Hotel Fort Canning

Just 30 minutes by taxi from Changi airport, and 10 minutes walk to Clarke quay, the Orchard Road shopping district, and a range of museums.

Hotel Fort Canning only has 86 rooms, so it feels much less busy than some of the larger hotels in Singapore. In striking contrast to the Colonial exterior, the rooms are sleek and modern, decorated in rich, boutique shades, and with views of the park or city sky-line. All have a spacious, open feel, but if you want even more space stay in the Premium suites which have large separate living areas. Deluxe Garden suites have French windows leading out to their own garden: perfect for unwinding after a buzzing day in the city.

As well as an Italian bar and grill, Hotel Fort Canning is home to The Glass House restaurant where you can enjoy contemporary Asian cuisine (and perhaps a Battle Box cocktail or two), with tranquil views of the park and city skyline. There’s also the renowned THANN sanctuary spa, and outside you can lounge on futuristic day-beds by the two large pools.

It makes sense to start off in Fort Canning Park itself where you’ll find the famous Battle Box (9 metres underground, this was the one of the bunkers used in WWII, and was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters). But if history’s not your thing then the glitzy quays and Orchard Road shopping precinct are just a 5 minute walk away. Cruise down the river choosing between stylish bars, fine cuisine, and street food, or how about viewing it all from the Singapore Flyer: the world’s largest observation wheel? For families, a must-do is the incredible Night Safari, where you can spot leopards, flying squirrels, tapirs, and capybara. If you want a refreshing breather after all this, then head to the beautiful botanic gardens where city dwellers practice Thai Chi.