Review: Sofitel Singapore City Centre Staycation

With a stripped down experience and signs of cost-cutting everywhere, the only thing 5-Star about the Sofitel City Centre is its price.

Pop quiz: can you name the order in which the three Sofitels opened in Singapore? 

If you said Sofitel So, Sofitel Sentosa, and Sofitel City Centre, give yourself a croissant (or lose a successive series of global conflicts, whichever you prefer). The Sofitel So debuted the brand in early 2013, the Sofitel Sentosa followed in 2015, and the Sofitel City Centre completed the triumvirate with its opening in 2017, becoming Accor’s 800th hotel in Asia Pacific and 13th in Singapore. 

Sofitel City Centre | Photo: Street Directory SG

I’ve had my eye on the Sofitel City Centre for a while, and finally got around to reviewing it in early August. 

📋 In This Review
🏨 Other Staycation Reviews
Andaz Singapore | Ascott Orchard | Crowne Plaza Changi | Conrad Centennial | Dusit Thani Laguna | Duxton Reserve | Four Seasons Singapore | Grand Hyatt Singapore | Hilton Singapore | Hotel 81 Tristar | Hotel G | Hotel Soloha | InterContinental Bugis | Mandarin Orchard | Mandarin Oriental Singapore | Marina Bay Sands | M Social | Oakwood Premier AMTD | One Farrer Hotel | Outpost Hotel | Pan Pacific Singapore | PARKROYAL Beach Road | PARKROYAL Marina Bay | PARKROYAL Pickering | Raffles Hotel | Shangri-La Singapore | The Capitol Kempinski | The Barracks Hotel | The Clan Hotel | The Fullerton Hotel | Villa Samadhi | W Sentosa Cove | YOTELAIR Changi Airport

Booking an Sofitel City Centre Staycation

I had a dilemma on my hands. The Stay Plus night on my Accor Plus membership (which I got for free, courtesy of the AMEX SIA Business Card) was going to expire at the end of September, and I didn’t know what to do with it.

On the one hand, I could gamble on SHN-free travel opening up in September, allowing me to redeem the free night at an overseas Accor property. On the other, there was no guarantee when things would open up, and I didn’t want my certificate expiring on me. 

I suppose I blinked first by deciding to cash out my certificate, helped by the fact that Sofitel City Centre had opened up a ton of Stay Plus availability in August.

Sofitel City Centre Luxury Room

Stay Plus certificates book you into the lead-in Luxury Room category, but I decided to pay an additional S$160++ (S$188 nett) to upgrade to a Prestige Suite. The reasons were twofold:

  • Since we had to take all our meals in the room during P2HA, I wanted a proper dining area with some physical separation from the bedroom
  • Stay Plus doesn’t come with breakfast, but by upgrading to a Prestige Suite I’d get breakfast plus evening cocktails

Prestige Suite guests also enjoy a complimentary minibar and a S$20 laundry credit per day. 

For everyone else, Sofitel is currently offering a couples staycation package in a Luxury Room for S$409 nett (S$479 nett on weekends) that comes with breakfast and high coffee (basically high tea). It’s possible to bring down the price even further if you snag one of those S$56 off promo codes that Klook is offering to GrabPay users. 

Sofitel City Centre: Arrival and Check-in

The Sofitel City Centre is located at 9 Wallich Street, part of the Guoco Tower development. The closest MRT is Tanjong Pagar, and the hotel is directly outside Exit A- you could arrive in the midst of a thunderstorm and not get the slightest bit wet. 

Parking is available at Guoco Tower Carpark B, but isn’t complimentary for guests. Parking rates are a reasonable S$2.50 per entry on Saturdays, and S$0.60 per 30 minutes (capped at S$2.50) on Sundays. On weekdays you’ll want to ditch the car, because parking will cost you S$3 per hour. 

I arrived at the hotel around 12.30 p.m on a Tuesday, in the middle of P2HA. There wasn’t anyone outside the hotel to greet guests or offer luggage assistance, although there was a manned SafeEntry desk just inside the entrance. 

Sofitel City Centre entrance

The hotel’s lobby is located on level 5, while the ground floor serves as more of a waiting area. Its layout and high ceilings lend a sense of spaciousness, with a stunning lighting installation called Je t’aime, designed by Czech glassmaking company Lasvit.

