Singapore's Hotel 1887: Opera House Luxury Redefined!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the velvet ropes and polished floors of Singapore's Hotel 1887: Opera House Luxury Redefined! And let me tell you, this isn't your grandma's budget motel. This is… well, we'll get there. Let's just say it's an experience, and experiences, as we all know, are rarely perfect.
First Impressions (and a Little Anxiety, Because, Singapore!)
Okay, so, getting there. Accessibility? Big tick. The Singaporean government takes this seriously, which is a relief. I didn't have any mobility issues, thankfully, but the ramps, elevators, and general ease of navigation were noticeable. You know, the good kind of noticeable, like when you don't have to wrestle a suitcase up a flight of stairs. (Accessibility) They've got the usual suspects covered, like (Facilities for disabled guests) and the (Elevator), but it's the thoughtfulness that matters.
Now, the real test? The internet. (Internet) I'm a digital nomad, a caffeine-fueled internet addict. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) You know I was checking that immediately. And guess what? It was actually fast. Like, "uploading a 4K video of my cat doing something stupid" fast. (Internet access – wireless) and (Internet access – LAN) available too. This is a huge win. No buffering, no dropped calls, just pure, unadulterated internet bliss. The (Wi-Fi in public areas) also worked great, though I spent most of my time glued to my room's Wi-Fi, because… priorities.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Complimentary Tea!)
Alright, the room. The moment of truth. I'd booked a non-smoking room, naturally. (Non-smoking rooms) The (Air conditioning) was blasting, a lifesaver in that Singaporean humidity. And… wow. Just… wow. The (Air conditioning in public area) was also great. It was like stepping into a cool, calm oasis. The (Blackout curtains) were a blessing, because jet lag is a beast. (Additional toilet), (Alarm clock), (Bathrobes) (yes!), (Bathroom phone) (never used it, but hey), (Bathtub) (ahhh, the bathtub!), (Carpeting), (Closet), (Coffee/tea maker), (Complimentary tea), (Daily housekeeping) (thank you, angels!), (Desk), (Extra long bed), (Free bottled water) (hydration is key!), (Hair dryer), (High floor) (loved the view!), (In-room safe box), (Internet access – LAN), (Internet access – wireless), (Ironing facilities), (Laptop workspace), (Linens), (Mini bar), (Mirror), (On-demand movies), (Private bathroom), (Reading light), (Refrigerator), (Safety/security feature), (Satellite/cable channels), (Scale) (okay, maybe I didn't need that one), (Seating area), (Separate shower/bathtub), (Shower), (Slippers), (Smoke detector), (Socket near the bed) (essential!), (Sofa), (Soundproofing), (Telephone), (Toiletries), (Towels), (Umbrella), (Visual alarm), (Wake-up service), (Wi-Fi [free]), (Window that opens).
It was spacious, thoughtfully designed, and utterly… comfortable. Like, I could have happily lived in that room for a month. Okay, maybe not happily. I'd probably start to miss the outside world eventually. But still. The (Room decorations) were tasteful, nothing over the top. I did appreciate the (Smoke alarms), because, you know, safety first! And the (Soundproof rooms) were a lifesaver. I slept like a baby. A baby who occasionally woke up to order room service.
The Food: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Successful)
Let's talk food. Because, Singapore. (Dining, drinking, and snacking) Oh, the options! (A la carte in restaurant), (Alternative meal arrangement), (Asian breakfast), (Asian cuisine in restaurant), (Bar), (Bottle of water), (Breakfast [buffet]), (Breakfast service), (Buffet in restaurant), (Coffee/tea in restaurant), (Coffee shop), (Desserts in restaurant), (Happy hour), (International cuisine in restaurant), (Poolside bar), (Restaurants), (Room service [24-hour]), (Salad in restaurant), (Snack bar), (Soup in restaurant), (Vegetarian restaurant), (Western breakfast), (Western cuisine in restaurant).
The breakfast buffet was… a thing. A glorious, chaotic thing. The (Breakfast [buffet]) was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. I’m not usually a buffet person, but the sheer variety was mind-boggling. The Asian options were incredible. The Western ones… well, they were there. Let's just say my taste buds spent most of their time exploring the local delicacies. I highly recommend the laksa. It was divine.
