The Elizabeth Hotel by Far East Hospitality

Part of the Far East Hospitality group, which runs several mid-range properties of varying quality in the area, this hotel is reasonably pleasant, but has a few flaws. On the surface, things look sharp and elegant, but underneath, the style is dated style and some in-room features don't deliver. Still, the rates are generally reasonable, and the proximity to Orchard Road keeps this property busy. The hotel is housed in a 12-story building with glass covering much of its facade. Guests drive up to the porte cochere, with huge columns and a fountain surrounded by flowers and greenery. Potted trees flank the glass entrance doors. Inside, the large lobby shows a strong European influence with huge brass chandeliers overhead plus gleaming marble floors and surfaces. A single sofa gives guests a place to perch. However, other than the outdoor pool and the lobby restaurant, there aren't any public spaces for guests to gather here; most can be seen coming and going throughout the day, and include both leisure tourists and business travelers. 

This hotel is located on a quiet slope next to another hotel and a condominium, about a 12-minute walk from Orchard Road's shopping and the Orchard MRT station. This is one of the more residential parts of the Orchard Road area, and there isn't much to do in the immediate vicinity. Guests looking for shopping and dining action need to travel down to Orchard Road, which is lined with malls and restaurants -- keep in mind that Singapore is hot and sticky year-round, and many guests find the walk to be a bit too long for comfort. Nearby transportation options are limited, so most guests use cabs to get around. The Central Business District is about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel, or a half-hour by public transit. Clarke Quay -- a major dining and entertainment hub -- as well as the Botanic Gardens take about the same amount of time to reach. Changi Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, or an hour by public transportation.

There is a wide array of room categories to choose from at this hotel, but at the moment only Premier Rooms have the kind of style most travelers will find appealing. It's not to say that things are awful in lower-category rooms, but decor in Superior and Deluxe Rooms is dated and worn. Expect to see neutral beige color schemes, patterned (and sometimes stained) carpeting, dark wood furniture that's showing its age, and framed damask wallpaper behind beds. Red armchairs and desk chairs add a pop of color, and accent mirrors pep things up a bit too. Small tiled bathrooms come with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. In some, a few maintenance issues are evident, such as cracked tile and mildew stains. Premier and some Family Rooms are more up-to-date, with padded headboards, hardwood floors, and contemporary furniture with clean, simple lines. The color scheme, composed of light neutrals and browns, also has more appeal. Bathrooms are fresher, with mosaic tile, modern fixtures, and rainfall showerheads. However, modest guests may not appreciate the glass wall between the shower and bedroom area. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, remote-controlled air-conditioning, and safes. Some guests have reported issues with the air-conditioning, and others have noted unreliable water temperatures in the showers. Family Rooms add twin or sofa beds for additional sleeping capacity, but the rooms are on the small side. Some rooms have great views of the city. 

Like other branches in the Far East brand, the features are limited here. The lobby restaurant, Modesto's, serves Italian fare, including pizzas and pasta, as well as Asian dishes. Breakfast is served daily, and guests can choose between a buffet and a la carte options, but it is not included in all rates. Additionally, reviews are mixed, with complaints about it being crowded and the choices being slim. The hotel has an outdoor pool that's surrounded by a sundeck. It's one of the more pleasant aspects of the hotel, with a garden-like vibe created by lots of tropical plants and trees, and a stone terrace. There are just a couple of loungers as well as a shaded patio area offers cafe seating on the side. There's also a fitness center that's open 24/7, though it's small. Two event spaces can accommodate up to 30 people for business or social gatherings. Wi-Fi is free throughout and mobile phones with internet access are also provided upon check-in.