The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore: A Luxurious Waterfront Escape

Singapore has regained its status as a top luxury destination post-pandemic, with hotels commanding some of the highest rates worldwide. Selecting the right property is crucial to ensuring excellent value for money. As this was my first visit to Singapore, I sought a boutique hotel with a distinctive design, breathtaking views, a stunning pool, and a prime location within walking distance of major attractions and renowned restaurants. Despite having the option to stay near Orchard Road, I opted for the full Singapore experience and booked a stay at The Fullerton Bay Hotel—an intimate, 100-room waterfront retreat positioned directly opposite the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Though the hotel was only built in 2010, it carries a rich heritage as part of the prestigious Fullerton Hotels, which originated from the historic Fullerton Hotel nearby. Arriving with limited background knowledge, I was delighted to discover an exceptional five-star property that surpassed all expectations.

A Grand Arrival: First Impressions Matter

The saying "You never have a second chance to make a first impression" perfectly captures the arrival experience at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Few check-ins have left such a lasting impression on me. As our Grab driver pulled up in front of the stately heritage building, a team of three impeccably dressed porters swiftly approached to welcome us. One attended to our luggage, while another graciously escorted us through the stunning lobby, past a breathtaking view of Marina Bay Sands, to the elegant front desk for check-in. The warm and personalized service continued as we were promptly accompanied to our Bay View Room.

As the name suggests, our room boasted an uninterrupted view of Marina Bay Sands—undoubtedly one of the finest vantage points in the city. Spanning an impressive 50 square meters, the space felt bright and airy, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling glass windows that opened onto a private balcony. The seamless design created a sense of openness, allowing the mesmerizing skyline to take center stage.

A Room with a View: Bayfront Elegance

Upon entering, a spacious wardrobe was situated to the right, while the left led to a beautifully designed marble bathroom. The bathroom featured a deep soaking tub positioned to provide a stunning view of the bay through the bedroom’s glass partition. A separate walk-in rainfall shower, single vanity, and private WC added to the sense of refined luxury. The selection of Diptyque toiletries—one of my favorite brands—was a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience further.

Housekeeping was flawless, ensuring our room remained immaculate without ever being intrusive—an essential quality for a seamless city stay. As a welcome, we were greeted with a bottle of fine Italian red wine by Pio Cesare (a renowned Piedmontese winery), an abundant fruit platter, a handwritten welcome note, and a selection of locally inspired sweets. The sophisticated décor—dark wood paneling and rich brown fabrics—enhanced the refined ambiance while allowing the panoramic views to take precedence. With such an inviting setting, we made sure to spend ample time in our room, soaking in the ever-changing vistas, particularly as the city transitioned from a golden sunset to a dazzling nightscape.

A Rooftop Retreat: Lantern Bar & Poolside Luxury

One of the hotel's standout features is its rooftop pool and bar. The rooftop houses a beautifully designed swimming pool, luxurious sun loungers partially submerged in the water, two jacuzzis overlooking the Singapore skyline, and, of course, unparalleled views of Marina Bay Sands. Shortly after settling in, we headed to Lantern—the hotel’s rooftop bar—for our welcome drink.

Lantern is a coveted spot for chic afternoon cocktails and sunset gatherings. We indulged in the hotel's signature Fullerton Sling, a refined nod to the legendary Singapore Sling. While the presentation and taste were excellent, I was slightly disappointed that all beverages—regardless of location—were served in PVC glasses. While I understand the necessity of this policy near the pool, an upscale venue like Lantern would benefit from an exception. That minor grievance aside, our experience was exceptional, with attentive service and an outstanding Wagyu burger that was among the best I’ve had.

Breakfast & Brunch: A Culinary Delight

Breakfast at La Brasserie, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, was another highlight. Designed in warm orange and brown tones, the dining room exuded understated elegance. The buffet selection was extensive, featuring premium-quality ingredients, a live egg station, and perfectly executed Eggs Benedict available directly from the spread. Attentive staff promptly took orders for coffee and juices, ensuring a relaxed and indulgent start to the day. A well-curated mix of Asian and Western specialties—including expertly crafted pastries and croissants—catered to diverse palates.

We were also fortunate to experience La Brasserie’s renowned Sunday Brunch, which turned out to be a true spectacle. Featuring free-flowing Veuve Clicquot champagne, an impressive seafood selection, expertly grilled meats, and a dedicated dessert room with live ice cream preparation, this was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable brunches I’ve enjoyed in years. The service team excelled, ensuring our champagne flutes remained topped up while also offering impeccable table service.

Prime Location & Exclusive Evening Privileges

The hotel’s location is another major advantage. Marina Bay Sands is just a five-minute walk away, the National Gallery is conveniently located across the bridge, and Chinatown is easily accessible within 10 minutes on foot. After a day of sightseeing, we relished "Privileges by the Bay," an exclusive evening offering for suite guests and select room packages. This included free-flowing cocktails, fine wines, soft drinks, and an elegant assortment of canapés from 6 to 8 pm daily. Served at The Landing Point—a stylish lounge situated between the entrance and reception—this sophisticated experience added an extra layer of indulgence to our stay.

Adjacent to the hotel’s main entrance lies its crowning jewel: The Clifford Pier. Named after former Governor Sir Hugh Charles Clifford, this historic landmark once served as a landing point for Singapore’s early settlers. Beyond its cultural significance, the soaring arches and grand design of Clifford Pier make for an awe-inspiring welcome. Entering The Fullerton Bay Hotel through such a remarkable space was nothing short of breathtaking.

Final Thoughts: A Stay to Remember

Even weeks after checking out, my admiration for The Fullerton Bay Hotel remains unwavering. It not only met but exceeded my expectations in every way. The hotel’s intimate size, unmatched location, impeccable service, and thoughtfully designed spaces create an experience that is both luxurious and personal. With its high demand and frequent full occupancy, securing a reservation here can be a challenge—but one that is well worth the effort. Without a doubt, I look forward to returning to this boutique gem on my next visit to Singapore.

Is the minibar included in the price?
No, the minibar is charged separately and comes with a premium selection of drinks and snacks.
What does Privileges by the Bay include?
Also called Club Privileges, this includes Beer, White Wine, Red Wine, Rose, Prosecco and a selection of cocktails. They also serve an array of savouries and sweets including satay, spring rolls, cheese and charcuterie as well as selected pastries. Most suites come with the Club Privileges.
How flexible is the hotel with early-check-in and late-check-out?
We asked for a late check-out until 2pm and were generously granted one on the day of check-out free of chagre.
Which type of traveler fits The Fullerton Bay Hotel?
This hotel is the perfect place for leisure and business travelers alike. The close proximity to the office buildings and business districts are as ideal as the situation for sightseeing.
Is there a gym and a spa?
The Fullerton Hotel has a tiny gym on the rooftop, and a spa is available at the adjacent Fullerton Hotel.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore: A Luxurious Waterfront Escape