I did have a slight… incident. I ordered room service one night. (Room service [24-hour]) I was starving. The food arrived promptly, and the presentation was lovely. But… the soup. Oh, the soup. Let's just say it wasn't quite what I expected. It tasted… vaguely of disappointment. I discreetly set it aside and ordered a pizza. Lesson learned: stick to the things you know.
The "Things to Do" (and How to Relax, Apparently)
Okay, the fun stuff. (Things to do, ways to relax). The hotel boasts a (Body scrub), (Body wrap), (Fitness center), (Foot bath), (Gym/fitness), (Massage), (Pool with view), (Sauna), (Spa), (Spa/sauna), (Steamroom), (Swimming pool), (Swimming pool [outdoor]). I, being the intrepid reviewer that I am, decided to experience… the pool. The (Swimming pool [outdoor]) was stunning. The view was breathtaking. I spent a blissful afternoon lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail from the (Poolside bar). Pure bliss.
I also attempted the gym. (Gym/fitness) Let's just say my fitness regime is… sporadic. I lasted about 20 minutes before deciding that the pool was a far more appealing option. The (Fitness center) looked well-equipped, though.
I didn't get around to the spa. (Spa) I ran out of time! And I’m not sure if I'm a spa person. But they do have a (Sauna) and (Steamroom), which sounds pretty heavenly.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, Covid (and Common Sense)
Alright, the serious stuff. (Cleanliness and safety). I was impressed. Singapore takes cleanliness seriously, and the hotel was no exception. (Anti-viral cleaning products), (Cashless payment service), (Daily disinfection in common areas), (Hand sanitizer) everywhere, (Hygiene certification), (Individually-wrapped food options), (Physical distancing of at least 1 meter), (Professional-grade sanitizing services), (Rooms sanitized between stays), (Safe dining setup), (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items), (Staff trained in safety protocol), (Sterilizing equipment).
They also had (Doctor/nurse on call) and a (First aid kit), which is always reassuring. They even offered (Room sanitization opt-out available). (Shared stationery removed). I felt genuinely safe and well taken care of.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The hotel offers a wealth of services. (Services and conveniences). (Air conditioning in public area) (yes!), (Audio-visual equipment for special events), (Business facilities), (Cash withdrawal), (Concierge), (Contactless check-in/out), (Convenience store), (Currency exchange), (Daily housekeeping) (bless them!), (Doorman), (Dry cleaning), (Elevator), (Essential condiments), (Facilities for disabled guests), (Food delivery), (Gift/souvenir shop), (Indoor venue for special events), (Invoice provided), (Ironing service), **(
Surabaya's BEST Syariah Guesthouse: SPOT ON 93880 - Unbeatable Comfort!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, possibly disastrous, but definitely honest itinerary for a few days at Hotel 1887 The New Opera House in Singapore. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough caffeine to power a small city.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Great Chilli Crab Crisis
- 1:00 PM: Arrival & Initial Impression - Oh. My. God, This Place is Gorgeous!
- Okay, first things first: the hotel. Seriously, Hotel 1887? You had me at "New Opera House" and then sealed the deal with those stunning black and white photos online. The lobby? Chic, minimalist, and probably where I'll spend most of my time just staring. I'm already picturing myself dramatically lounging on a velvet couch with a book. (Reality: I'll probably trip over my suitcase.)
- 1:30 PM: The Room - Tiny But Mighty (and Smelling Slightly of Perfume)
- My room is… cozy. Let's call it that. Actually, it's the size of my walk-in closet back home. But hey, the decor is on point, and the bed looks unbelievably comfy. I swear, I could sleep for a week straight. (Spoiler alert: I probably will.) There's a faint floral scent in the air, which I'm hoping is from the hotel and not the previous guest's… questionable cologne choices.
- 2:00 PM: First Exploration - Lost in Translation (and the Elevator)
- Okay, time to venture out! I'm determined to conquer the hotel, even if it means getting hopelessly lost in the process. The elevator, bless its heart, is smaller than a phone booth. I swear, I held my breath the entire ride up.
- Tried to find the rooftop bar, but got sidetracked by a hallway art display that looked like something out of a sci-fi film. Ended up chatting (awkwardly) with a couple who seemed to be regulars and were probably judging my touristy-ness.
- 6:00 PM: The Chilli Crab Conundrum - My Stomach's Revenge
- This is where things get interesting. I decided to be adventurous and try Singapore's famous chilli crab. I thought I was prepared. I wasn't. Let's just say, I ended up looking like I'd wrestled a particularly aggressive tomato. The sauce? Delicious. My shirt? Now a Jackson Pollock painting. And the crab? Well, let's just say I'm pretty sure I swallowed a whole shell. My stomach is currently staging a protest.
