Review: W Sentosa Cove Singapore

Review: W Sentosa Cove Singapore

14

As I mentioned in the introduction post, I find Singapore to be one of the most frustrating hotel markets for redeeming points, I was determined to try and stay at some new properties on this trip, since I’ve reviewed several properties in Singapore, including the Crowne Plaza Changi, Grand Hyatt, Marina Bay Sands, InterContinental, Conrad, Shangri-La, and St. Regis. So I decided to stay at the W Sentosa, which is less than a year old. It’s a category six property, making it 20,000 Starpoints per night, or 10,000 Starpoints plus $180 through “cash & points.” The paid rate was about $300, so I decided that was the best option for our first night in Singapore.

My flight from Bangkok arrived right on time, and after meeting my friend in the terminal we quickly cleared immigration and made our way to a taxi.

The W is on Sentosa Island, which is a newer resort area about fifteen miles from the airport. Traffic was light, and in less than half an hour we arrived at the W.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove87
Entryway

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove45
Welcome mat

As is the case with most W hotels, the architecture and decor was really interesting. The front doors opened to a foyer with an illuminated wall and fountain, the entrance to one of the hotel restaurants, as well as a staircase and two elevators leading to the main lobby area.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove43
Hotel Entrance

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove46
Hotel entrance

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove40
Staircase

The elevators had a 360-degree view, along with a cushioned bench with a cow “printed” on it, which to be honest seemed like overkill, given that despite these being some of the slowest elevators I’ve even encountered, the one-floor journey took less than twenty seconds.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove41
Elevator

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove42
Elevator bench

The main lobby was fairly large, with windows looking out over the resort and several seating areas, including an outdoor terrace.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove38
Lobby

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove33
Lobby

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove03
Lobby

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove47
Lobby terrace

Sentosa Island is a popular leisure destination, so reception was quite busy. Several families seemed to be checking either in or out, so there was quite a bit of commotion near the check-in desk. Given that, it’s hardly surprising that check-in wasn’t entirely smooth.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove02
Check-in area

We waited about ten minutes for an agent, who promptly recognized my Platinum status, and informed me I’d been upgraded to a Marvelous Suite. This may be the first time I’ve received a suite upgrade at a W hotel without using an upgrade certificate or having to specifically inquire as to availability, so the proactive upgrade was impressive. I was then asked to choose my Platinum amenity, which caused a bit of confusion. I’d booked a rate that included breakfast for two and two drinks in the bar, along with 500 bonus Starpoints, so obviously wanted the points as my amenity. After a bit of scrambling in the back for drink vouchers we were set, and directed towards the guest elevators.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove27
Key cards and inserts

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove01
Elevators

My suite was on the 5th floor, and the hallway was nicely decorated, and quite stylish, as is generally the case with W properties.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove04
Hallway

The suite was at the end of the building, and the entrance was recessed from the main hallway.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove05
Entrance to Room 501

The Marvelous Suite was decently-sized, and featured a half-bath off the main entry. I appreciated that a spare key card had already been placed in the environmental controls, so the air conditioning was running, which is always nice in Singapore.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove06
Entryway

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove07
Half-bath

The living room was nicely furnished, and decorated in typical W style (whatever that is), but was surprisingly well laid out. I generally find the design of most W’s to be awkward, and more focused on how things look than how they function, but in this case the spaces were well-utilized.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove08
Living Room

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove09
Living Room seating

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove10
TV

The minibar was built into the room paneling, and had the usual selection minus the “pleasure pack,” or whatever it is that they usually have.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove30
Minibar

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove31
Beverage selection

An alcove off the living room featured a work area with a desk and surprisingly comfortable chair, along with a plethora of office supplies. I’m not sure I’ve ever needed tape or a stapler at a hotel, much less a W, but it was nice to see those stocked, along with paperclips, post-its, and the usual assortment of stationery and pens. Shockingly, there was also a trash can, which I’ve never seen before in a W hotel room. 😉

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove11
Desk

A welcome note and bar of chocolate was also stashed on the desk, which was a nice touch.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove32
Welcome amenity

The bedroom featured an extremely comfortable king bed, and was decorated entirely in neutral tones, with colorful accent lights. There were also multiple seating areas, including a window seat and a “chair” that didn’t look entirely safe.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove13
King bed

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove22
Bedroom

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove12
Bedroom

A panel by the nightstand controlled all the lights in the room, along with the window treatments. There were manual switches, as well as several pre-programmed settings, which were entirely too complicated for me. I understand “Day” and “Night”, but what exactly is the point of “Runway” or “Flirt”?

