Tired. Slightly relieved, but also really, really wishing I could stay longer.
Anxiety Level: High. The fear of missing my flight is real. Also, the fear of my luggage getting lost.
Transportation: Taxi/MRT combination (whatever gets me there fastest).
Morning: Final breakfast. Try to savor it. Probably fail. Pack. Realize I have too many souvenirs. Cram everything into my suitcase (hopefully, it will close).
Afternoon: Airport. Security. Waiting. More waiting. Buy some duty-free chocolates (because, you know, trauma).
Departure: So long, Singapore. You were amazing. And sometimes terrifying. And probably gave me mild gastritis. But I'll be back. Eventually.
The Unspoken Truth: I probably ate way too much. I probably spent way too much money. I probably looked like an idiot at least half the time. But, hey, that's travel, right? Now, where's that chocolate bar…?
Somerset Bencoolen: You Heard the Hype? Okay, Let's Dive In (and Maybe Judge)
So, Somerset Bencoolen... Luxury, Huh? Is it actually *luxury* luxury, or just, like, slightly-nicer-than-a-motel luxury?
Okay, real talk. When I heard "luxury," I was bracing myself for Instagram-induced disappointment. You know, the kind where the photos are way better than reality? BUT... Somerset Bencoolen actually delivers. It's not over-the-top ostentatious, like, dripping-in-gold-leaf kind of luxury (thank *god*). It's more... refined. Think: fluffy towels that *actually* absorb water, a bed that begs you to sleep in for 12 hours (I may or may not have tested this theory... repeatedly), and a shower with pressure that could probably unclog a pipe. They *get* the details. That said, remember my first stay? The air con. Oh god, the air con. I swear, it was the only flaw. It was like living in a walk-in freezer on one setting, and a sauna on another. You just have to get used to it. Definitely *not* motel-adjacent though. Unless your motel has a rooftop pool overlooking the city… which, let’s be honest, is unlikely.
And those views? Are they REALLY as amazing as everyone says? I'm picturing something like, "Oh, nice view of a parking lot and a power plant."
Okay, the views are genuinely pretty spectacular. I wasn't expecting *this*. I mean, I've seen the photos; I even saw a YouTube vlog where some influencer practically wept over it, and I thought she was laying it on a bit thick. But when I actually stood there, staring out at the cityscape, the way the sun was hitting the skyscrapers at sunset… I kinda got it. It's that view, that lets you to breathe and feel the city at new depth. Yes, you can see little bits that aren’t so pretty, but honestly? The overall panorama is breathtaking. Like, "worthy-of-a-postcard" breathtaking. Now, the *best* time to experience it? Golden hour, obviously. Just before the sun completely dips below the horizon. And even if you are not a morning person, you should drag yourself out of bed and watch the sunrise. It is worth the effort and a good cup of hot tea in the morning.
What about the amenities? The rooftop pool, the gym… are they worth the hype, or are they just there to look pretty?
The pool? Yes. Worth it. Especially after a long day of exploring or a meeting. It’s that perfect temperature, and the views from the pool are even *more* stunning than from your room (if you’re lucky enough to have a view). The gym? Okay, it’s a gym. It has treadmills, weights, all that jazz. I’m not a gym rat, so I'm not the best judge, but it's clean, well-equipped, and actually… surprisingly, not intimidating. Which is a plus! I’ve actually used that gym, so it's good. But! – The staff could have done a bit better job keeping it clean. The towels, yikes. The gym is worth it, but still needed help.
Is it family-friendly? Because if my kids are going to be screaming at 6 AM, I need to know before I book!
Definitely family-friendly! They have apartment-style rooms, so you've got space to stretch out and (hopefully) keep the noise contained a bit. They also have a kids' play area which, from what I saw, seems to keep the little ones entertained. I'm not a parent, so I can only speak anecdotally, but I saw *lots* of happy kids running around. But just *one* warning. Be sure you have earplugs if you're sensitive to noise. Singapore – as amazing as it is – is *loud*. So plan accordingly.
Location, location, location! How convenient is it, really? Is it miles from everything?
The location is really, really good. It's smack-dab in the middle of everything. MRT access is super easy, meaning you can get pretty much everywhere in Singapore without having to rely on expensive taxis. Plus, there are *tons* of restaurants and shops nearby. Little India is a short walk. Bugis Street market is a quick stroll away. And oh! The hawker centers! I could eat at those all day long. Seriously. I probably gained five pounds just from the aroma of that street food. So yeah, it's convenient. It's *so* convenient, that you might actually find yourself spending less time in your room to go out exploring. And if you do, take a walk. It's so worth it.
What about the food? Is there a restaurant, and is it any good? Or should I just stick to street food?
Okay, so they *do* have a restaurant. I tried it. Once. The menu was… fine. The food was… passable. It wasn't *bad*, but it wasn't particularly memorable, either. Honestly? I'd skip it. Singapore is a foodie paradise! Go explore! Walk out the door and you can find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to amazing hawker stalls, which is *literally* a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Which, by the way, is a bit hard for me. I am not a super-adventurous eater and, frankly, some street food can be… challenging. Still, you really should try some. It's part of the experience.
Let's be honest: What was the WORST part of the Somerset Bencoolen experience? Be brutally honest.
Alright, alright. Let's get to the nitty-gritty. The absolute, without-a-doubt, eyebrow-raising, teeth-gritting WORST thing? The lift situation. There aren't enough lifts. Seriously. I'm talking, you-could-wait-for-fifteen-minutes-before-you-finally-squeeze-in-with-a-load-of-sweaty-bikini-clad-people, lift situations. I swear, I almost considered taking the stairs once. Almost. And I'm not even slightly athletic! It got especially bad during peak hours. So yeah, if you're claustrophobic, plan ahead. Or just become best friends with whoever is sharing the lift with you during the long wait. But actually, you know what? I don’t hate it that much. After the last few times in the lift, it got quite… intimate.
Okay, so the lifts are a problem, but is it worth the price?