- 8:00 PM: Post-Crab Debrief - Regret and Redemption
- Back at the hotel, nursing my wounds (and my indigestion). I’m contemplating ordering room service, but fear I'll just end up covered in more food. Instead, I'm gonna read a book. Maybe. Or just stare at the ceiling and ponder the meaning of life. (And how to properly eat chilli crab.)
Day 2: Gardens, Gluttony, and a Near-Religious Experience
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast - The Great Food Court Adventure
- Woke up with a rumbling stomach and a craving for something, anything, other than chilli crab. Decided to brave a local food court (which I am told is a must-do). It was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The smells, the noise, the sheer variety of food stalls! I ended up ordering a plate of Hainanese chicken rice and a mysterious, delicious, deep-fried something that I still can't identify. My taste buds are doing a happy dance.
- 11:00 AM: Gardens by the Bay - Awe-Struck and Slightly Overwhelmed
- Oh. My. God. Gardens by the Bay. Pictures don't do it justice. The Supertrees? Magical. The Cloud Forest? Surreal. I felt like I'd wandered onto the set of a sci-fi movie, and I loved it. I spent a solid hour just staring up at the Supertrees, feeling ridiculously small and insignificant. (In a good way.)
- 1:00 PM: Food, Glorious Food - Hawker Centre Heaven
- Needed to refuel after all that wonder. Headed to a hawker centre and tried a dozen different things. Satay, Laksa, Char Kway Teow… I think I'm in love with Singaporean cuisine. My pants? Probably not.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping Spree (and Total Financial Ruin)
- Wandered through a shopping mall. (This is where the financial ruin comes in.) Saw a dress I had to have. Bought it. (No regrets.)
- 7:00 PM: The Hawker Centre - A repeat experience! (Because it was THAT good)
- I went back to the same hawker centre. Why? Because it was THAT good. I had another Laksa. And another satay. And a whole bunch of other things I can't even name. I think I might be developing a food addiction.
- 9:00 PM: Rooftop Bar (Take 2) - Finally, the View!
- Made it to the rooftop bar! And finally, a cocktail. The view of the city skyline at night is breathtaking. I could sit here for hours. And I might just do that.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Culinary Adventures, and a Sad Goodbye
- 10:00 AM: The National Museum - History, Hysteria, and a Few Tears
- Okay, time for a dose of culture. The National Museum. Learned a lot. Got a bit emotional. History is, well, a lot to take in sometimes. (Especially when you're sleep-deprived and haven't eaten enough.)
- 12:00 PM: Little India - A Riot of Color and Chaos
- Little India! The smells, the sounds, the sheer vibrancy. I felt like I'd stepped onto another planet. Bought a beautiful scarf and some spices that I'll probably never use, but they smell amazing.
- 2:00 PM: Last Supper (or, Let's Eat Everything We Can Before We Leave)
- One last food adventure! This time, I'm trying a different hawker centre. I'm determined to sample everything I haven't tried yet. This is my last hurrah!
- 4:00 PM: Packing - Tears, Tantrums, and a Suitcase that Won't Close
- Packing. The most dreaded part of any trip. My suitcase is overflowing, I can't bear to leave, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a bigger bag. Tears might be involved. Possibly a full-blown tantrum.
- 6:00 PM: Final Reflections - Goodbye, Singapore!
- Sitting in the lobby, waiting for my ride to the airport. Looking back, this trip has been messy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. I've eaten too much, gotten lost more times than I can count, and probably looked like a complete tourist. But I've also seen incredible things, met some lovely people (and some slightly weird ones), and had an experience I'll never forget. Singapore, you've stolen my heart (and my stomach). Until next time!
Hotel 1887: Opera House - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Need Answers)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* Luxurious? Like, Beyond the Instagram Filter?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. "Luxury" is thrown around like confetti these days. Hotel 1887... well, it *tries*. The rooms? Beautiful, no doubt. That opera house theme? Hits you right in the feels with old-world charm. I mean, the chandeliers alone could bankrupt a small nation. But... here's the thing. My first impression? "Wow, this is fancy!" My second impression? "Wait, is the air con *too* cold? Am I supposed to feel like I'm attending a gala in the Arctic?"
