Finally got to see the hotel after much anticipation. The hotel still doesn't provide a regular shuttle service unlike Sentosa resort, but was told there's one for staff so took that instead, and was driven to the lobby promptly.
Resort is divided into 4 areas: newly built main building with deluxe rooms and lobby, colonial building with courtyard rooms, villas scattered in front of courtyard rooms, and spa building which is still under construction.
Check-in was rather slow, as the ladies at the counter seemed abit clueless. They should review the check-in procedures because part of it involves tearing off a corner of the registration form and slotting it into the keycard holder. This tearing left scraps of papers on the table and everywhere and it just seemed untidy and unprofessional.
Room alloted was on 3rd floor with a so-so seaview. Though on the small side, it's well designed and effective. Plenty of natural lighting, windows can be opened, and on a breezy day allows good ventilation without the need for aircon.
Bed is fantastic, completely undisturbed sleep even with partner turning and twisting.
Bathroom comes with a tub and separate rainforest shower stall, and generous bottles of fantastic spa-like toiletries. The wardrobe has a dual opening function allowing access from bathroom and walkway, very efficient design. However there's no sign of towel hooks except for railings at the sink, not very convenient there.
Bottled water, orange juice and soft drinks are complementary, which is a nice touch. However, the tv is on the smallish side, and the sofa doesn't come with a high back, uncomfortable for any form of relaxation there.
There are two small pools - a garden 'family' pool, a sky 'adults only' pool (infinity view), and a jacuzzi on the 4th floor of the main building. Even though there's a sign stating 'adults only', but because it was a bank holiday, there were plenty of families, and kids were brought in. The management should look into keep children out of the sky pool area. They can't be seen everywhere. A gym's available at room 411, not sure if it'll be moved to the spa building. A tennis court's available as well, not sure about the charges. Business centre located behind the lobby desks is stocked with mags, books and board games which guests can borrow for free.
Breakfast was boring, nothing to shout about, food mediocre, at least coffee came in a huge presser that didn't require refilling all the time.
During checkout, I informed the concierge of my intention to take the shuttle service to the shopping mall across the island, he promptly informed the driver and promised a wait of 15 min. When the bus didn't appear, he enquired again and informed me that the driver went somewhere else and would arrange for the hotel's limousine to drive us. Impressive.
Did not dine at the restaurants, so cannot comment. But it's got Amara's signature Thanying. The resort's generally got its hardware right, but like all new properties, they need more polishing and evening of creases. That said, I'd hope to see more improvement such as complimentary WIFI in public spaces, greater selection at breakfast, a more exclusive feel within the resort. It should do fine. And oh, the complimentary sentosa passes (unlimited exits and entries for 3 days) are wonderful too.
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