Sofitel City Centre reception area
Sofitel City Centre reception area

This installation comprises 700 hand-blown glass crystals, inspired by the dance of leaves carried in a gust of wind. It blends the concept of the iconic Plane trees in Paris with the Tembusu leaves abundant in Singapore. 

We rode the lift up to level 5, entering a deserted lobby. The hotel really fills up during the weekends though, and I’ve seen photos of long check-in lines running right down this passageway. 

Sofitel City Centre lobby
Sofitel City Centre lobby
Sofitel City Centre lobby

As far as first impressions go, it’s visually impressive. The Sofitel City Centre’s interior design was overseen by Wilson Associates, who were also behind the Conrad Koh Samui, St Regis Macau, and Four Seasons Hong Kong. Sadly, the company went under in early 2021. 

Three check-in counters were available. My Prestige Suite upgrade was confirmed and the additional S$160++ billed to my card. A 4 p.m late check-out was granted for the following day. 

Sofitel City Centre check-in counters
Sofitel City Centre check-in counters

As part of my lowly Accor Silver member benefits, I received a voucher for two welcome drinks, redeemable at Racines. 

Welcome drink voucher
Welcome drink voucher

Based on reports from March, welcome drinks included a wide selection of cocktails and house spirits. There must have been some cutbacks, because this time round it was just beer, soft drinks, and a selection of coffees and teas. 

Welcome drink selection

Sofitel City Centre: Prestige Suite

Sofitel City Centre corridor

There are a total of 223 rooms at the Sofitel City Centre, split into the following categories:

Room typeSizeNo. of Rooms
Luxury Room38 sqm159
Luxury Family Room
(formerly called Luxury Premium Room)
38 sqm
Luxury Club38 sqm50
Prestige Suite76 sqm13
Joaquim Suite114 sqm1

In reality, there’s only three different room types, since all the Luxury Rooms are basically the same; some are just sub-classified as family (with children’s tents and amenities) or club (on the higher floors). 

Prestige Suites measure in at 76 sqm, the size of two base rooms rolled into one. Just inside the entrance is a small foyer area with a guest bathroom and a full length mirror, great for checking your appearance before you head out. 

Prestige Suite entrance area
Prestige Suite guest bathroom
Prestige Suite guest bathroom

Beyond that is the living room, which features custom-made furniture and carpets accentuated with floral prints, part of a strong botanical theme that runs throughout the hotel. Interiors feature rose gold accents and botanical motifs, floor to ceiling windows, and a muted colour palette. 

Prestige Suite living room
Prestige Suite living room
Prestige Suite living room
Prestige Suite living room
Prestige Suite living room
Prestige Suite living room

The seating area had a traditional sofa and a less traditional armless chair with an ottoman, although it was also too short for stretching out. 

Softa and lounge chair

The living room also features a dining table with seats for four. 

Dining table

On the table was a welcome gift of banana bread, which was surprisingly moist and delicious. 

Welcome amenity
Welcome amenity

As part of the general hypochondria brought about by COVID-19, the hotel has removed several in-room amenities, such as stationery kits and its iconic colouring books. I frankly don’t see how they would be hygiene concerns, assuming they’re all brand new, but well…

Stationery kits and colouring books have been removed from rooms | Photo: Straits Times

In the corner was a work desk and handsome-looking burnt orange chair. 

Work desk
Work desk

The chair, unfortunately, lacked back support and wasn’t good for prolonged sitting. It also didn’t have wheels, which made it difficult to move around the carpeted floor.

Where’s the wheels

On the desk was a hygiene kit, which stuck to the basics: two disposable masks, two wet wipes and a bottle of hand sanitizer. 

Sofitel City Centre hygiene kit

Surprisingly for a business-oriented hotel, the ports for the work area weren’t immediately apparent- they were accessed by flipping up a wooden panel. While there were two universal power outlets, one was in use by the desk phone, and its plug was so large you had to take it out before you could plug something else into the other socket. One USB port and a HDMI connection were also available. 

