Ritz-Carlton Millenia Review: The Surprising Truth

From the moment I stepped into The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, I knew this was no ordinary hotel. The grand lobby, bathed in natural light from a soaring glass ceiling, felt like stepping into an art gallery—which, in many ways, it is. With over 4,000 contemporary artworks adorning its halls, this hotel is as much a cultural experience as it is a luxury retreat.

First Impressions: A Palace of Modern Elegance

• Stunning Architecture: Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kevin Roche, the hotel’s sleek, modernist design stands out against Singapore’s skyline.

• Art Lover’s Paradise: The lobby alone features works by Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney, making it a feast for the eyes.

• Effortless Arrival: A seamless check-in experience, with staff who anticipated every need—though I’ve heard mixed reviews on consistency.

The Room: A Sanctuary with a View

We stayed in a Deluxe Marina Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed breathtaking views of Marina Bay. The 51 sqm space felt expansive, with elegant cream and wood tones creating a serene atmosphere.

Room Highlights

 Luxurious Bedding: A Sealy Posturepedic mattress with a feather topper and six-pillow menu ensured the perfect night’s sleep. Marble Bathroom: The deep-soaking tub positioned against an octagonal window was pure indulgence—especially with Diptyque bath amenities. High-Tech Touches: Smart blinds, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and a swiveling 55-inch TV with streaming capabilities.

Missed Opportunities

Dated Elements: Some furnishings felt stuck in the early 2000s, lacking modern luxuries like USB ports or bidet toilets. Inconsistent Service: While some staff went above and beyond, others seemed indifferent—especially during check-in.

Amenities: Wellness & Relaxation

The Spa & Fitness Center

• La Mer Spa: The only La Mer partner spa in Asia-Pacific, offering treatments like the signature Cello Concerto massage.

• 24-Hour Gym: A state-of-the-art fitness center with TechnoGym equipment, yoga mats, and a dedicated studio.

• Outdoor Pool: A 25-meter lap pool surrounded by lush greenery—though it lacked resort-style cabanas.

Dining (Vegan Options Available)

While we didn’t dine in-house, Colony offers a renowned buffet with vegan-friendly dishes, including: Fresh fruit & granola Avocado toast Asian-inspired plant-based options

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Pros

 Unbeatable Location – Steps from Marina Bay Sands and Millenia Walk. Largest Standard Rooms in Singapore – Spacious and well-appointed. World-Class Art Collection – A unique feature for an urban luxury hotel.

Cons

 Service Inconsistencies – Some staff were exceptional, others fell short. Dated Design Elements – Could use a refresh in certain areas.

Who Should Stay Here?

• Luxury seekers who appreciate art and design.

• Couples looking for a romantic getaway with stunning views.

• Business travelers needing spacious rooms and top-tier amenities.

Final Thoughts

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore delivers a mixed experience that doesn’t quite live up to its luxury branding or price tag. While it boasts a prime location, a well-equipped gym, and a few standout breakfast offerings, the overall stay is marred by inconsistent service, dated room design, and underwhelming attention to detail. For the price, there are better luxury options in Singapore especially if service and contemporary design are priorities. The Ritz-Carlton might appeal to those prioritizing location (e.g., for Marina Bay events) or Club-level access, but as a standard guest, the experience doesn’t justify the cost. Unless significant improvements are made, I’d opt for competitors like the St. Regis, Conrad, or Fullerton Bay Hotel instead.