Stay the night: Quincy, Singapore

Singapore may not appear to need another luxury hotel, but the Quincy aims to be a recession-busting option

(PRESS PICTURE)

In a city already awash with swish hotels and designer lodgings, the opening of yet another boutique hotel in Singapore might not be expected to stir up much interest. Yet Quincy did.

The 108-room hotel has hit the recessionary spot by offering an all-inclusive room rate – a first in the city state. You pay a flat rate for your sleek (albeit petite) designer pad and the hotel throws in a one-way transfer from the airport, all three meals plus evening drinks, complimentary internet access, two pieces of laundry a day, as well as beverages and snacks from a well-stocked mini-bar.

Set within the bucolic confines of the Cairnhill residential enclave, just 10 minutes from the Orchard MRT station, Quincy pairs a shimmering glass and steel-clad façade with a modern interior that is design driven. On the ground floor, the designers have fashioned a smart, glass-encased lobby with towering ceiling, egg-shaped suede sofas, iMac computers and fibreglass torso displays. Entry into the hotel lobby is strictly privileged, via guests' card access for ultimate security.

Another plus point is the polished yet affable service delivered by the black-clad team led by Franck Hardy, formerly of the St Regis, Singapore.

The rooms

There are no suites here and all studio rooms project minor design differences; my favourite is the unit bathed in champagne tones with a stone feature wall and a cushioned window ledge. If you are travelling with family, opt for the larger corner units (ask for the 09 series) to accommodate an extra bed. The average studio room is a petite 26 square metres but packs in essential luxuries for maximum comfort, including 400-count bedding, Molton Brown toiletries and rainshower facilities. Workaholics will be pleased to know that Wi-Fi connection is on the house.

The food and drink

Meals are included in the room rate. There may only be one dining room at Quincy but this steel-clad, open kitchen churns out some truly exemplary dishes. Standouts from the set lunch and dinner menu include juicy and tender roast chicken, first-rate pastas and sumptuous gourmet sandwiches. For those in need of a caffeine fix, free flow coffee and tea are available at the dining room throughout the day.

The extras

If wellness is at the top of your agenda, inquire about the in-room massages. Alternatively, work out at the well-equipped gym located on the 12th floor. You will not want to miss a dip in the LED-lit cantilevered pool flanked by day beds on the same floor. For those who prefer to sweat it out, check out the sauna and steam rooms. After a good workout, indulge in retail therapy at Paragon, a shopping mall just three minutes away. Be back by 6pm to chill out at the outdoor timber deck with free-flow beer, wines or soft drinks.

The access

Guests with disabilities will be accommodated in a special studio room which comes with an adjoining twin room (for a carer) and bathroom fitted with height-adjusted vanity top and seat in the shower stall. Children are welcome too but meals for the additional head count are not included in the room rate.

The bill

From S$288 (£96) per room per night.

The address

Quincy, 22 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore (00 65 6738 5888; quincy.com.sg).