The details are what make or break it. Yes, the sheets are silky. Yes, the bathroom is a marble palace. But then you notice a slightly wonky grout line, or a flickering lightbulb. Little things. They don't ruin the experience, but they remind you that this isn't *perfect* perfection. It's a beautiful, slightly flawed masterpiece. And you know what? That's kinda endearing.
What's the Deal with the Opera House Theme? Is it Over the Top? I'm Not Exactly an Opera Fan.
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. The Opera House theme? It's… pervasive. Like, everywhere. In the lobby, the rooms, the hallways... the staff's uniforms even have a touch of the dramatic. If you're allergic to anything remotely theatrical, RUN. Seriously, run. You might suffocate in a sea of velvet curtains and gold accents.
For me? I kind of loved it. I mean, I'm no opera aficionado. My knowledge extends to "Phantom of the Opera" and maybe a vague understanding of "The Barber of Seville." But the theme is so committed, so unapologetically flamboyant, that it's hard not to be charmed. It's like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, minus the symmetry (and maybe with a few more selfie opportunities). However, I overheard a couple complaining about the "excessive ornamentation" during breakfast. So, y'know, your mileage may vary.
The Breakfast. Tell Me *Everything* About the Breakfast. It's the Most Important Meal, Right?
Breakfast... Ah, the make-or-break moment. Hotel breakfasts can be a glorious feast or a culinary disaster zone. Hotel 1887's? Okay, here's the truth: it's good. Not transcendent. Not life-altering. But good. They have the usual suspects: pastries (some slightly stale, let's be honest), eggs cooked to order (the omelets were decent), and a selection of Asian dishes. The coffee? Drinkable, which is a win in my book.
But here's my *real* breakfast experience, and it's a story. One morning, I was *starving*. Like, "I haven't eaten in days" starving. I piled my plate high with pastries, fruit, and eggs. Sat down, ready to devour it all, and *WHAM!* A rogue pigeon swooped in and stole a croissant right off my plate. A literal pigeon! I swear, the audacity! I was so shocked, I just stared at it, mid-bite. Then, I burst out laughing. I mean, what else could I do? It was so ridiculous! Later, I saw the same pigeon eyeing a plate of pancakes. I felt a strange kinship with that bird. So, breakfast? It's an experience. Bring your appetite and a healthy dose of humor.
What About the Location? Is it Convenient?
Location, location, location! Hotel 1887 is... well, it's in a good spot. Not *perfectly* central, but close enough to the action. You're a short walk from the MRT (thank god for the MRT!), and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. I found it easy to get around. I walked to Chinatown one day, which was a lovely (and sweaty) experience.
The only downside? The immediate area isn't *thrilling*. It's not exactly buzzing with vibrant nightlife. It's more of a "quiet, residential-ish" vibe. But hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing. After a day of sightseeing, a little peace and quiet is a welcome luxury. Just don't expect to step out your door and be immediately bombarded with excitement. Unless you're counting on the pigeons.
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises I Should Know About?
Ah, the dreaded hidden fees. Okay, I didn't encounter anything outrageously sneaky, but... always double-check your bill. That's just good travel advice in general. The mini-bar? Probably not free. Room service? Expect to pay a premium. And, of course, there's the usual city tax.
One thing that mildly annoyed me (and this is just a personal quirk) was the Wi-Fi. It was… a little slow at times. Not unusable, but not exactly lightning-fast. I ended up tethering to my phone a few times. So, if you're reliant on a super-speedy connection, maybe test it out immediately upon arrival. Don't be caught out like I was, trying to upload a 4K video of a pigeon stealing a croissant! (Yes, I tried.)
Would You Recommend Hotel 1887? Be Honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend Hotel 1887? Yes... with caveats. If you're looking for a unique, aesthetically pleasing experience, then absolutely. If you appreciate a bit of theatrical flair, go for it. If you can handle a few minor imperfections and don't mind a slightly quieter location, you'll probably love it.
But... if you're a minimalist, a creature of habit, or easily annoyed by anything remotely "extra," maybe look elsewhere. Maybe a more straightforward, less flamboyant hotel is more your speed. For me, the quirky charm and the overall experience outweighed the minor issues. And hey, I'll never forget the pigeon. So, yeah, I'd recommend it. But pack your sense of humor. And maybe a croissant, just in case.