Work desk power outlets and ports

Wi-Fi speeds were lightning fast. This was one of the fastest connections I’ve seen at any hotel in Singapore, second only to the Mandarin Orchard. Zoom meetings, 4K video, and arguing on the internet all went off without a hitch.

🌐Hotel Wi-Fi Speeds
Hotel🔽Down🔼 Up
Mandarin Orchard273 Mbps294 Mbps
Sofitel City Centre95 Mbps92 Mbps
Villa Samadhi62 Mbps53 Mbps
M Social Singapore46 Mbps49 Mbps
Conrad Centennial40 Mbps44 Mbps
YOTELAir Changi29 Mbps49 Mbps
W Sentosa Cove34 Mbps34 Mbps
Ascott Orchard29 Mbps29 Mbps
Duxton Reserve28 Mbps29 Mbps
PARKROYAL Beach Road28 Mbps29 Mbps
Mandarin Oriental28 Mbps28 Mbps
The Fullerton Hotel23 Mbps24 Mbps
PARKROYAL Pickering24 Mbps23 Mbps
Oakwood Premier AMTD20 Mbps20 Mbps
Shangri-La Singapore19 Mbps18 Mbps
Pan Pacific Singapore19 Mbps19 Mbps
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore19 Mbps19 Mbps
InterContinental Bugis15 Mbps15 Mbps
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel16 Mbps13 Mbps
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay9.4 Mbps18 Mbps
Grand Hyatt Singapore14 Mbps13 Mbps
Hilton Singapore13 Mbps14 Mbps
One Farrer Hotel11 Mbps21 Mbps
Marina Bay Sands11 Mbps11 Mbps
The Clan Hotel9.6 Mbps9.6 Mbps
Andaz Singapore8.0 Mbps9.5 Mbps
Four Seasons Singapore6.7 Mbps9.8 Mbps
The Barracks Hotel7.3 Mbps7.7 Mbps
Hotel 81 Tristar7.0 Mbps6.8 Mbps
Raffles Hotel6.9 Mbps6.8 Mbps
Hotel Soloha4.7 Mbps5.1 Mbps
Hotel G Singapore4.4 Mbps4.8 Mbps
Internet speeds based on Speedtest.net scores

There are two TVs in the suite; one in the living area, and one in the bedroom. Both are 55-inches, but although the hotel advertises these as Smart TVs, their connectivity options are limited. There’s no Chromecast or AirPlay functionality, and apps are limited to YouTube and a web browser. A Bose soundbar provides wireless music playback. 

Living room TV
“Smart” TV apps

One of the perks of staying in a Prestige Suite is the complimentary mini-bar. Now, other 5-Star hotels like The Clan and Outpost hotels manage to turn this into a fun little activity, allowing guests to curate their own selection from a range of premium snacks. Think Kettle chips, Luscombe fruit drinks, Domori chocolates and Cartwright & Butler biscuits. 

LHS: Outpost Hotel snack basket | RHS: Clan Hotel snack basket

The Sofitel City Centre, unfortunately, reaches for the absolute bottom of the barrel here. The total retail price of this mini-bar was less than S$8, and it just clashed completely with the luxurious branding of the hotel. 

Sofitel City Centre minibar
Sofitel City Centre minibar

At least they didn’t skimp on the coffee and tea, with Nespresso capsules and TWG tea bags. 

Nespresso machine
TWG tea

The bedroom was decked out with colourful throw pillows, and a small bench at the foot of the bed.

Sofitel City Centre Prestige Suite bedroom
Prestige Suite bedroom
Sofitel City Centre Prestige Suite bedroom
Prestige Suite bedroom
Sofitel City Centre Prestige Suite bedroom
Prestige Suite bedroom

A bottle of mineral water was provided at each bedside table, plus a digital alarm clock. 

Prestige Suite bedside

Sofitel’s mattress is called MyBed, the personalized nomenclature somewhat ironic for a mass-produced item. As far as hotel beds go, it’s definitely on the softer side, yet nowhere as bad as the Mandarin Oriental’s marshmallow abomination. I (back sleeper who prefers firm mattresses) still managed to get a comfortable night’s rest. 

