Spread Some Awesome

When I received an email that I was invited to the Singapore Blog Awards 2012, I immediately decided that I will be staying more than the required duration for the event. Since the complimentary accommodation was only for 3D/2N, I needed to book a good hotel right at the smack of the city center because I wanted to go around some of the places near the city that I haven’t been before. One of which is the Gardens by the Bay. The invite was of perfect timing because the Gardens by the Bay has just opened recently.

With a little planning here and there, I decided to arrive a couple of days before the event. Searching for hotels was relatively easy because there are lots of online booking websites available like agoda.com. Moreover, you can easily find raw and straight from travelers hotel reviews via tripadvisor.com. What was difficult is picking out the one that can give the best value for what you are paying for.

There were several hotels I was considering but I ended up choosing Peninsula Excelsior Hotel. After checking out its website, viewing photos of the hotel, and reading several reviews, I was okay with it. It appeared to be a good hotel with a good location – 5 minutes away from City Hall MRT. Though its exterior appeared to be rather quaint, the rooms seem to be cozy and the view from the rooms is pretty nice.

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel

Peninsula Hotel Excelsior has two towers. Apparently, one tower is the Peninsula and the other one is Excelsior. Had I known that the Peninsula has better view of Marina Bay, I would have specified that on my reservation. I suggest that you do because Peninsula blocks the Marina Bay view of Excelsior. Bummer!

Peninsula Blocks View of Excelsior

Outside Peninsula Excelsior Hotel

But Excelsior’s view isn’t that bad after all, just make sure you ask for a room at the top floors (probably 8th flr. or higher) so you can still see the Singapore Flyer greet you “Good Morning!” when you wake up.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Singapore Flyer

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Tags: hotel, Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Singapore, Singapore Blog Awards, Singapore Flyer

At heart of Little India, you can find a quaint but fascinating structure, which is Albert Court Village Hotel. As a Filipino walking around the periphery of Albert Court Village Hotel, it gives me an Intramuros or Vigan-like vibe especially with its brick flooring and antique design of the windowpanes.

Albert Court Village Hotel

Albert Court Village Hotel Structure

This hotel is considered as the boutique hotel under the Far East Hospitality Group. A lot of potential can be seen on this hotel as it offers a space that can be turned into an outdoor dining area surrounded by stores bringing flavors from all over the world. It magically presents history with its refurbished but properly maintained structure and adds a hint of European boutique appeal.

Elephant Sculpture Outside Albert Court

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Tags: Albert Court Village Hotel, hotel, Little India, Singapore, Singapore Blog Awards