Touchdown rainy Singapore. Touchdown the Year of the Dragon.
The eve prior, people around the world rang in the Lunar New Year whilst I packed for a week-long child-free holiday — a first since giving birth to my youngest. I arrived in the Lion City with only a handbag and a teeny backpack, oddly feeling so light and agile (and, out of habit, actually waited for a huge luggage on the carousel while my sister, who was waiting for me outside, laughed her head off as she watched and took a video of me — she knew I was waiting for nothing).
It was almost 9 in the eve, and because it’s Singapore, our first order of business was local food. Thanks to Changi Airport’s efficient public transport system we were hauled to the iconic Newton Food Centre in no time. The holiday meant stall closures but the Lunar New Year brought me luck in the form of cereal prawns and oyster omelette, my local staples. Also had a few satay sticks on the side and a glass of refreshing iced lemon tea — a relief from the mugginess.
When the heavy downpour subsided and the last morsels of food were devoured, my sister and I headed to our home for the night, Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt. I have been to the country on numerous occasions but it was my first time to stay in the area.
The hotel is sitting in the midst of charming old shophouses, about 600 metres from the vibrant enclave of Little India and the 24-hour Mustafa Shopping Centre. Bendemeer Station is a 7-minute stroll away, or if you reaaally like walking and exploring, Lavender Station is an 11-minute walk. Changi Airport is a 25-minute cab/Grab ride away. And just beside is Buddhist Temple Thekchen Choling, a zen respite from the city’s bustle.
Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt was THE destination for me that 16-hour layover. Needless to say, I spent the rest of my time in the hotel with my sister. Buggered from an intercontinental flight and a gastronomic trip, was so stoked to breeze through check in (morning and night, three receptionists were on deck), and finally be plonked in bed (a bit firm for my liking but the pillows were perfect).
Our Privilege Double Room with Terrace was compact yet well designed to use every inch of space smartly. The wall-to-ceiling windows make the room feel bigger. The usual: flat-screen cable telly, a desk, mini fridge, safe, robes and slippers (though these are less common these days), toiletries, free WiFi. The extras: A filtered water tap to lessen plastic waste and a coffee pod machine. The oomph: A private terrace great for intimate small gatherings or simply an outdoor space to enjoy a coffee pod cuppa and a book.
Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt’s best feature? Its roofdeck pool, open from 7am til 9pm. We rolled outta bed the next day straight into our togs and out the roof deck. At sunrise, the deck was deserted (so was the gym on the same level). Cause really, only people with short layovers will do so. The pool is of great size in comparison with other Singapore hotels of the same rating, and there’s a shallow dip pool for kids, making it a better choice for families with young ones. However, there’s no shade around the pool, so midday may be a bit too hot to be up there.
Our stay included buffet breakie served downstairs at Applause on Tyrwhitt, their in-house restaurant attached to the hotel lobby. The place was packed but because we were a party of two, we got a bar table right away. Might be more challenging for a family of 4. The spread was, to our delight, a mix of Asian and continental. Limited choices but sufficient. Didn’t have to go elsewhere for carrot cake and kaya toast!
Sadly, with a full belly and a full heart, had to check out right after breakfast for my next flight.
Starting at AU$200-220 (depending on season) for a Mercure brand room, it’s good value for the buck. And the staff from reception to restaurant will make your stay even more pleasant.
Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt was exactly what I needed for my short stay, and already looking forward returning with the kids.
Praying the new year brings prosperity for us to be back soon.
