Capri – The First Hotel Residence in Singapore

Finding a hotel in Singapore is not necessarily all about its central location when the island is so well connected via its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. If you’re looking for that home away from home experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and with close proximity to the airport, look no further than Capri by Fraser.

Located at Changi Business Park, Capri is designed in a unique way as to meet the lifestyle needs of the digital generation together with the comfort and convenience of a full serviced residence. With an artsy take on décor, walnut coloured wood finishing throughout the hotel corridors and suite interiors and an extensive range of technology, the added option of cooking your own meals and doing your own laundry while being constantly connected via high-speed and complimentary Wi-Fi makes staying here all that more distinct.

Focussing on digital age as being an important facet for both leisure and business travellers of all ages, having easy access to it makes a stay at Capri extremely comfortable. Technological  luxuries at the hotel includes iPad activated check-ins, interactive e-concierge, a fully equipped business centre with printing and laminating facilities, meeting rooms with interactive walls, a Data Box to charge all digital devices along with suites that are fitted with 42” smart TVs, DVD players and iPod docking stations.

Spacious studio suites complete with premium bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, fully equipped kitchenettes and living areas provide a relaxing abode for residents that allow more freedom of space than that of the average hotel room. Added to that visitors are treated to the hotels top of the line grooming products from Malin + Goetz, a skin, hair and body care range of New York apothecary fame.

The hotel is conveniently located right behind the Changi City Point shopping mall and is accessible by just a one minute walk. The mall is also located directly opposite the Changi Expo MRT Station making it very easy to commute to and from the city. While getting to the airport is also feasible via MRT or public busses, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport on an hourly basis.

In a nutshell, Capri by Fraser is one of those hotels you wouldn’t mind calling home for a long time if time permits. It’s a special concept that makes a visitor feel complete and contented with the services and facilities on offer. Its value for money and relaxed atmosphere makes a stay here quite different from your everyday famous hotel brands in Singapore. Let’s break it down….

The Suite

The suites at Capri are equipped with well thought out work spaces with large work desks and ergonomically designed Herman Miller chairs ideal for business travellers, open walk-in wardrobes and spacious bathrooms that boast invigorating rain showers and an array of pampering luxury amenities. Fully equipped “kitchen walls” complete with cooktop and hood, microwave oven with convection and grill, 90-litre fridge, sink and, for selected rooms, Nespresso machines, to provide the added convenience of being able to cook in. Some of the suites open up into large private terraces, complete with tables, chairs and huge square hammocks for outdoor relaxation.

My Studio Premier for two nights had all the necessary amenities including work space and an in built dressing table.

A full equipped kitchen with all utensils except the kitchen knife. Kitchen knives are provided upon request.

Lovely toiletries – Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo, Cilantro Conditioner, Rum Body Wash and Vitamin E Moisturiser. Toothbrushes, toothpaste and ear buds are also provided.

The other part of my large suite that has a long work desk with a Herman Miller chair.

The Laundry Room

The laundry room on each floor has two washers and two dryers which are operated by tokens that can be obtained from the hotel concierge. While washing laundry can take a good one hour, the hotel has made the laundrette into a 2 in 1 concept of “Spin and Play”. Hotel guests can opt to spend their wait time taking on either a Wii, an XBox Kinect, foosball, iPads, punching bags, a cicollete cycling machine or suspension training with TRX. This makes a mundane chore a combination of fun and functionality. The laundry room is open 24×7.

It took me about an hour to get my clothes washed and dried. Spent the time playing games and watching TV. The laundry room is also equipped with a basin for hand washing clothes.

The Restaurants

Capri has a variety of options when it comes to dining. For alfresco chilling out, head up to Ripples pool bar to enjoy an array of international beers and cocktails. Guests also get to savour complimentary drinks from 6pm to 7pm each week day either at the Ripples pool bar or at Drinx located at the Level 1.

A healthier fare with light grab-and-go meals is available at Delite, which offers a range of daily fresh wraps, salads, sandwiches and snacks. A selection of speciality cakes are also available to complement the comprehensive beverage menu that includes Illy coffee, tea, fruit juices, healthy smoothies and power shakes.

The hotel residence’s all-day-dining restaurant Caprilicious serves breakfast as well as an international menu for lunch and dinner. Though the lunch and dinner menu is somewhat limited, the dishes on offer are simply scrumptious and large in serving portions. In-room dining options include room service as well as a selection of delectable TV dinners that are available 24×7 for enjoyment in the suites.

Drinx, located at Level 1

Delite is where you can get a fair share of healthy dishes including a lovely Greek Salad!

The buffet breakfast at Caprilicious. My breakfast consisted of bacon, sausages, corned beef and hash, scrambled eggs and baked tomato. There are so many other options to choose from too.

For lunch I had a Salmon Sandwich with capers and onions with salad on the side.

For dinner – It was a seared fillet of beef with marinated root vegetables, slow cooked potatoes and Thyme Au Jus at Caprilicious.

The lunch and dinner menu also has an option for Indian food. This was Channa Masala – Chickpeas cooked in a tangy melange of freshly roasted spices and rich tomato gravy.

The Gym and Pool

Active guests will be able to enjoy working out anytime of the day at the fully equipped 24×7 Gym which overlooks the outdoor pool where guests can intensify their water workouts on the state-of-the-art hydro treadmill or simply lay back, stretch out and relax to the rocking motions of EZ Hammocks – the latest concept in poolside lounging – both firsts in Singapore hospitality.

The pool on Level 2

The hydro treadmill located at the far corner of the pool

The fully equipped gym located beside the pool

The Décor

Capri also places an importance to art with its series of installations that reflect the movement and connectivity between today’s world travellers. Featuring seven major art installations from established international contemporary artists, the works displayed at the hotel include that of Rainer Laggeman (Germany), Lee Gil Rae (Korea), David Kracov (Russia), Daisy Boman (Belgium) and Juan Ripolles (Spain).

Prominently showcased throughout the hotel residence’s public areas, the abstract forms add a delightful variation of colours, shapes and textures that create a sense of style and realism in each distinctive social space, where white spaces converge as a natural canvas to showcase these magnificent art pieces.

“Passing with Fly Colours” by David Kracov – One of the many art installations around the hotel.

A cosy and comfortable layout of the dining area at Level 1

With 313 spacious studios to choose from, Capri by Fraser is located at 3 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486037. The published rate for a Studio Premier with 1 King Bed starts at SGD268.36 per night. Rates may vary according to season and length of stay. Visit Capri by Fraser for more information on reservations and rates.

*Disclaimer: We thank Capri by Fraser for inviting Travel and Beyond to an exclusive stay. However, as always all opinions expressed are exclusively that of the author.