Hi

We have just come back from 5 nights at Novotel Clarke Quay with our 2.5yr old son. We found that the location of the hotel was great, convenient to walk into Chinatown, MRT just across the river (5 min walk) but we found that the hotel was very noisy. The music from the nightclubs would start about midnight and finish around 4.3oam. We moved into a "quiet" room but could still here the "doof doof" noise. We spoke to another couple that were staying in a room around the other side from where we were I think they were room 01 on whatever floor and they said that they had no problems with the noise.

It is highly populated with bars and clubs but in no way it is "seedy" in a dangerous way. We felt very safe walking around as a family as we did in all of Singapore - perhaps there is just more wear and tear on the area because it is so popular. It is much more appealing at night with all the pretty lights etc than during the day, if that makes sense.

The pool area of the Novotel was a bit disappointing, it is being renovated at the moment so perhaps doesn't look as appealing as it will do once it has finished being done up.

Not sure what size a standard room is, but we had an executive room which was reallu quite big and fitted our king and a full size rollaway in easit.

The only reason we wouldn't stay here again is because of the noise, request a really quiet room and you will be fine.

Hope this helps - you will have a great time.

TT

Many thanks for this feedback, this is the type of information I needed.

There is a Swisshotel across the river, which looked good. It has it's own entrance to the MRT station - very convinient. And it is across the river from the clubs, so the noise probably isn't as bad. We stayed up the river a couple blocks at Robertson Quay, which was very quiet. Our hotel (Robertson Quay Hotel) was a decent budget option, but since you have more to spent, I wouldn't recommend it. We overlooked the tiny room, miniscule bathroom, and dated furnishings because our rate was about US$100/night. I am not sure if there are other hotels at Robertson Quay, but you might check it out if you want to be near the river, but in a more quiet area.

LauraC, I would just add that the last time I went by the hotel, renovations were also being done in the adjacent shopping mall - not sure how that will affect your stay.

The Pan Pacific is visibly more upmarket and that area is significantly better for shopping. Breakfast won't cost more than £10 per person at the hotel and should you venture out into the malls, breakfast will cost even less.

That having been said, clark quay is surprisingly child friendly despite its reputation as a clubbing district. You'll find children playing by the central fountain while people stumble out of the whiskey bar next door!

Thanks, it will probably my husband and I playing in the fountain and our son looking on in embarrasement!! o:)

I booked the Novotel through booking.com and I have asked them to enquiry about the renovations and if they are completed. We definitely do not want to stay near renovations, we are staying in Dubai on our return journey and there will probably be enough building work going on there to last a lifetime.

What is the best way for us to get to either the Pan Pacific and/or Novotel from the Airport - taxi or MRT?

Thanks

Hi Laura

Apart from the pool area there were no renovations in the hotel that we noticed. The shopping centre next door is being renovated but did not affect us. Starbucks, supermarket, bottle shop,tailor and a handful of eating places were still accessible.

Definitely catch a taxi to the Novotel, I would guess $25 SGD. It cost us $35 SGD in the hotel car to get to Changi but it was very early morning and we weren't going to argue !

TT

Only thing I would suggest you look out for is on Boat Quay you may be hassled to go into the restaurants there on a night. Some of the restaurant touts do like to be very smiley chatty with children as you "run the gauntlet", to try to pressure the parents into then eating in their restaurant. Just be aware of this!

TT,

If you take a taxi before 6am, there is a 50% surcharge on top of the meter fare.

And if you take a taxi between 7am and 9.30am, the surcharge is additional 35% of meter fare.

There are lots of different surcharges on Singapore's taxi. You are not being over-charged whatsoever. You could request for a printed receipt as proof. Most tourist are not fully aware of the carious surcharges.

See Singapore's Taxi Fare Charges here ---> comfort-transportation.com.sg/rates_charges.…

TT... sorry... I've somewhat mis-read your post. However, I wish the add that the hotel car transfer (that you took) seems quite reasonable at $35. Other hotels might charge you $60.

Hi Kevin

Thanks for the info re surcharge - something to remember for our next trip.

Laura,

Something I should add is try to do the zoo, flyer night safari on weekdays if possible - it is so much quieter !

Bye everyone, off to have Singaporean take away - we are having withdrawals !

TT