One of the newest additions to the bustling Bugis District is Mercure Singapore Bugis. The heritage-inspired hotel opened its doors just last May 2016, and as of this writing, it’s already fully operational. On my last trip to the Lion City, I stayed in the hotel’s Executive Loft, which surprisingly exceeded my expectations.
LOCATION
Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s arts and cultural district, Mercure Singapore Bugis is certainly in the middle of the action. Nearby are shopping centers interspersed with heritage buildings, as well as the hip cultural quarter of Kampong Glam. Minutes away by foot, meanwhile, are Orchard Road, Little India, and the world-famous Marina Bay promenade.
Transportation and accessibility are never a problem. Aside from the bus stops that surround the hotel, several MRT stations are within the vicinity, including Bugis, Bras Basah, and Rochor—all of which can be walked in about five to ten minutes. A little further but still walkable are the Dhoby Ghaut, Esplanade, City Hall, Promenade, and Little India MRT stations. Taxis and Uber cars are plenty in the area too.
STYLE/CHARACTER
Part of the AccorHotels portfolio, Mercure carries the motto “in harmony with people and places.” Its properties are non-standardized, meaning each is customized with a distinct character that suits the locale. What’s common for all Mercure hotels though are the strict international standards they follow.
Upon stepping past its doors, I noticed how Mercure Singapore Bugis is brimming with style and how it feels locally-inspired. In the lobby, hints of Peranakan influence are embedded into an overall oriental aesthetic, and there was an abundance of color that made it seem warm and inviting.
ROOMS
I was billeted in an Executive Loft, located in the Privilege (top) floor of the hotel, which is reserved for higher-tier LeClub AccorHotels members. I was really drawn in by the loft’s design, which is reflective of the hotel’s overall heritage theme, as well as its vivid color scheme, which is dominated by my favorite color blue.
I was at first uneasy that I was staying in a loft, as I find that type of room, for the most part, cramped and thus inconvenient. But the loft I stayed at in Mercure Singapore Bugis was smartly laid out that it was quite the opposite of what I was expecting. It did help that the loft’s two split levels had enough height to not make me slouch and that the windows were tall, thus creating a sense of space.
The room had the expected features and amenities, including the king-sized bed, which despite being basically on the floor, I found to be comfortable. Since it was a loft, it had two smart LED TVs, and as an added perk for staying in an Executive Loft, there was a Nespresso machine.
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By the way, a rather valuable amenity of all rooms in the hotel is the smartphone by Handy. It provides unlimited mobile internet access and international calls to some ten countries, fortunately including the Philippines, and it likewise serves as a practical city guide.
FACILITIES
I had access to the hotel’s Privilege Lounge—which surprised me because Mercure hotels don’t typically have a lounge. It was definitely smaller than most of the hotel lounges that I’ve been to, but it didn’t lack in terms of style and service. I tried the evening cocktails, and again, it was smaller compared to other hotels, yet the food selection, which included satay, was satisfying, nonetheless.
Among the hotel’s highlights are its sky deck, which is beautifully landscaped and lined with designer furniture; and its infinity lap pool. Both offer gorgeous views of the environs.
Aside from these, the hotel also features a small fitness corner and Mercure’s READYTOWORK lounge, which has plush sofas, two iMac workstations, and a six-seater table for informal meetings.
FOOD AND DRINK
I had breakfast at Sauces by Chef Daniel, which serves a modest morning spread consisting of both Western and Asian items.
SERVICE
I was lucky that checking me in was a Filipina who I immediately felt at ease with. But I must say all of the staff were friendly and always wearing a smile, and they handled my requests efficiently.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Surprisingly, rates at Mercure Singapore Bugis are affordable by Singapore standards, despite its central location. Those who book direct through the AccorHotels website and happen to be LeClub members get preferential rates on top of extra perks. Until December 31, 2016, the hotel is offering buffet breakfast at 5 SGD (~175 PHP) per person with every room booked.
MERCURE SINGAPORE BUGIS
Middle Road, Singapore
Telephone: +65 6521 6088
Email: HA0D7-RE@accor.com
Website: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-A0D7-mercure-singapore-bugis/
Social Media: Facebook
