New Majestic Hotel, Singapore

[Keith009]

New Majestic Hotel
Bukit Pasoh Rd - Chinatown area

I am so glad that I went "against all advice" to try the New Majestic. I would like to unequivocally declare tripadvisor totally wrong about this hotel, because not only is this hotel a gem of a design hotel - it is simply fun to stay at, has fantastic service and superbly located for nightlife!

Imperial China in the 21st century... my first impression as my taxi pulled up at the hotel. The lobby resembled an art exhibition, with the reception desk almost an afterthought. Some rather interesting statue in the lobby, but sorry no pics as I don't want my TR rendered R. Choice of music was pretty schizophrenic, ranging from techno to House to folk music (!). The bar was in a separate area unlike the W Living Rooms, rendering the lobby less atmospheric and lively which was a bit of a pity given the otherwise progressive design. A pity that there also wasn't the edgy Attitude that characterises some of my favourite design hotel lobbies - almost like they need a bit more flair in the DJing and choice of lighting. And bring on the W Talent Coaches! Or perhaps import some staff from the Dream Hotel NYC or W Union Square.

There appeared to only be 2-3 people staffing the front desk at any one time, and they performed every role - bell hop, concierge, reception etc. But all were no less welcoming, and were more than willing to launch into discussions about the design elements of the hotel. One of them then led me to my room and proceeded to explain all its features.

The lift

I'd booked a Premier Garden Room. Every room has a name - mine was the Oriental Girls Go West room.

It was a corner room, and relatively small but the available space was rather efficiently used. Not so sure about the graffiti art - thought it was a bit much. But otherwise loved the simple yet elegant and cool design. A mix of industrial chic and pan-Asian elements. Clever use of mirrors made the room appear bigger - and also convenient since I wouldn't have to run into the bathroom every time I wanted to check on my hair.

 

[Keith009]

The room was well-equipped. Had an ipod dock which earned this hotel truckloads of brownie points (even though I'd forgotten to take my ipod with me after the stay... but no worries they're shipping it back to MEL for me!). Free wifi throughout the hotel, and you could even loan a Mac from the front desk at no charge. Mini bar well-stocked but unfortunately only the non-alcoholic drinks were complimentary.

Extremely comfy bed, with nice thick pillows. Duvet was adequate but could be a bit thicker - I'm always one of thick fluffy duvets regardless of climate! (with strong ac in tropical climates)

There was even turndown service which I certainly didn't expect. Nice chocs, and I was given another chocolate doughnut in addition to the one that was already sitting there when I entered the room.

The Premier Garden Room had an outdoor bathtub in a private garden. Found the concept most interesting but I was too shy to take a bath there. The actual bathroom had v nice Kiehl's toiletries, I ensured that I "ran out" by the time turndown service came around. Great shower with powerful pressure.

 

[Keith009]

Service here was pretty good. Despite appearing to be understaffed, the staff worked with machine-like efficiency, and were most helpful and courteous.

The restaurant serves nice fusion cuisine, with a contemporary Cantonese base. The degustation menus looked most interesting but they all either had shellfish or shark's fin soup (which I avoid on principle), so I went ala carte instead. Great selection of wines, had a v nice bottle of rioja. Breakfast is complimentary but only served till 10am - I'd managed to turn up at 9.40am to wolf something down. The selection was fairly limited but wholesome and tasty. Mainly buffet-style, and I was able to place an order for scrambled eggs.

The bar had a champagne promotion when I was there; can't exactly remember the exact figure but they served champagne (Mumm's) at a discounted price. Had a rather smart-looking crowd, but I didn't stay for long as Neil Rd nightlife beckoned - all within a 5 minutes' stagger!

I'd definitely come back to this most unique boutique hotel on my next visit to Singapore, only minor quibble is the lack of loyalty program affiliation so the property might have to take a back seat if I have an urgent need to requalify for status.

 

[sr81]

Interesting looking hotel but a little to edgy for me. Don't really know about the outdoor bath, just seems a little gimicky. Loved the wall art work, I think that just looks fabulous.

Nice to hear that you have torn yourself away from SPG to try something interesting.

Thanks for the report. Enlightening and entertaining!

 

[Evan]

For those interested the Hotel 1929 is the sister hotel, is a less star hotel, and similar in appearence, just make sure you get the bigger rooms ! can be a bit noisy due to location. (Also 2 rooms withdoor spas)

These hotels are an interesting alternative to the normal SIN hotels and can sometimes be had for decent prices when the rest of the island is twice as expensive as it should be.

E

 

[Keith009]

For those interested the Hotel 1929 is the sister hotel, is a less star hotel, and similar in appearence, just make sure you get the bigger rooms ! can be a bit noisy due to location. (Also 2 rooms withdoor spas)

Tried 1929 2 yrs ago - wasn't overly impressed. Chronically understaffed, bad service - wake up call never came and they tried returning laundry to me at 4am. Also v thin walls............... :shock:

 

[Evan]

Tried 1929 2 yrs ago - wasn't overly impressed. Chronically understaffed, bad service - wake up call never came and they tried returning laundry to me at 4am. Also v thin walls............... :shock:

Hey, i did mention the noise issue and the fact its less stars... But as i said can be a more decent price if the rest of Singapore is way way to expensive.
For me each time i have stayed there it has been last minute bookings and its almost a choice of that or hotel 81 since even the holiday-inn's etc were $480 a night.