MyBed

There’s also a pillow menu and a selection of sleep amenities for guest to choose from. While the default pillows are rectangular, quite a few of the pillows on the menu are square-shaped Euro Shams, which are good for sitting up and reading in bed, but perhaps less practical for sleeping. 

Pillow menu

Conveniently enough, the air-conditioning controls are located at the bedside on a touchscreen display, and curtains can be controlled via switches. Somewhat less conveniently, only one side has USB outlets and a power point.

Bedside controls
Bedside controls

A walk-through wardrobe area leads to the bathroom. An umbrella, bathrobes, ironing set and foldable luggage rack were tucked away here, as was a Virgin Active fitness kit. 

Wardrobe area
Wardrobe area

The fitness kit (available to guests in Club Rooms and Suites) consists of a foam roller, yoga mat and resistance bands. During regular times, Suites guests can also access the Virgin Active gym next door, but the arrangement has been temporarily suspended (see gym section).

Virgin Active fitness kit
Virgin Active fitness kit

The marble-clad bathroom featured double vanities, backlit mirrors and plenty of counter space. While you can always request for more, I felt the initial towel allotment was rather stingy- just two full-sized bath towels, instead of the four you usually find in suites elsewhere. 

Prestige Suite bathroom

The bathroom has a sunken bathtub which appears to be slightly larger than the ones in the base rooms, although the positioning of the tap means you can only really lie at one end. A tray is thoughtfully provided, with a secure slot for a wine glass and a flip-up stand for a book (or tablet, for those willing to ride the highway to the danger zone). 

Bathtub

While the hotel advertises an Indulgent Bath amenity (basically a hot bath with a choice of different fragrances), it’s not providing this service right now.

Built into the mirror is a TV, allowing you to catch up on the news or a movie while soaking. 

In-mirror TV

There’s also a separate shower area with a wall-mounted bench. Sadly, the water pressure was very weak and the shower head only covered a small area. 

Shower area

Suites guests used to receive Hermes toiletries, but that’s been recently switched to Balmain. I wouldn’t necessarily consider that a downgrade though, since it still smelled great and lathered well. 

Balmain toiletries

A three-tiered toiletries case had dental kits, a comb, a shaver, cotton buds, a shower cap and a make-up removal kit. 

Bathroom amenities

The toilet does not have a bidet hose, much less a washlet. That’s a curious omission, given the bidet’s French origins. 

Toilet area

On the whole, I’d say the Prestige Suite delivers in some ways. It’s extremely spacious, and the presence of a dining area is a godsend in the current P2HA circumstances (imagine being in a regular room and trying to take all your meals at the work desk, with only one chair). The bed afforded a good night’s rest, and the soundproofing was excellent.

And yet there’s a fair share of things that detracted from the experience, whether it’s the poor water pressure, the absence of a bidet, the provision shop minibar, or the removal of certain in-room amenities. The Sofitel has also suspended turndown service (not a government mandate, as other hotels are still doing it), which means no freshening up of the room with new towels and bottled water. 

Sofitel City Centre: Club Millesime

Club Millesime at Sofitel City Centre

The Sofitel City Centre’s executive lounge, Club Millesime, is currently closed under P2HA.

During regular times, Club Millesime is open from 7 a.m to 8 p.m daily, for eligible guests aged 12 and above (club rooms, suites, ALL Diamond and Platinum members). Evening cocktails are limited to one hour from 5 to 6 p.m, with an additional slot from 6.15 to 7.15 p.m during high occupancy. It’s recommended to book the second slot, so you can linger on afterwards. 

During P2HA, guests with lounge entitlements receive their evening canapes (called Apéro Chic) in the room between 5-7 p.m. That’s quite a wide window and can interfere with your dinner plans, so I recommend requesting a specific time slot, which the hotel will try to accommodate as much as possible. 

Evening canapes order form

I knew from past reports that champagne was a reliable fixture during Sofitel’s evening canapes (after all, what self-respecting French hotel wouldn’t?), and the food selection, while modest, had a mix of hot and cold items. 

Selection from March 2021 | Photo: Hsiao-yun

Imagine my disappointment then, when the canapes came round to the room like this. 

