Inspiring Story
A weary traveler steps out of the humid afternoon air into a cooled lobby where historical charm meets modern rest. Located where the old-world shophouses of Chinatown greet the towering financial skyline, this hotel bridges generations. Decades ago, early immigrants built their dreams on these very streets. Today, this sustainable retreat offers modern travelers a peaceful sanctuary right above that rich history.
Holiday Getaways
This hotel serves as a great base for families and couples planning holiday getaways. Its close proximity to two major subway lines makes exploring the island straightforward.
Pros
- Excellent central location right next to Chinatown MRT station
- Spacious family suites and connecting rooms that sleep up to four or five guests
- Walking distance to major dining hubs like Hong Lim Food Centre and Clarke Quay
- Good outdoor swimming pool with panoramic city views
Cons
- The property opened in 1984 and some standard rooms show signs of aging despite renovations
- Breakfast buffets can become very crowded during peak holiday seasons
- Onsite parking spaces are limited with strict height restrictions
In-Depth Spotlights
With average room prices hovering around 213 US dollars per night, Furama City Centre aligns closely with Singapore average mid-range hotel rates of 198 US dollars. It offers a more budget-friendly alternative than luxury properties in Marina Bay, while providing larger room layouts than budget boutique hotels in Chinatown.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating 7.8 out of 10
- Service 8.2 out of 10
- Facilities 7.6 out of 10
- Value for money 7.7 out of 10
- Cleanliness 7.6 out of 10
- Location 9.0 out of 10
Solving the Travelers Problem
Many travelers find it difficult to balance budget constraints with a central location when staying in Singapore. Furama City Centre resolves this issue by providing mid-range pricing right next to a major mass rapid transit station. This setup eliminates expensive taxi fares and allows visitors to return easily for midday rests.
Travel Guides, Safety & Scams, Packing Guides
Singapore remains exceptionally safe, but visitors should watch out for inflated prices at unauthorized seafood restaurants along the riverfront. Always confirm seafood prices per 100 grams before ordering. Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothing to handle the year-round tropical humidity, and bring a small umbrella for sudden afternoon downpours. Keep a light jacket handy for heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Transportation Tips
Take the East-West line subway directly from Changi Airport to Expo station, then transfer to the Downtown Line to reach Chinatown station. The hotel sits just a short two-minute walk from exit E. Skip single-trip tickets and purchase a prepaid EZ-Link card or use your contactless credit card directly at the subway turnstiles for seamless travel.
Itinerary
- Day 1 Explore the Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown during the afternoon. Walk over to Clarke Quay for a riverside dinner.
- Day 2 Take the subway to Bayfront station to explore Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck.
- Day 3 Spend a full day experiencing the rides and entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Visit the Hong Lim Market and Food Centre just 200 meters away to try local dishes like Michelin-recommended chicken curry noodles and char kway teow fried rice noodles. For dessert, order the signature Durian Pengat at the hotel Tiffany Cafe. Key nearby attractions include the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Clarke Quay Central mall, and the peaceful green lawns of Hong Lim Park.
Events & Festivals
- January to February Experience the massive street light-ups, festive markets, and nightly performances throughout Chinatown for Chinese New Year.
- September Watch the city streets transform into a high-speed racetrack for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, featuring night races and concerts.
- September to October Enjoy the traditional mid-autumn festival lantern displays and mooncake stalls filling the streets right outside the hotel.
Things to Know and Trivia
The hotel was built in 1984 and stands 23 stories tall with 445 rooms. It holds a global sustainable tourism council certification for its eco-friendly operations, which include water-saving features and filtered water dispensers that replace single-use plastic bottles.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Is the tap water in the hotel rooms safe to drink? Yes, tap water across Singapore meets strict world health organization standards and is perfectly safe for drinking.
- Does the hotel offer free parking for staying guests? Yes, free covered self-parking is available on site, though spaces operate on a first-come basis and height limits apply.
- Can I walk from the hotel to the Marina Bay Sands area? While possible, it takes about 30 minutes of walking through downtown. Taking the Downtown line subway from Chinatown station gets you there in under 10 minutes.
- What is the closest convenience store for snacks and supplies? A 7-Eleven store operates just a short walk away inside the connected Chinatown Point shopping mall.
- Are there laundry facilities available for guests to use? The hotel provides dry cleaning and laundry services for a fee, and there are commercial coin-operated laundromats located in the surrounding Chinatown neighborhood.
- Is breakfast included in the standard room rate? Breakfast inclusion depends entirely on your specific booking package. If not included, you can pay a separate fee at Tiffany Cafe or visit nearby local coffee shops.
- Does the hotel pool have a dedicated lifeguard on duty? No, the outdoor swimming pool does not have a lifeguard on duty, so children must be supervised by adults at all times.
- Can the hotel staff help arrange airport transportation? Yes, the concierge can arrange a private limo or town car service to the airport for an additional fee.
- Are pets allowed to stay at this property? No, the hotel maintains a strict no-pets policy to ensure comfort and cleanliness for all guests.
- What time do check-in and check-out occur? Standard check-in begins at 14:00 and check-out must be completed by 12:00.
