Swissotel The Stamford

" Swissôtel The Stamford, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels, promises excellent accommodation, business and leisure experiences. Revel in 1,261 guestrooms and luxury suites, 16 restaurants and bars, Equinox Complex and Willow Stream Spa, complete with panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia."

30 June 2012

Pat says:

We were actually interested in Equinox or New Asia Bar, but we chance upon the wedding package for Swissotel The Stamford too. A few things that I caught my attention was their peking duck carving station, a pastry chef's specialty (warm melted chocolate fountain with fruits and marshmallows), and their upgrading of Chinese desserts to buffet dessert. I never really look at hotel's wedding packages because we weren't very interested in having a tradition wedding. But because Swissotel had these amazing optional packages, I decided that we could take a look at their ballroom (just to give them a chance).

I guess I didn't really expect much of their ballroom, because I thought that it would be the same old same old. When we reached there, I was shocked to find 4 weddings held on a saturday night. It's either that the date was super awesome or there must be something else about Swissotel. Swissotel has several ballrooms that will cater to your different needs. I particularly like Stamford Ballroom because it has a private reception area, however it caters to a minimum of 45 tables (weekend), 40 tables (weekday). Key did comment about the huge minimum required tables and the manager commented that we could have the place if we meet their minimum spending. I didn't find the ballroom very fantastic, in fact I would prefer Amara or Capella instead. Solemnization would be held in smaller rooms, I especially like the one that had the view of MBS and Esplanade. I was quite amazed that the view from the rooms were quite awesome, since I didn't really wanted a solemnization in a room. Sadly, the view of the solemnization room of Stamford Ballroom didn't had such a fantastic view. But I guess you could chose which room you want to be solemnized in. 

Key says:

The customization of the menu is fantastic and I know Pat will love it, hence we decided to take a look at their ballroom. I was just as surprised as Pat when we find that the view of solemnization room is pretty good. As for the other ballrooms, I only prefer the Stamford Ballrom in view of the privacy but as what Pat has highlighted, there is a minimum spending needed. Of course it is still just a ballroom and so compared to other unique venues that we are looking at, this pales slightly in comparison.

Picture

1-Altitude

"1-Altitude stands at the peak of 282 metres and boasts a spectacular 360-degree view. Located at the top of 1-Altitude, a multi-concept lifestyle destination in Singapore that stretches across the 61st to the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place, 1-Altitude Gallery promises to bring a new definition to living on the edge... literally!"

Key says:

Waste of time. Even though it's high, the view is not fantastic. Pointed out by Pat, the maintenance of the greens were very lousy and the area that can be used for solemnization does not gave you the bird's eye view of Singapore, making it useless to hold a solemnization at one of the tallest building in Singapore.

Pat says:

Although 1-Altitude is on the 61st floor, however the view is incomparable with Ion Sky Gallery. The roof top was disappointing as I can see that the plants and lawns have not been very well maintained. Perhaps since it is an open air concept, the place looks quite old with wear and tear. Also, there isn't very much plants, so it does not really give you so the photos taken might not come out to have a nature feeling. Restaurant wise, I would say that it is quite decent with no pillars in the centre and the space does look spacious. However there are weird ceiling decorations, which I dont think is removable. There is also a private room available, which perhaps can hold miscellaneous stuff for the wedding. I would say  after visiting Ion Sky Gallery and The Jewel Box, this pales in comparison. 

Pictures

Marina @ Keppel Bay

"Marina at Keppel Bay offers exclusive entertainment and corporate event venues on the beautifully landscaped 5-hectare Keppel Island. With stylishly-designed facilities in a prime location, Marina at Keppel Bay is set to be one of Asia's top marina and lifestyle destinations."

Key says:

There was a wedding held at Marina @ Keppel Bay before (google-ed) and it looks fabulous. Thinking we might be able to do the same, we went to check it out and only to realize that wedding cannot be held there! After clarification, it seems that was the one and only wedding ever being held there! As much as it's a beautiful location, we would not be able to have it as our venue.

Pat says:

"Outdoor Wedding Specialist" mentioned that they were in-charged of decorating a wedding at Prive (Marina @ Keppel Bay). The photos provided were amazing, and it was a dream wedding under the stars, which fit our "dream" wedding. We visited the location and even ate at Prive to taste test the food. I find the egg benedict to be not bad, and with a spectacular view of the sea and the Yacht port, it would deem as a good place to hold the wedding.

To our utmost dismay, we were notified by the staff at Marina @ Keppel Bay that it was not possible to do a wedding in the vicinity! We could do an event, but no wedding gowns are allowed! We checked with OWS and they notified us that it was a one off event held many years back. They did kindly introduced Emily Hill and Fort Canning as other alternatives. 

I personally felt quite cheated and heart broken. Perhaps they should at least update their blog and state that weddings at Marina @ Keppel Bay are not allowed any more. But well, Emily Hill looks nice in the pictures that OWS has provided me so I might consider looking at that venue too.


Blog: http://ows.com.sg/dine-under-the-stars/

Pictures

Ion Sky Gallery

"So much awaits you. Come up to the sky, even if it is just to watch the clouds go by."