The large rooms i felt were ok.

Look at the bright side, atleast the laundry costs half as much as everywhere else in Singapore.

I am not by a long way endorsing it as my choice of hotels !!
I am currently booked in the cheapest room at the Intercontinental and have my regulation double upgrade to a Jnr suite, and thats only costing as much as the holiday-inn or novotel etc. So if i had to pick in my situation (PC Plat RA) the best hotel for the $$ it would be the Interconti.

If you just want the best ! then I think you have better grip on that than me but i would look at the Fullerton.

E

 

[Keith009]

Hey, i did mention the noise issue

Wasn't referring to noise from outside the building though.

Have just booked New Majestic again for my next visit to SIN. Went for the Premier Pool Room -cheaper, same as the room above but sans outdoor bathtub which I certainly don't need. Not super cheap this time, Pan Pacific Marina Bay and Hyatt around the same price but decided this was a way cooler hotel.

Many people like the Fullerton but I don't - colonial-era decor is just gross.

 

[drron]

Thanks for staying outside the box this time.Interesting.Unfortunately next year i will be trying to keep status in both hhonors and SPG.But one day.........
I only read tripadvisor hotel reviews now to see what to keep away from.If they love it I will probably hate it.

 

[Keith009]

Thanks for staying outside the box this time.Interesting.Unfortunately next year i will be trying to keep status in both hhonors and SPG.But one day.........
I only read tripadvisor hotel reviews now to see what to keep away from.If they love it I will probably hate it.

SIN is one city where I keep away from SPG. The LM is dreadful (and will soon cease to be SPG anyway), Sheraton is okayish but for that kind of rate you can do much better. The St Regis is much too expensive, appears exceedingly good value on Cash and Points though - but that doesn't earn stay credits.

Conrad is v good apparently, as are the renovated rooms at Hilton.

I think I will stick to New Majestic unless something nicer comes up or I'm desperately in need of stay credits. *commences letter writing campaign to Santa for a W in SIN*

 

[Evan]

Wasn't referring to noise from outside the building though.

Many people like the Fullerton but I don't - colonial-era decor is just gross.

Oh so you may as well have tayed in Hotel 81 they

Yes, i generally don't either, i just thought this one was really nice. And they have a great Buffet.

I also noticed a few nicer hotels in SIN recently have some good weekend specials... like PanPacific at $220 / night, Marina Manderin, Conrad, Sheraton towers etc. Less than the Hiltons etc. I could try all of them... but i don't really see the point.
Sometimes if funny how the 5 star ones are a hundred dollars cheaper than the cheap ones.
(Disclaimer: These are corp rates but generally if i can see it at that price you can find somebody else who is selling at same or similar)

E

 

[dajop]

QF009, another great review and pics. Maybe the advice to stay away is a conspiracy theory from those who do like it, after all 30 rooms is not a lot, and we don't want it to become too popular... !

I've just had my fourth stayed there and will be going back next time I'm in Singapore. I had my last stay it was interrupted by 2 nights at the Orchard Hotel - (work meeting taking place there) and it was a relief to return to the New Majestic, and its friendly staff, modern design, great atmosphere (& bar) and great location. (I tend to equate staying on Orchard to staying at Chadstone, probably a bit harsh, but the best analogy I can think of).

Last time I was there I had was in a Junior Lifestyle Room, with mini-loft which was a steep climb to the bed, but rather neat that the living area and bed were in separate spaces.

Oh, and after reading your other trip review and seeing the photo's of you and putting 2 and 2 together (after the event), I think we may have been staying there at same time (Friday night, week ago)?

 

[Keith009]

Oh, and after reading your other trip review and seeing the photo's of you and putting 2 and 2 together (after the event), I think we may have been staying there at same time (Friday night, week ago)?

Yep stayed there Fri July 11th. Where did you spot me?

Contemplated the loft room for my next stay, but after almost falling off the stairs a few times with the loft room I had at the Pulitzer Amsterdam after a drink too many - prolly not the best idea.

 

[dajop]

Yep stayed there Fri July 11th. Where did you spot me?

Contemplated the loft room for my next stay, but after almost falling off the stairs a few times with the loft room I had at the Pulitzer Amsterdam after a drink too many - prolly not the best idea.

Yeh would have been then. Thought I saw you in the lobby busy tapping away on the laptop probably late afternoon ... as I was heading out to a neat little place called the Screening Room to meet some colleagues for a few drinks... which does have a link to your next comment about the stairs in the loft room ... and you're right not the best idea :!:

 

[Keith009]

More pics of The New Majestic which I've now grown quite fond of and have decided to make my regular haunt in SIN. Booked a Premier Pool Room this time as it's a rather short overnight stay. Themed "Little Gold Fish." The room is smaller than the Premier Garden Room I'd booked for my last stay, but the clever use of space ensured that there was still sufficient space to move around. Instead of an outdoor bathtub I got a little balcony with the room.