Sofitel City Centre evening canapes

The only beverages on offer were soft drinks, beer, or a half bottle of red/white wine (M. Chapoutier Belleruche, 3.6/5 on Vivino). I asked about champagne, and was told something along the lines of “because of P2HA we are not serving champagne.” I really didn’t see how the two were connected, and asked if an exception could be made. A little while later I got a phone call declining the request. 

But even champagne couldn’t have rescued the canapes, which were all cold and completely forgettable. A salmon roulade, a tuna with egg mayo sandwich, a wrap of some sort, two cakes and a crème brûlée. Only a single portion was served, but frankly, none of the items warranted a second helping. 

I gave the hotel some frank feedback about the quality of the items, emphasizing that they were still charging the same rates as before, and I wouldn’t have been willing to top-up had I known they’d cut out the champagne and switch to an all-cold menu. My feedback made its way to the club manager, who called to apologise and offer a bottle of champagne. 

Complimentary champagne

Still, it doesn’t change my opinion that you should absolutely avoid paying for club benefits during this period. Dress it up all you want with a fancy name like Apéro Chic, but guests know cost-cutting when they see it. 

How hard would it be to add a bottle of bubbly to the cart and pour glasses for guests who want it? How difficult would it be to offer a small range of hot items? And given that occupancy was so low, why not go the extra mile and make a return visit for top-ups? 

For the record, it is possible to deliver a high quality evening canapes experience in-room. The Oakwood Premier AMTD does a phenomenal job of it. Hot food, a live bartender, two rounds of food and drinks- it’s really a question how much you’re willing to commit to it. 

Oakwood mobile bar
Oakwood mobile bar
Mobile bar happy hour canapes
Oakwood mobile bar happy hour canapes

It’s not just Oakwood. Other hotels aren’t shy to provide the works for in-room evening cocktails, like PARKROYAL Pickering or Marina Bay Sands.

Sofitel City Centre: Facilities

PoolGymSpa
Yes: 7 a.m to 8.30 p.m
Yes: 7 a.m to 7.45 p.m
N/A
Kids’ ClubBusiness CentreOthers
N/AN/AN/A

Swimming Pool

Sofitel City Centre pool area
🏊‍♂️ Sofitel City Centre Pool Timings
0700-08301500-1630
0900-10301700-1830
1100-12301900-2030
1300-1430 

The Sofitel City Centre’s pool is located on the 6th floor, and is open from 7 a.m to 8.30 p.m daily. Reservations are required, and can be made via the link in the pre-arrival email. Each guest is entitled to a 90-minute slot, with a 30-minute gap between slots for cleaning. 

Unlike other hotels, Sofitel is strict about access control. There’s a staff member positioned at the pool entrance who checks you in, issues towels, and exchanges your room key for a separate keycard to access the pool outside. 

Sofitel City Centre swimming pool
Sofitel City Centre swimming pool

The rectangular-shaped 30-metre pool is billed as an infinity pool, but there’s a very visible ledge around the sides that ruins the illusion. It’s surrounded by pleasant greenery (although it does mean you get a lot of leaves and twigs in the water), and is shaded most of the day. The shade is both a blessing and a curse; you won’t burn, but the water is definitely on the cold side. 

Sofitel City Centre swimming pool
Sofitel City Centre swimming pool
Sofitel City Centre swimming pool
Sofitel City Centre swimming pool

The pool also has a (non-heated) jacuzzi area, which was sealed off. The reason given was “COVID”, but surely two people could occupy the space without breaking any rules? Perhaps they just didn’t have the manpower to police it. 

Sofitel City Centre jacuzzi
Sofitel City Centre jacuzzi

While the loungers by the pool looked inviting, on closer inspection they turned out to be in poor condition and badly stained. I really wish they’d bothered to invest in a few of those washable chair covers that you can replace between guests. 

Pool furniture stains
Pool furniture stains

Gym

Sofitel City Centre gym

The gym at Sofitel City Centre is closed for P2HA, but during regular times, guests can access this facility from 7 a.m to 7.45 p.m daily. Slots are limited to 45-minutes, with a 15-minute slot in-between for cleaning.  

Sofitel City Centre gym (hotel photo)

Guests who book a Luxury Club Room or Prestige Suite can also access the Virgin Active Fitness Club located next door. 

