Opened at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1928 to celebrate 100 years since Singapore‘s British founding, the Fullerton Hotel was, at the time, the largest and most expensive building in the Lion City. It served as the General Post Office, Exchange, Chamber of Commerce, and Singapore Club before undergoing a $320 million refit to open as a hotel in 2001. Visually, it’s a showstopper, with coffered ceilings, cornices, and marble floors—a Palladian building in stark contrast to the neighboring bland office towers. The atrium lobby is refreshingly bright, with a grandness of scale that brings drama to the arrival experience. Rooms have vanilla-colored walls, and some open to the atrium. The 25-meter infinity pool is almost theatrical, with Doric columns rising behind. Leisurely afternoon tea is a fine excuse to linger in the atrium lobby and appreciate the airy space’s tranquil qualities.
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel
More Recommendations
Dim Sum at Jade
The Fullerton’s modern Chinese restaurant, Jade, is a great choice for gourmet dim sum. The setting is elegant, the service impeccable (not always easy to find), and the prix fixe weekend dim sum brunch option is reasonably priced. The brunch is “all you can eat” but you can still order off the menu. Of course, if you are here during Chinese New Year they will prepare yusheng or lo hei for you—a salad in which each ingredient symbolizes prosperity. Each diner is given long chopsticks and the salad is mixed and thrown in the air—the higher it goes the more prosperous the new year will be. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Column-backed Sunset Swim
The Fullerton’s pool is tucked away on the second floor’s column-backed terrace overlooking the Singapore River. It’s a relaxing spot to swim a few laps, soak up the sun or enjoy a casual pool-side lunch. The Fullerton’s heritage architecture is on full display and elevates the pool experience with colonial-era grandeur. Request one of the suites that opens onto this level, providing immediate pool access.
