Hotel Spy – The Mercure Hotel Bugis in Singapore

Disclaimer: I visited the resort prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, I paid for the trip myself and have no affiliation with the hotel.

Traveling to Singapore and looking for a stylish hotel on a budget? Look no further! A great hotel in the bustling heart of the city.

The first time I stayed at the Mercure Bugis was actually more by accident than by choice. See, I was looking for a hotel to stay for a work trip and the regular company hotel was in Bugis. That hotel was fully booked though and so I just looked around and the Mercure Bugis popped up. It was just around the corner and even had a better rate. I enjoyed my stay so much that I now try to return every time I go back to Singapore.

Getting There

The hotel is just a short 15 minute cab ride away from Changi airport. Even though quite short, the ride will take you along the highway which will give you a scenic view onto the city. When you come to the hotel it first doesn’t look spectacular from the outside. A tall building behind the Bugis junction with a typical straight glass facade. The inside however is clean, modern and the air smells of fresh orchids and you’re immediatly greeted by the friendly staff.

The Rooms

I was lucky to stay in their suites every time I came to the hotel. They are ont he upper floors and are spread out on two levels. The rooms are all very modern in that the bathroom is integrated into the entrance area of the room. Great when you are traveling alone or with a partner. The shower has a rain shower head which I love!

The lower part of the room includes a living room with a pull-out couch, minibar, and a desk. The bedroom is in an alcove in the upper part of the room with a queen size mattress directly on the ground. Some of you will not find this very comfortable. I see no reason why the mattress is not on a base to lift it up from the floor. A bit of a design flaw in my opinion. The mattress is very comfortable however and the bed linen are soft and clean with nice firm pillows and a light duvet! Perfect for sleeping in the humid Singapore climate.

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Relaxing

My favorite part of the hotel is the pool and the roof terrace. On the 8ths floor, you will find a small infinity pool with a whirlpool just around the corner. Singapore can get very hot and humid; so a refreshing dip into the pool can work wonders. I try to go swimming at least twice per day: in the morning after a work-out in the small gym by the pool and in the afternoon/early evening before dinner. Also, when I had enough and just wanted to relax there were enough sun loungers to take a nap on or read a good book!

The roof terrace on top of the 15th floor holds a spectacular view over Singapore. It’s a great place to come up after a long day exploring the city. I usually take up a drink and some snacks and just sit and watch the city lights. From here you have a great view onto the Marina Bay with the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the background. There is usually a nice evening breeze to help cool down before heading to bed.

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Food

Now, here is the deal about the hotel that I wasn’t too thrilled about. The first time I stayed I had the breakfast buffet included. Served until 10 a.m. in the Royale restaurant, it offers a decent selection and the possibility to order different egg dishes. The choices of food include western as well as eastern style cuisines. The atmosphere of the restaurant is quite cold with it’s PU leather chairs and marble floors. The staff is very helpful – sometimes a bit too much – when plates disappear even before you’re finished eating. My main complaint isn’t so much about the restaurant itself but with idea of paying hotel prices for breakfast when there are so many great food options around the corner.

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Just 2 minutes away from the hotel is the Mellower Coffee Shop that puts every Starbucks to shame. Delicious coffee drinks, a good selection of food and a modern atmosphere – no wonder in the afternoon there are tons of students doing their homework here! So before you spend a lot of money on hotel breakfasts rather take a stroll in Bugis to try something new, and cheaper, every day!

Exploring Bugis

I always felt the Bugis neighboorhood is a great starting point for a Singapore adventure. There are many small restaurants and coffee shops around the corner to grab breakfast or a small bite. The Bugis Mall holds many shopping and dining options; try the Korean beauty brand Innisfree and the Thai Milk tee stand! There is also a Toast Box where you can eat the iconic Kaya toast with a Nanyang coffee! In the basement holds even more food options (remember great food in Singapore is everything!) and a supermarket to stock up on drinks and local foods.

One thing I really love about Bugis is the neighborhood around the mall. The Bugis Street market with it’s food stalls is great for authentic food, a beer and exploring at night. Around the back of the Mercure hotel you will find and amazing Sri Krishnan Hindu temple and right next to it the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. To me this is really the essence of Singapore: all different cultures and religions living together peacefully.

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The MRT station is conviently connected to the mall and serves both the blue and green line. Getting to the Changi is therefore a breeze (even though I still prefers cabs) and the Marina Bay and Harbour Front are just a few minutes ride. Since the MRT in Singapore is so well connected all other destinations, such as Orchard Road or Chinatown, are often just one change in between rides. Just don’t forget that eating and drinking are not allowed on board the trains!

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the Mercure Singapore Bugis hotel!

Tell me, what is your favorite hotel in Singapore?

Florian