Train in Singapore’s only altitude studio, discover anti-gravity yoga, join a Bodypump session and try out ultra-modern equipment including the Powerplate, Krankcycle, Wattbike or Skillmill. After your workout, recharge your batteries in a regenerating sleep pod or Himalayan Salt Inhalation room.

However, this arrangement has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. With indoor exercise facilities facing restricted capacity as it is, I suppose they can hardly afford to accommodate additional guests. 

Spa

The Sofitel City Centre doesn’t have a spa of its own, but guests can book treatments at SoSpa at the Sofitel Sentosa and enjoy a complimentary transfer. 

Sofitel City Centre: Breakfast

Racines at Sofitel City Centre
Served atCostStyle
Currently in-roomS$30++ (Adults)
S$21++ (Child aged 6-12)
Set menu
HoursSparkling Wine?Discounts?
7.30 a.m to 11 a.mNoUp to 50% off for Accor Plus

Breakfast is normally served at Racines, but due to the current P2HA conditions, it’s served in-room. If breakfast is not included in your rate, it costs an additional S$30++ per adult (Accor Plus members can enjoy up to 50% off). 

Guests are provided with an order form on arrival with a choice of five mains, juice and a hot drink.

Sofitel City Centre breakfast order form

While the delivery windows are stated as either 7.30 to 9.00 a.m or 9.30 to 11.00 a.m, it’s possible indicate an exact time, at least on the quiet weekday I stayed. That’s good, because a 90-minute window is way too broad. You can’t properly plan your morning if you don’t know when your breakfast will arrive. 

I’m taking a very similar stand with breakfast as I am with evening cocktails: just because it has to be done in-room, doesn’t mean it has to be poor quality. We’ve seen other 5-Star hotels rise to the occasion, making the in-room dining experience something memorable.

Clockwise from top left: Grand Hyatt, PARKROYAL Marina Bay, Ritz Carlton, St Regis

It’s amazing what a table cloth and some plating can do, allowing guests a brief moment of escapism in feeling like they’d chosen to take breakfast in bed, rather than had it forced on them by circumstances. 

The Sofitel City Centre? No such illusions here. Breakfast was delivered in a couple of non-descript cardboard boxes, with plastic cutlery and drinks packed in to-go cups. This might be fine at a 3 or 4-Star joint, but was jarring for a Sofitel. 

Sofitel City Centre breakfast
Sofitel City Centre breakfast

It’s not even like the food had any redeeming value. We chose the #1 Western Set and the #3 Asian Set, and both were abysmal. The eggs were microwaved into a rubbery pulp, the pastries were stale and the fried items soggy. We took a few bites and went to Maxwell for breakfast. 

#1 Western Set
#3 Asian Set

All I can say is that I’d be very annoyed if I paid S$30++ for this. 

Other Dining Options

F&B options at the Sofitel City Centre consist of the bar 1864 (named after the year the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company was founded) and the restaurant Racines. 

On paper, I find Racines intriguing. It’s a French-Chinese fusion restaurant, where every item has two interpretations. For example, you might opt for organic striploin prepared with Provençal herb butter, wild mushroom fricassee, radish and natural jus, or wok-fried with black pepper, scallions, pickled cornichons and potato floss. 

I was looking forward to trying the National Day set lunch menu, but it wasn’t available when I visited. In fact, most of the menu wasn’t, replaced by a simpler selection.

Simple doesn’t mean cheap though. The prices at Racines remain frightfully expensive. S$41++ for a hamburger? S$40++ for a risotto? S$16++ for a serving of truffle fries, or for four pieces of chicken wings? Mon dieu. 

From what I can see on Google reviews, Racines does appear to have its culinary chops down pat. It’s just a shame the cost of entry is so steep, unless perhaps you visit when dine-in resumes and get your 50% discount with Accor Plus. 

Sofitel City Centre: Service

I gather that the current COVID pandemic has left hotels with something of a labour crunch, but Sofitel City Centre seems to be disproportionately affected. 

