This stunner, designed by award winning British architect Norman Foster, is a newcomer to luxury hotel scene in Singapore. JW Marriott has opened its doors less than a year ago and is a very welcome addition to the Marina Bay area.
The complex where the hotel is located is beautiful and comprises of two towers, a courtyard in the middle and a heritage listed building that dates back to the British days of Singapore. Modern structure represents a shape of a pregnant woman and the ones who know feng shui claim that the complex has very good aura.
Location is equally fabulous with JW guests being minutes away from Marina Bay waterfront walk.
JW greets its guests with a 2 story tall digital display showing ever changing colourful graphics designed for visual pleasure of the guests entering the lobby. Interior are also very modern designed by another stylish personality – Philip Stark.
The check-in is quick and on request can be done in-room. Two towers offer … rooms and suites and for ladies travelling alone JW offers ladies only floors, something I have not seen before in Singapore.
Room interiors are very light – cream furniture, light wood, a lot of mirrors to create a feeling of space. I stayed in a suite on a ladies only floor; it offers a small living room and a separate bedroom. If you are travelling light this suite configuration will work well. However if you have a lot of luggage book a large spacious suite as there was no space for my luggage in a junior suite.
Facilities
JW Marriott has two rooftop pools, one in each tower. The view from the deck is spectacular especially at night when Marina Bay comes alive with laser shows and night lights. You don’t need to swim to enjoy the area though as JW set up a little bar on the poolside deck for those who prefer to relax with a glass of gin and tonic instead of a swim.
If you like to keep up with your fitness routine when you travel, you’ll enjoy the full size gym while, those who are looking for pampering, can indulge in a variety of treatments in the Spa by JW. After a long haul flight the skin gets very dehydrated and a scrub followed by an oil massage is a perfect way to nourish your skin. I also recommend you to enjoy the spa relaxation area before or after the treatment with a plunge pool, sauna and steam room to relax you even further.
Dining
All day restaurant Beach Road Kitchen serves wonderful buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I enjoyed a healthy breakfast here every day – bowls of natural yogurt with fresh berries, tropical fruit, muesli and nuts. If you like your breakfast more substantial there are a lot of choices with a selection of Asian dishes, eggs, pastries, even breakfast pizzas from a wood fire oven. Cool room has a selection of Italian antipasti, inspired by the Italian head chef.
JW’s second restaurant Akira Back is a fabulous Japanese establishment, serving modern Japanese with a slight Korean accent. I tried a degustation menu, a selection of chef’s special’s, and can say without exaggeration that it was one of the best Japanese meals I had in Singapore. A must try even if you are not staying in the hotel.
The Lux Traveller Loved
Funky lobby
Exceptional views from the pool deck
Excellent breakfast
Delicious degustation menu at Akira Back
Relaxing spa ritual at Spa by JW
Splitting Hairs
Standard rooms and junior suites are overfilled with furniture and would benefit from a little ‘de-clutter’. Too many chairs and coffee tables in a small space.
All In All
Modern hotel in a great area. Would suit business and leisure travellers alike.
