Hotel: Fullerton Singapore Hotel

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, 049178, Singapore

Website: www.fullertonhotel.com

TraveLife Ranking: 4+ Stars

Rooms: 400

Room Rates: $400+

Awards: Voted one of Conde Nast’s top 10 leisure hotels; Voted best new business hotel in Asia; Made Conde Nast’s 2002 Hot List – and many other awards.

Highlights: Most people who stay at the Fullerton Hotel give the historic property their stamp of approval. That's because the Fullerton Building in which the hotel is located is one of this island nation's most historic structures - once home to the city's general post office. The Fullerton also provides guests with some stunning views of the city's skyline, river and Marina Bay from its rooftop terrace featuring a massive infinity pool. The hotel is a gathering spot for business people from around the world and offers all the amenities that crowd demands from properties of this quality. That includes the Straits Club, where for a few dollars extra, VIP business guests bypass the normal lobby check-in and get treated to breakfast and unlimited cocktails and snacks. The Straits Club is a rare find at the Fullerton. That's because the fourth-floor club is home to a wine collection that may be the best in Asia, if not the world. The "wine museum," as staffers like to call the collection, was assembled by the hotel's Hong Kong owner and features $11 million worth of rare vintages. The Fullerton Singapore's greatest strength is its staff. They cater to a guests' every need and prove once again that when it comes to hospitality, Asian hotel workers know how to make travelers feel welcome.

History: The landmark property has actually served many roles over its lifespan - it started out as a fort (Fort Fullerton) in 1928, then became the financial heart of this economic giant when it was transformed into the city's stock exchange and chamber of commerce before becoming the general post office. It was turned into the world-class hotel it is today in 2002 and quickly became the talk of Asia.

Interior Highlights: The Fullerton Hotel gives its guests lots to write home about - starting with its stunning facade, featuring Doric columns and monumental porte cocheres, which reflect the grandeur of the city's British colonial era, and extends to the flamboyant lobby with its grand stone staircase rising between massive pillars. On check-in guests are serenaded by a musical trio which fills the grand lobby with classical music from a second-floor balcony that looks down on a sweeping staircase bordered by a marble pond filled with brightly colored koi - giant goldfish.

In The Next Room: The hotel’s columned exterior is the perfect prop for movies and many of the stars who’ve performed in those films make the Fullerton their home during shooting.

The Rooms: Keeping to its roots as a business hotel, rooms at the Singapore Fullerton come equipped with high-speed Internet access and three phone lines. When all is said and done, it's the rooms with the views that make staying at The Fullerton Singapore very special for visitors. Every detail engages the senses, from the vanilla-colored walls accented with the superb Asian paintings to the freshly-pressed sheets. Like the hotel's public areas, the rooms come packed with Asian vases and other objects d'art that accent the contemporary furnishings brilliantly. Not to be outdone, the bathrooms come stocked with what is called "Fullerton Fundamentals" - grooming accessories designed for the discerning traveler. If the spacious rooms don't fulfill your needs, there's always one of the hotel's oversized suites that can be had for between $2,800 and $5,800 a night. Oh, yes, they are indeed fit for a king and that's who usually stays in them - the Governor's Suite with its veranda and huge Doric columns, and the Far East Suite, featuring dining rooms, a baby grand piano and private elevator, are mostly occupied by heads of state. The two-story Loft Suite, on the other hand, is usually reserved for movie and rock stars and is far less imposing.

Amenities: Guests can enjoy the hotel's amazing Asian spa, which offers all the latest treatments from an area of the world where spas are more religion than relaxation. There’s also a fitness centre and the unbelievable terrace swimming pool.

Restaurants: Eating at the Fullerton can be a sweet surprise. That's because the Town Restaurant, located off the main lobby, offers up a chocolate buffet several times a week featuring over 20 dishes coated or drenched in either milk or dark chocolate. The Town is also a great place to meet for breakfast or lunch. It serves up cuisine from Asia, Italy, Japan and the Pacific Rim. The Post Bar is a reminder of the hotel's postal past. The trendy meeting place where the chic like to gather and compare stock portfolios, retains the original ceiling from the general post office.

Shopping: The best shops Singapore has to offer are just around the corner from this beauty and the remarkable ethnic areas featuring Indian and Chinese cuisine and markets is an easy cab ride away.

Close By The hotel lies at the forefront of Raffles Place, Singapore’s financial district and also enjoys close proximity to Victoria Theatre, the Concert Hall, The Esplanade, Theatres On The Bay and the Asian Civilization Museum.

Tips: Do yourself a favor and mail yourself to the Fullerton. You’ll be treated like special delivery from the time you arrive until you leave. The Singapore River is just outside the hotel and the all the best restaurants can be found during an easy stroll along its stroll. Make sure you take a boat ride on the amazing river – the trip costs just a few dollars but the highlights are priceless.