Most of the staff looked very young- the entire front desk was manned by a team that couldn’t be older than 25. Youth is no barrier to good service of course, but their inexperienced showed from time to time. Guests were referred to as “this guy” instead of “this gentleman”, staff frequently excused themselves to go check something with a manager, and when I requested a refill of toiletries, housekeeping brought the Lavin range (for the regular rooms) instead of the Balmain. I didn’t really mind since I wanted to try both types anyway, but it suggested an unfamiliarity with the hotel’s standards. 

Lavin amenities for regular rooms

I went to the front desk to drop off my breakfast and evening cocktail order forms, and was directed to Racines instead. Racines accepted my breakfast form, but referred me back to the front desk again for the other one. Eventually they found someone to take it, but he didn’t know how the drinks selection worked. I was told that someone from the club lounge would call to clarify, but no one did. 

It was also frustrating how by the book the staff could be. While wandering around the hotel at around 2 p.m, I noticed the pool area was completely vacant. I asked the staff whether I could use the pool, and was told that the next slot only started at 3 p.m and I had to wait till then “because the slots are fixed”. The inflexibility felt absurd when the hotel was close to empty. 

The keycard to my room didn’t work the first time round, so I dialed the operator from the corridor phone and was told to return to the front desk. My keycard was recoded, but it didn’t work again, and this time I insisted they send someone up to check it out. An associate finally got the door to open on the third attempt, handed me the keycard, and left without so much as an apology. 

Rubbish in the corridors was slow to be cleared, creating an eyesore for guests. 

Trash in corridor

Past reviews indicate that service used to be miles better. Guests were greeted by name, staff were polished, and special requests were met with alacrity. That’s gone now, and what I experienced here was a far cry from the Sofitels overseas. 

Verdict

When Phase 2 first began in July 2020, I wrote how it’d soon become apparent which hotels saw COVID-19 as an excuse for cost-cutting, and which saw it as an opportunity to innovate their service routines. The easy thing to do would be to cut back on frills “because COVID”. But a great hotel would strive to find new ways of delivering excellent service, even amidst the restrictions. 

Sadly, Sofitel has opted for the easy path. Everywhere you look, you see evidence of cost-cutting. Whether it’s the downgraded welcome drinks, the lack of effort with breakfast presentation and quality, switching to an all-cold canapes menu and removing the champagne, the elimination of certain in-room amenities or cessation of turndown service, “stripped down” would be my best description of the experience right now. 

I don’t dispute that the Sofitel City Centre has a solid hard product; it’s just hard to appreciate when everything surrounding it is so underwhelming. Add the rough around the edges service, and the only thing 5-Star about the Sofitel City Centre is its price. 

Perhaps things are different in the absence of restrictions, but the P2HA experience was hardly joie de vivre.

🏨 In Summary

With a stripped down experience and signs of cost-cutting everywhere, the only thing 5-Star about the Sofitel City Centre is its price.

Do say: Do you have any rooms for three people?

Don’t say: Do you have any rooms for ménage à trois?

Milelion Staycation Ratings
  • Sofitel City Centre (P2HA) 
Aaron Wong
Aaron Wong
Aaron founded The Milelion to help people travel better for less and impress chiobu. He was 50% successful.

Similar Articles

Comments

23 COMMENTS

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

23 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
John Doe

Grammar police here. “There’s two TVs in the suite” – seriously. “Are”.

ZYX

I ran into the key card issue also during my stay in March. They recoded yet it didn’t work on my room door (it passed the elevator though).
Breakfast was a la carte and if you want you can order many portions of smoked salmon or ham.
Evening cocktail was supposed to be 1-hour only. There used to be some beers by their collab micro brewery.

Last edited 2 years ago by ZYX
Raymond

I stayed at the Prestige Suite during last Christmas’ Eve and the stationery box and coloring books were still available then, along a “101 Ways to Live Well” book set on the tub’s tray.

I enjoyed the Hermès Eau d’orange verte toiletries so much that I bought the eau de toilette after my stay.

However as the hotel just reopened for guests then, I had some cleanliness issues with my room. Also I had thought that staying on Christmas’ Eve, there might have been some sort of special spread in the lounge – I was very wrong. 🤣

Raymond Wee

I think when they initially reopen a few months prior to my stay, they did not have it. Then they managed to restock it just before my stay, so I was lucky I guess.