Key says:

One of the unique venue which I would like to hold the wedding would be the Ion Sky Gallery. Superb view and privacy, it is the ideal location. The only problem is that it can only hold less than 200 people which means not everyone on our invitation list can be invited

Pat says:

When I first step into Ion Sky Gallery, the feeling was amazing. I did not know that Ion Sky Gallery provided such awesome scenery of Singapore. One of the staff mentioned that you could see the whole land are of Singapore! A ticket up provide a small made-shift binocular for your viewing pleasure. There are also small binocular type of machines situated sparsely around the viewing gallery, where you can view live and static images Singapore's landscape. It is a must-go place in Singapore!


To consider it as a wedding venue, I would say it's good for a small guest list of 100. This is because there are pillars around the area and slopes that blocks out quite a no. of space. I don't really think the ideal place for solemnize picture is that fantastic. Since its a viewing gallery, I would expect that I need to spend alot more on decorations as the place appears quite bare.


I actually would consider Salt Grill & Sky Bar for a party of 120, a restaurant found beside the Ion Sky Gallery. There is already a very nice Italian atmosphere and I love the restaurant setting and decorations.  Plus you get similar view as the Ion Sky Gallery, just that its of another part of Singapore. There is also a small bar area where guest can chill and relax! A pity that they can only hold 120 guests.

Pictures

Capella

"This blend of the old and the new, the natural and the designed, infuses every acre of Capella Singapore. Where courtyards using native plants invite moments of introspection. Where waves gently lap against the shore of Sentosa Island, their natural energy inspiring with every crest. And where everyone is welcomed and celebrated at our luxury Singapore hotel."



19 June 2012

Key says:

First impression when I saw Capella is that it is awesome (first thought to myself at the same time is that it's so "ulu" and far...). The place is indeed beautiful, be it the exterior or interior. They have only one ballroom and it's huge! As for the poolside solemnization, it's as pretty as the pictures look (though if it's held during the day, I would most probably melt). A place worth considering...

Pat says:

Pictures of Capella's poolside solemnization area was beautiful! A unique concept where you can even "walk" on the water! When we first walk into Capella, I was shocked to see how far it was, yet scared to see how majestic it portrayed. It appears that I have been transported to another place. There is a huge poach (walking to the hotel front door is already quite tiring, advise to take other forms of transport), and the hotel is a huge Colonial styled white building. Super Atas feeling, with just the first glance of it, I can understand why it is considered as a six star hotel. Service was good, because we came super impromptu and the service crew was nice enough to entertain us! Thumbs up!

We first visited the ballroom, which is round in nature. I find it quite interesting, but I never really like enclosed ballroom area. Next, we were brought to the poolside area. They have 3 pools which can be used for parties or solemnization. Perhaps it was decorated so it doesn't seem as fantastic as the pictures. But I would consider Capella for a pool side solemnization/party.

Shangri La @ Rasa Sentosa

"The perfect wedding requires an enchanting location and an experienced team to put it together. As the only beachfront resort in Singapore, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort offers a unique location for a Wedding by the sea."

19 June 2012

Key says:

The outdoor solemnization is indeed beautiful, especially during sunset. However in the event of wet weather, the backup indoor venue is pretty disappointing. Similarly, the ballroom, though it is described as fan-shaped, it is actually pretty much rectangular and not really what we are looking for. The open ballroom is better in comparison and would have a nicer view during the day time. One concern by Pat is that if we are to hold it during the evening, by nightfall, there are no much view to be seen and as such, the open ballroom is not as ideal as what we want it to be. However Shangri La is still one of our consideration at this point in time.

Pat says:

I thought that Shangri La was an atas place and pricing wise would be quite steep. But I realized I was ignorant and the pricing is actually quite affordable. Another thing I would like to point out is that the outdoor beach side solemnization is awesome! With a simple yet perfect big tree and a sunset as a back drop, the big picture would look very pretty and you can't find it anywhere else in Singapore. On another hand, close up view of the bride and the groom when being solemnized might not be as nice, but I would assume to be still very pretty indeed. Sadly, they only sell the solemnization place if you also book a banquet with them. They offer a normal super huge ballroom and a smaller but still able to fit a comfortable 30 tables ballroom with a view of the beach and their swimming pool. The view I would say is fantastic in the afternoon with the sunlight and all, but at night it could be quite dark. Sadly, we are unable to do a lunch banquet plus an evening solemnization.

Picture

La Villa

"Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a stone’s throw away from Orchard, La Villa offers the perfect dining haven with its serene environment and convenient location. Its white-washed interiors accented with wooden furniture and ceiling beams exudes casual elegance while the outdoor patio instills an instant air of relaxed charm, perfect for a quiet business lunch or intimate dinner for two."

10 June 2012

Key says:

The outdoor patio is the perfect location that we are looking for. Besides, there's a nice tree which can be decorated with fairy lights to be used as a solemnization venue. The interior decor of the restuarant is simple and homely. All in all this is the ideal location but due to some reason, if we were to use La Villa, we would need to hold the wedding by June 2013! Also we were adviced that the patio cannot be used for tentage as well which is a bit disappointing... A tough decision that we have not come to any conclusion as it is really the venue that fits how we want our wedding to be...


Picture