Dorsett Changi City Singapore — Attraction in Singapore

Before anything else, I’d like to acknowledge that the hotel is currently in the process of rebranding and transitioning to a new identity.Upon check-in, we were verbally informed that there would be a scheduled power shutdown between 12am to 4am on Sunday. We were then given a letter with further details stating that the hotel was undergoing a mandatory annual safety inspection and testing required by regulatory authorities. The letter also mentioned that during this period, electricity and air-conditioning would be unavailable throughout the building. As a result, lifts would be out of service, hot water would be inaccessible, water pressure would be reduced, and all kitchenette appliances (including the stove, microwave, and refrigerator) would not be operational.The major issue here is that none of this was disclosed on the website at the time of booking. While there was a general note about potential disturbances due to a “progressive transformation,” a full building power shutdown is not a minimal disturbance — and definitely warranted a clear disclaimer. Since I booked the room just a few weeks prior, and this was described as an annual and scheduled activity, there was ample opportunity for the hotel to provide advance notice, either through the website or via email to guests with affected bookings.That said, what’s done is done and we tried not to let it affect the stay too much — but the room itself left much to be desired.On the positive side, the room was spacious, the bathroom was large, and the inclusion of a kitchenette was a nice feature. I had stayed in the same type of room (Splash Room) a few years ago and had a great experience then, so I knew what to expect. Unfortunately, this time it was noticeably less well-maintained.When I opened the curtains, the view was largely blocked by a wall. While we could see a bit beyond it, the view was generally unappealing. The windows were also very dirty — they clearly hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The room had stained walls, curtains that looked worn out, and a loose tile by the bathtub, which I nudged back into place with my foot. The bidet spray was difficult to return to its holder due to its size, and there were very few power outlets in the room.There was also a remote control provided for the room divider — a feature I remembered fondly from my previous stay — but it no longer worked. When I contacted the front desk, I was told the divider function was no longer available due to the hotel’s transition. If so, then why leave the remote in the room? Small details like this show a lack of attention to upkeep and guest experience.To be fair, some staff members were friendly and helpful, and the proximity to a mall is convenient. But aside from that and the room’s size, there were few redeeming qualities.Overall, I was disappointed by this stay. I may consider returning only after the hotel has fully rebranded and — more importantly — implemented stronger quality control, maintenance, and clearer communication...

Stayed at Dorsett Changi City for a 3 day stop on my way home from Europe. |Never stayed before, in fact I had never heard of the Dorsett group of hotels. |It transpires that the old “Capri” has been purchased by Dorsett which has undertaken an excellent and extensive renovation. ||POSITIVES – 15 minutes from airport, 2 minutes to “Expo” MRT, right next to Changi Point Plaza which is full of outlet stores (mainly sporting) and loads of excellent restaurants in the multi-level food court , renovated spacious rooms with kitchenette and a decent fridge (that actually chills), great quality bedlinen, excellent pool for laps, spotless gym with good equipment (newish life fitness gear plus free weights), super helpful and friendly staff (thank you Mitvindra, Nana, Desmond and the mysterious fellow who maintains the pool, gym and pretty much everything else that moves), very close to an enormous supermarket for grocery purchases if required, safe and quiet area. | |NEGATIVES - Not many. I found the rooms to be a little noisy. I think it’s the thickness of the room door, as the noise came from the corridor (though very nicely newly carpeted) and noisy children rampaging up and down. No noise between rooms. I think I was just unlucky! Dinner at the restaurant was lonely (only customer) but the staff were incredibly kind and accommodating serving excellent satays. I didn’t eat breakfast at the hotel so can’t comment on the buffet, though it looked extensive.| |The Dorsett is in a business park, close to the Expo, so it’s busy during the working week but very quiet at weekends. No upmarket restaurants nearby, but it’s a short taxi trip to the Dusit Thani and other beachside restaurants. |For reference, a taxi to the CBD and Garden by the Bay was SIN$ 21. Catching the MRT to the same destination involves a few changes, but on the other hand it’s a simple direct trip to Changi Airport. Super easy by tapping your credit card on and off. You have to love Singapore’s MRT!||SUMMARY – Try it for a short stop over. And if you are a foodie you MUST take up the weekend "foodie tour". Fabulous! I won't give any more details or the...

Because of a booking.com error I accidentally booked two rooms for my second night’s stay (reserved separately from the first night). When this was highlighted at the front desk, I asked if it was possible to cancel the second room, they said it was an agent issue and that I would have to go back to them. Fair enough.

I got on the app and selected to cancel and a prompt that it would cost me the full price unless the hotel accepted the cancellation came up. I told the staff at the front desk. He said he had to speak to his manager. Again, fair enough.

He went round back, and came back not two minutes later saying it was not possible and instead they would offer us free breakfasts. My husband near about lost it at this point scoffing that free breakfasts in exchange for the cost of a whole room was laughable and to get the manager.

The manager finally appeared. He said that it was beyond his control, that this would need to be referred to the reservations team which was away till Tuesday. This was Friday night, a little ludicrous but I’m not one to argue holidays.

Firstly, why did the manager not immediately step up and address the issue, whether it was beyond his jurisdiction or not his job is ultimately service. It would have taken him five minutes to explain the situation and appeased us with the free breakfast that we won’t use anyway as a gesture of goodwill.

Secondly, when I asked if I’d hear from the reservations team he was dismissive about how it was booked through an agent and so they wouldn’t contact me at all, only the agent would. I’m not sure that it costs Dorsett anything to follow up with me as well. Customer service much?

If it is that difficult to deal with customers who weren’t kicking up an actual fuss, just confused and in need of resolution, then maybe don’t be in the service industry.

The porter also had an attitude bringing up a delivery of suitcases, dropping them off as if it was a favour to us.

It was not a pleasant check in experience at all. The staff should also check that customers are not around before they...