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JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach: Our 2-Night Weekend Staycation Review

The JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach became our home for a weekend when the hubby and I needed to escape the routine. We wanted modern luxury with a side of practicality – somewhere we could work if needed but mostly just unwind. This five-star property along Beach Road promised exactly that, and we booked a 2-night stay with breakfast included.

Why the Location Works

The JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach sits right along Beach Road, which puts you in the heart of everything without the chaos. Three MRT stations work in your favour here: City Hall, Bugis, and Esplanade. The Esplanade MRT is closest – about a 3-minute walk.

Suntec City, Raffles City, and Marina Square are literally across the road. The National Library and Bugis shopping district are nearby too. You can pop out for culture, shopping, or food without needing to plan an expedition.

First Impressions: Lobby and Check-In

Philippe Starck designed the lobby, and you feel it immediately. Dramatic lighting hits quirky art pieces. The furniture screams sleek rather than stuffy. It’s modern, energetic, and far from boring.

Check-in was smooth but felt more business-efficient than warm. The staff got us sorted quickly, handed over the keys, and we headed up to see our room.

Room 620: The Premier King Room Breakdown

Our Premier King Room on the 6th floor measured about 40 sqm – generous space for a city hotel. The design kept things minimal: clean lines, muted colours, thoughtful lighting throughout.

The Layout

Opening the door reveals something unusual. You walk down a narrow corridor (door-width) that leads straight ahead. Turn right and you hit the bathroom and sleeping area. This layout actually works brilliantly for privacy. You hear nothing from the common corridor – no doors slamming, no guests chatting, no footsteps echoing.

One gripe: no bench near the entrance. Nowhere to sit while putting on shoes or tucking them away neatly.

Natural Light and Views

Windows on two sides flood the room with daylight. The blackout curtains do their job at night – proper darkness for quality sleep.

The city view impressed us, especially spotting the iconic Raffles Hotel sitting right across.

Work and Dining Setup

A writing desk faces the TV with one rocking armchair. Not ideal for serious work sessions.

A round table sits by the window but comes with no chairs. When we ordered room service, the hubby stood to eat or perched on the bed. Not the best in-room dining situation.

No dedicated luggage space either, just a stand provided.

The Bed

The king-size bed delivered. Crisp linens, pillows with the right firmness. We both slept like logs, which tells you everything.

Bathroom Situation

The bathroom sprawls out with proper space. You get a bathtub, separate shower area, and separate toilet. Water pressure could improve – it wasn’t terrible but definitely not the best.

Aromatherapy Associates supplies the toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body cleanser, and body lotion. Full-length mirrors cover the area outside the bathroom, including the sliding door.

The hotel provides everything: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, comb, vanity items, mouthwash. They even throw in dental kits and toiletries for kids. The hairdryer hides in a drawer.

The toilet seat comes with a bidet – basically essential these days. Everything stayed clean and well-maintained throughout our stay.

Entertainment and Connectivity

The TV doesn’t face the bed directly because of the room layout. We didn’t care much since we just wanted background noise. Cable channels include local options.

Wi-Fi ran fast enough for us to work without frustration.

Mini Bar and Extras

The mini bar stocks snacks, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks – all cost extra. The Nespresso machine and coffee pods come free. TWG tea bags and bottled water are complimentary too.

The wardrobe gives you ample hanging space. Iron, ironing board, bathrobes, and slippers all wait inside.

Facilities: Level 18 is Where It Happens

Level 18 houses the fitness centre, swimming pool, and pool bar. The infinity pool steals the show with sweeping city and Marina Bay views.

Marina Bay and city skyline, captured in daylight and after dark

This floor functions as the hotel’s social hub. Chillax spaces scatter around. Scan the QR code on any table to order drinks or snacks. You can play foosball, pool, or table tennis if you’re feeling competitive.

The fitness centre packs in proper equipment – cardio machines and weights. Perfect for maintaining your routine while away.

Breakfast at Beach Road Kitchen: The Real Star

Beach Road Kitchen sits in the next tower. Walk out the lobby door, turn left, and you’re there.

The dining space runs huge with plenty of seating. We got a table quickly both mornings. Service felt efficient and prompt.

The Buffet Spread

The buffet goes massive. Western staples cover bacon, hashbrowns, sausages, and French toast. Asian favourites include laksa, nasi lemak, dim sum, and congee. Like any buffet, you get hits and misses, but the variety guarantees you’ll find something good.

Key highlights from the breakfast buffet:

  • Freshly baked pastries – wish they made them smaller so I could try more varieties
  • Cheese selection – great assortment of hard and soft cheeses
  • Antipasti section – excellent selection of cured fish and cold cuts
  • Live egg station – perfectly cooked omelettes and sunny-side ups on demand
  • Yogurt variety – multiple types, plain and flavoured
  • Fresh orange juice – proper machine for freshly squeezed
  • Gluten-free corner – available for those who need it

Three Standout Features

The Salad Bar: The selection impressed me, particularly the dressings. They stock La Tourangelle oils – one of my favourite brands that I usually order from iHerb. Roasted pistachio oil, roasted almond oil, roasted walnut oil, and toasted pumpkin seed oil all make appearances. These oils transform basic salads with roasty, nutty flavours.

The Honeycomb Block: A whole block of honeycomb sits waiting. You scoop it with a wooden spoon – the freshest honey you can get. Mix this with yogurt, fruits, and granola. It creates a comforting bowl that starts your day right.

Morning fuel = ice cream happiness. Best start ever.

Strawberry Soft Serve: Who says ice cream for breakfast breaks rules? Dispense it in cones or drizzle it over red velvet waffles. Plenty of toppings and condiments available too.

One wall displays glass jars filled with snacks and sweets: marshmallows, gummies, alphabet biscuits. Great for kids and adults who want to nibble on little treats.

The restaurant buzzes both mornings. Head down early if you prefer a quieter breakfast experience.

Room Service: Better Than Expected

One evening, we stayed in and ordered room service. We tried the burger, club sandwich, and pizza. Delivery took about 30 minutes. Everything arrived warm.

The taste surprised us. The fries came out crispy, crunchy, and nicely seasoned – properly addictive. The burger patty stayed moist. The pizza crust ran thin and delicious. We liked everything we ordered.

Prices sit on the higher side (expected at a five-star hotel). This meal cost $115.10 after taxes. But the execution made it worthwhile. Satisfying meal all round.

A Funny Check-Out Moment

After checking out, we waited in the lobby for our driver. A tidbit stand appeared with jars of apple chips, jackfruit chips, gummy bears, and biscuits. We hadn’t noticed this before – they probably only bring it out during peak check-in and check-out hours.

We started munching while waiting. Pretty nice snacks, actually. A thoughtful touch from the hotel.

Then we watched one guest use a serviette to “smuggle” a handful of tidbits before heading up to their room. Entertainment sorted.

Final Thoughts on JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach

Our 2-night staycation at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach delivered what we needed. Modern luxury met practicality. The central location made city exploration easy. The room gave us a proper retreat each evening.

Beach Road Kitchen breakfast became a daily highlight. Room service exceeded expectations. Food quality across the board impressed us.

This hotel suits couples wanting a sophisticated weekend escape. Business travellers will appreciate the comfort and style balance. Would we return? Absolutely – whenever we’re ready to indulge again.

The JW Marriott Singapore South Beach proves that a staycation doesn’t need to travel far to feel special. Sometimes the best escapes sit right in your own city. 😉

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