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove29
Bedside lamp & controls

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove14
Doors to terrace

Off the bedroom was a nicely-sized terrace, with great views of the waterway.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove24
View from terrace

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove25
View from terrace

The terrace was well-furnished, and had both a table and a lounge chair.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove26
Terrace furniture

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove23
Terrace furniture

I was delighted to discover that, unlike the W Santiago, not only was the bathtub not in the middle of the bedroom, but there were partitions between the bedroom and bathroom, and the shower actually had a door that closed. There was also a TV in the bathroom, which was positioned such that it was reflected in the mirror above the sinks, and viewable from the bathtub.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove18
Mirror and sinks

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove21
Bathroom TV

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove19
Toilet

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove20
Shower

The bath amenities were Bliss, as is typical of W hotels, and there was a nice assortment throughout the bathroom. They were even the “full size” bottles, which I appreciate.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove17
Bath amenities

On that note, if anyone visits the W Sentosa I highly recommend availing yourself of the bath salts rather than the bath gel should you choose to use the tub. Apparently jacuzzi tubs and bubble bath are a poor combination – who knew! I spent about 10 minutes “shoveling” bubbles out of the bathtub and into the shower. Oy.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove15
Bathtub

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove16
Jacuzzi tub

In the evening we went to WOOBAR to redeem our drink vouchers. The bar was about as happening as an Applebees in Boca Raton on a Monday, though admittedly we were there quite early.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove34
Lobby Bar

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove35
Lobby Bar

Once the server saw our drink vouchers she brought us a different menu, as the drink selection using vouchers is apparently limited.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove36
Voucher menu

I ordered a tequila sunrise.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove37
Tequila sunrise

In the morning we had breakfast at The Kitchen Table, which was rather busy.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove48
Restaurant

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove51
Restaurant

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove63
Restaurant

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove64
Restaurant

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove65
Outdoor seating

The restaurant is nicely decorated and features a really phenomenal spread. They had tons of western and Asian options, with everything from all kinds of fresh pastries to dim sum to curry. It was simply a spectacular spread, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove49
Buffet

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove50
Deli meats and cheeses

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove52
Cereal

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove53
Yogurt, fruit, and juice

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove54
Buffet

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove55
Buffet

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove56
Buffet

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove57
Egg dishes

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove58
Dim sum and noodle bar

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove59
Bread display

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove60
Jams, honey, and butter

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove61
Pastries

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove62
Pastries

In terms of the hotel’s other facilities, on the ground floor was a business center as well as the gym.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove85
Business center

Oh, W Sentosa — Tron called, he wants his gym back. While the equipment was modern, the rest of it was just painful, in my opinion.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove81
Gym

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove82
Gym

The hotel also has a beautiful spa. While I didn’t get a treatment, I did use the jacuzzi, which is complimentary for hotel guests.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove83
Spa lobby

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove84
Spa seating

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove86
Hydrotherapy pool

The hotel also has a huge outdoor pool and lounging area. Around the pool they have everything from hammocks, to beanbags, to lounge chairs, to inflatable lawn furniture.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove66
Walkway to pool

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove67
Hammocks and beanbags

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove68
Outdoor seating

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove75
Lounge chairs

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove79
Inflatable seating?

The pool is huge but simple, which is to say that it didn’t have waterslides, waterfalls, etc. But they did have plenty of inflatable pool “toys.”

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove69
Pool and hotel

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove70
Hotel

At first I assumed the hotel had a waterslide, but as it turns out it was just the “top” of the bar. Sure gives the Chiquita Banana lady a run for her money in terms of fancy “hats.”

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove71
Pool bar

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove72
Bar

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove73
Pool

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove74
Pool seating

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove76
Splash pool

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove77
Splash pool

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove78
Bathrooms and showers

What I find interesting, though, was how empty the hotel felt despite the fact that it was almost at capacity. It’s not just the sheer number of people, but this was such a different crowd than I’m used to at W hotels. Almost all the guests were families with small children. And while I’m not a huge fan of being in a pool with just kids, I’m not convinced that’s necessarily worse than being in a pool with the usual W crowd.

So in terms of the people it’s the least “W feeling” W I’ve ever stayed at. Beyond that, the employees I interacted with were generally friendly. Not over the top or memorably friendly, but there wasn’t any attitude.

I guess the big “catch” with the property is the location. Sentosa Cove is really, really isolated. Now Singapore is small and cabs are fairly cheap so that doesn’t really present an issue, but you’re not going to be able to stroll out of the hotel and onto Orchard Road, for example. On top of that the hotel offers a shuttle service to Vivo City and Marina Bay, which is useful.

W_Singapore_Sentosa_Cove28
Shuttle schedule

Anyway I liked the property, loved the suite upgrade, and would probably return if the value was right. This is probably my second favorite W I’ve stayed at, after the W Taipei.

Conversations (14)
The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.
Type your response here.

If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. Anyone can comment, and your email address will not be published. Register to save your unique username and earn special OMAAT reputation perks!

