The York! and other Singapore, Singapore Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

I stayed at the York Hotel for four nights in October 2004. I had been there as part of a work conference a few years earlier and decided to come back.

It was a good place to stay, though I found it a bit frustrating having to walk uphill from Orchard Road every time I returned to the hotel. It`s probably ok if you aren`t planning to do much shopping, but a ten minute-walk turns into an arduous trek if you are laden with shopping bags. Mind you, the taxis are cheap so why am I complaining?

Promotional material for the hotel always shows a vast, grandiose, sloping structure. The entire time I was there, I couldn`t figure out where they had taken these pictures from. Bottom line, in this case at least, it`s what`s inside that counts.

Unique Qualities: The porters and concierge at the York are outstanding. They are always ready to help out.

The international calling rates from the room are CHEAP! I have never experienced this before. My phone bill was as follows:

England 7 minutes: S$2.39
Canada 3 minutes: S$1.70

Obviously you should check with reception first, but if you plan to make a lot of calls, then this is a convenient option.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (65) 6737 0511
Address: 21 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228516
Directions: Close to the intersection of Scotts and Orchard Road (10 minutes` walk). Mount Elizabeth runs off Orchard Road near Takashimaya.

I stayed at the Plaza Parkroyal for four nights in March, 2004. I also went there for work three years previously. I really liked this hotel because the facilities and appearance were great but overall it was quite affordable. It seemed like it should cost more than it did.

The only bad point was the proximity of the hotel to Orchard Road. If shopping there is a priority for you, then having to get a taxi each time could become a drag.

Unique Qualities: The rooftop pool in the Plaza Parkroyal is the best thing about this hotel. If you are planning to relax and unwind and you normally use the pool facilities when you are staying at a hotel, you won`t be disappointed. the roof itself is ringed by greenery, over which you can see nearby parts of the city. Magic stuff!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 65-6298-0011
Address: 7500 Beach Road The Plaza
Directions: Located on Beach Road at the end of Arab Street. Bugis is the nearest MRT station.

I went to this hotel on a work trip and I thought it was quite good. It had a nice exterior, convenient facilities and not too far from Orchard Road.

Overall, it seems a bit glitzier than the 3.5 star rating. Pretty difficult to split it from the York Hotel across the street. The Elizabeth looks better but the York has a nicer pool...

Unique Qualities: This is a pretty reliable hotel. The staff are friendly and seem quite genuine.

It's about a ten minute walk up from Orchard Road - all uphill. Basically it's just far enough for it to be a hassle and just short enough for you to feel embarrassed getting a taxi, if you know what I mean...

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Mount Elizabeth Road (runs off Orchard Road near Takashimaya).
Directions: Close to the intersection of Scotts and Orchard Road (10 minutes' walk). The Elizabeth Hotel is opposite the York Hotel.

I stayed at The Stamford for one night in January, 2005. The hotel is well positioned, has all the facilities one would expect and generally has a fairly glitzy feel, from the airy reception area down to the valets out front clad in pith helmuts.

Nice hotel - no disputes there - but also the site of one of the most ridiculous hotel errors I have ever encountered. I was checked into an occupied room and spent two hours snacking on the mini-bar and snoozing (a la goldilocks and the three bears) in the bed. I left to tell reception about 15 seconds before the occupants returned. Whew! They made amends with a lovely bottle of Penfolds!

Unique Qualities: The view has to be the best thing about this hotel. The famous lounge is in the upper floors and all of the deluxe rooms have an open balcony as in the picture here. If you are frightened of heights, this might not be to your liking.

There was a great view of the Marina district and the city skyline. You can see Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and the Merlion all quite clearly. Magic view!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 6338-8585
Address: 2 Stamford Road Singapore 178882
Directions: It's right alongside City Hall MRT station.