JW19

Had my doubts on Sofitel especially based the generic Klook reviews, now after this, its a definite no go for me. Do yourself a favour and save up for the RC Club Aaron, you might be able to leave this behind.

cheesecake

When I stayed last year, I recall their plating during breakfast (at Racines) left a lot to be desired. Imagine bowls with unceremonious globs of this and that. Agree the hotel’s service software doesn’t match its gleaming hardware. Not sure if it’s changed during your stay, but I recall it didn’t provide milk pods or creamer sachets in the fridge. So when I woke up in the middle of the night and wanted a coffee to finish some work, I had to walk down to reception only to be told “we expect you to call housekeeping to request them, but… Read more »

Tom

This is an embarrassment – none of this looks covid related – I mean how hard would it have been to have plated the room service breakfast for a suites guest!? Particularly given you didn’t book under a false name so it wouldn’t have been that hard to google you and figure out this would have been blogged! Definitely a no go hotel for me!

Naeem

I have the same issue of a free Stay Plus night to use by year end (and it’s basically between this and SO/Singapore) When I checked weekday rates in early October, the top up to a Prestige suite was $240++ ($282). I’m guessing guessing this is resolutely not worth it, even with dine-in? Might just stick to the standard room.

ZYX

Base category room at So is merely 24 sqm…I’d rather choose space. Plus there’s no guarantee that So will open for stay at.

Brandon

I booked for a club level room using my Accor free night + paid club level upgrade, and when I checked in at around 5pm for 1 night (December 2020), I was assigned to a non-club level room at a lower level. The sad part was that the front desk made zero mention that the new room that I was assigned was not at club level (to add insult to injury, I could see my original assigned club room being strike off on the room card holder with the new room at a lower level). Most likely my room was… Read more »

ZYX

Used my free night today. Receptions are def newbie, I overheard the staff next counter was saying “the maximum points you can BURN…” Sorry but hoteliers should know use of better words.
As Gold member I got welcome drink and gift free mini bar (1 less coconut water than Aaron’s) and breakfast (they checked my vaccination status and luckily I’m just in time to have breakfast in the restaurant tomorrow. Will update then) as per the benefits terms.
I booked a twin room and sadly the tray for the tub is missing.

Last edited 2 years ago by ZYX
ZYX

Oh, the free gift is a box of four macaroons. So free breakfast and free mini bar are courtesy.

ZYX

It’s still the same set breakfast menu for dine-in… Disappointed.

Last edited 2 years ago by ZYX
ZYX

My Parkroyal Marina Bay breakfast for the past two days were also bento style and only lukewarm when arrived 45 mins after the supposed timing. Taste was so-so.

Amos

During our two staycations there, I discovered on the first morning that breakfast at Tanjong Pagar Market would be a gazillion times better than what SCC had to offer. SCC’s breakfast is really horrid. In fact, I think the only saving grace for this hotel, would be the plethora of food options around the area. Fried carrot cake or Tangsuyuk anyone?

We paid about $300 for 2nights in the Luxury room via the Klook flash sales, which was a decent deal. I don’t think I’d do the same on regular rates though.

Elly

I had stayed there with the same $300 Klook deal and was quite satisfied with it for that price – the hardware (room + pool) was great! I’m more of a 3-4 star hotel person, so could not compare it with the 5 star service expectations. Agree that breakfast wasn’t much to write about & the staff wasn’t experienced (couldn’t change from king to twin beds w/o checking with manager).

Clare

Would love to see you reviewing Sofitel Sentosa

Anthony

Oh dear, what a disappointing stay. In 2018 and 2019 I rated this Singapore’s best all-round hotel if you looked at a balanced scorecard of all attributes. Great location, beautiful hardware, warm and polished service, that great club with free-flowing Duval Leroy and all the other niceties like free laundry, quality tea and access to Virgin. And all at a very reasonable price. How far they’ve fallen.

I fear this is a sign of things to come from the major chains, but hopefully your review is a wake up call. I wonder if Wouter is still there?

CREDIT CARD SIGN UP BONUSES

Advertisment

Featured Deals

Advertisment

Follow us

7,110FansLike
10,408FollowersFollow

TAGS