Swissotel Merchant Court

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location along the Singapore River, offering direct access to the vibrant Clarke Quay area and excellent connectivity to the city's attractions. Its signature feature is undoubtedly its unparalleled accessibility, making it an ideal choice for a diverse range of travelers. Sightseers and tourists will appreciate being within walking distance or a short MRT ride to major landmarks, while families benefit from spacious accommodations and a kid-friendly pool. Business travelers find the central location convenient for meetings, and couples can enjoy the lively nightlife and scenic river views. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the Clarke Quay side if you are sensitive to noise, and plan to visit the breakfast buffet early to avoid peak hour crowds.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's comprehensive facilities, particularly the well-maintained fitness center, often described as one of the best in the city, providing ample equipment for a good workout. The pool area is a popular highlight, featuring slides that are enjoyed by both children and adults, creating a relaxing oasis amidst the city bustle. While some guests note the pool area can get busy and sun loungers might be scarce, it remains a cherished amenity. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring guests stay connected. Feedback on elevators is mixed, with some experiencing slow service or temporary outages. Unique to the rooms are water dispensers providing filtered drinking water, a thoughtful eco-friendly touch. An executive lounge is available for guests with access, offering breakfast, afternoon tea, and happy hour, with many appreciating the attentive service and offerings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms as spotless and immaculate. The spacious rooms are a recurring positive, providing ample space for relaxation and comfort. Comfortable beds are generally well-received, though some guests appreciate the option to choose from a pillow menu to suit their preferences. The bathroom facilities are often noted as good and spacious, though some find the shower-over-bathtub design to be high and potentially difficult to access, and there are mixed comments regarding water pressure and temperature consistency. While many rooms offer pleasant views of the river, city, or pool, some guests mention older, misted windows that can obscure the vista. Noise levels are generally manageable, with good soundproofing, but rooms facing Clarke Quay may experience some evening sounds from the lively area.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a standout feature, frequently lauded as amazing, excellent, and extensive, offering a wide variety of cuisines including Western, Asian, and Indian options. Guests appreciate the food quality and the diverse selection, though many note that the breakfast area can become exceptionally busy and crowded, especially during peak hours, sometimes leading to a scramble for tables. The restaurant, Ellenborough Market Cafe, is highlighted for its delicious buffets, including specific mentions of foie gras and durian paste. While the bar areas are available for drinks, the pool bar is noted by some as being quite expensive. The afternoon tea and happy hour offerings in the executive lounge are also highly valued by guests with access, contributing to a comprehensive dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, placing guests at the heart of Singapore's vibrant scene. It is situated directly on the riverfront at Clarke Quay, providing immediate access to a plethora of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The MRT station is conveniently located right next door or within a very short walk, offering seamless public transportation to all major attractions across the city, including the airport. Chinatown is also within easy walking distance, and a shopping mall is directly adjacent, providing additional dining, retail, and supermarket options. This strategic position allows guests to explore Singapore with great ease, whether on foot or by public transit.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentive and welcoming demeanor, noting how they go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. While the check-in process can sometimes be slow or experience minor delays, many guests commend the staff's efforts to accommodate early arrivals or late departures, often offering late check-out options. Housekeeping is described as excellent, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and tidiness in the rooms. The concierge team is particularly noted for their efficiency in assisting with travel arrangements, luggage, and local recommendations. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent family-friendly service and addressing guest needs contributes significantly to a positive experience.

Additional Information
Guests appreciate the hotel's thoughtful amenities, such as the water filter tap in rooms, which provides convenient access to drinking water and aligns with eco-friendly practices. The availability of a pillow menu allows guests to customize their sleeping comfort. Some guests have noted that balcony access in certain rooms may be restricted, which can be a minor disappointment. There have been occasional mentions of construction noise during the day, which might affect some guests. The hotel's policy of allowing guests to use the pool and shower facilities after check-out is highly valued, especially for those with late flights, providing a comfortable transition. The hotel also makes special gestures for birthdays and anniversaries, adding a personal touch to celebrations.