  1. markus Guest

    half the fun in singapore is getting to your holiday spots by public help , we ended up in some wonderfull places just with the help of strangers ,onthe way back very soon .have not stayed at W but carnt wait

  2. Wally Guest

    You said to Joe :

    @ Joe — Ultimately there are much better locations for sightseeing in Singapore

    We are going later this year. Can U name some of the more centrally located tourist type SIN hotels for us to look at & any reviews ??

  3. lucky OMAAT

    @ Joe -- Ultimately there are much better locations for sightseeing in Singapore, but this is about as relaxing of a resort as you'll get in the city as well, so it's a bit of a tradeoff. The hotel is at most a 15 minute taxi drive from anywhere in Singapore you could want to be, so I wouldn't hesitate to stay here with the intent of sightseeing.

  4. Joe Guest

    So, was this a good location for Singapore, or it is really not recommended? Seems more like a beach vacation than a city sightseeing one?

  5. lucky OMAAT

    @ Carberrie -- Yep, really hoping to do the Westin when it opens!

    As far as the location of the W goes, seemed to be closer to the marina than any beaches. Don't recall seeing any of them unfortunately.

  6. Carberrie Member

    Lucky,
    Is the W right near (or on) some of the nice beaches on Sentosa Island?

    Also, will you be staying at the Westin Singapore on your next trip? I believe it's soon going to open! Plus, more IHG hotels opened/are opening, but they're more of the Holiday Inn EXPRESS brand.

  7. lucky OMAAT

    @ Papa Smurf -- There is a really small strip mall nearby with a couple of restaurants, though they looked really touristy, so I don't think it has gotten a lot better.

  8. Papa Smurf Guest

    Are there any restaurants/stores withing walking distance to the hotel? I stayed there about a year ago and there was absolutely nothing so the only option was to take a shuttle/cab to Vivo city if you didn't want to eat at the hotel. I remember though that there were some stores under construction nearby. Are they now operational?

  9. Levy Flight Guest

    A nice coincidence, just booked a layover in Singapore and wonderi g wiphich SPG property to stay in. Will read all your reviews. Thanks.

  10. D Guest

    Was in the same "Marvelous Suite" last Dec, located at the end of the walkway facing the other W Residences side i think, where the waterway is packed with yachts instead:

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/isle007/286656_517637874921381_1582961925_o_zps39345500.jpg

    it was quite a sight, there were luxury yachts of all shapes and sizes.

    If baths with a view is your thing, you really should try the Ritz Carlton or the Mandarin Oriental. Else Capella on Sentosa has great private plunge pools in...

    Was in the same "Marvelous Suite" last Dec, located at the end of the walkway facing the other W Residences side i think, where the waterway is packed with yachts instead:

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/isle007/286656_517637874921381_1582961925_o_zps39345500.jpg

    it was quite a sight, there were luxury yachts of all shapes and sizes.

    If baths with a view is your thing, you really should try the Ritz Carlton or the Mandarin Oriental. Else Capella on Sentosa has great private plunge pools in their villas.

    And lastly, bath gels with Jacuzzis?! What were you thinking? Porn shots? LOL

  11. Anthony New Member

    Used to go to Sentosa on the weekends when they first purchased the sand from Indonesia and made those artificial beaches.Of course in those days tourists used to complain about the pollution since shell bukom is right in front and the other refineries surround sentosa.Lots of bad health issues So a heads up the locals might go there for an afternoon but its mainly for tourists.And its really not central.

  12. Louis Guest

    Thanks for the photos, but my eyes! My eyes! What OTT garishness this is!

  13. Andrew Guest

    I also stayed here this past March and I'm glad you mentioned the location caveat. Although the hotel itself and Sentosa Island are beautiful, transporting myself into and out of Sentosa was a real chore. In fact, at the VivoCity taxi stand I was refused fare since the driver didn't want to go into Sentosa!

  14. Cristiano Dani Guest

    Hey Ben come to Italy, so you'll be able to try and review Alitalia's Magnifica business class!!

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

markus Guest

half the fun in singapore is getting to your holiday spots by public help , we ended up in some wonderfull places just with the help of strangers ,onthe way back very soon .have not stayed at W but carnt wait

0
Wally Guest

You said to Joe : @ Joe — Ultimately there are much better locations for sightseeing in Singapore We are going later this year. Can U name some of the more centrally located tourist type SIN hotels for us to look at & any reviews ??

0
lucky OMAAT

@ Joe -- Ultimately there are much better locations for sightseeing in Singapore, but this is about as relaxing of a resort as you'll get in the city as well, so it's a bit of a tradeoff. The hotel is at most a 15 minute taxi drive from anywhere in Singapore you could want to be, so I wouldn't hesitate to stay here with the intent of sightseeing.

0
Meet Ben Schlappig, OMAAT Founder
5,163,247 Miles Traveled

32,614,600 Words Written

35,045 Posts Published

Keep Exploring OMAAT