Booking Maxwell
Usually when it comes to boutique hotels that don’t have their own loyalty program, I always book via Hotels.com; 1) they have a price match guarantee, 2) you can earn cash back via ShopBack (use my link to sign up, and you’ll get $10 credit!) and 3) they have a loyalty program which gives you credit for 1 night after 10 stays (based on the average amount of your bookings).
For this booking, I went direct since the hotel had a promotion which worked out best for me: S$50 food & beverage credit, free breakfast and a 6 PM checkout. Since my flight was later in the day the late checkout was perfect for me. I booked the basic “Merchant ” room which was upgraded at check-in to 1 category higher “Merchant Deluxe”.
The Rooms
There are 2 colour pallets at play in this hotel. One is the peacock feather (green) and the other one dragon skin or maybe even koi fish (red).
Both motifs are the main feature in the bed head, and a matching colour palette is applied to the rest of the room and its furnishings.
Both room types make a grand design statement and stay true to the heritage of the building with beautiful hardwood floors, plush seats and a standalone vintage inspired bathtub which unfortunately was made out of some plastic/epoxy type of material.
Although the mattress was on the harder side, the bed was still incredibly comfortable. My biggest problem with hotels is usually their pillow selection.
The Six Senses Maxwell didn’t fail the pillow test with plenty of options on offer.
Location
The Six Senses Maxwell is located in Tanjong Pagar, an area which has a few heritage buildings and a great selection of food (Maxwell Food Centre hawker market is right across the road).
A 5 min taxi ride will get you to most places in the nearby business district, and the Tanjong Pagar MRT station is a 5 min walk away.
Gym & Pool
The hotel has a small but well-equipped gym on the first floor near the pool. The pool itself is a 25-metre long lap pool; however, it’s rather narrow and backed up against neighbouring buildings.
If it’s a stunning infinity pool you’re after, this isn’t it.
Food
Maxwell has a classic French-inspired restaurant on the ground floor (Murray Terrace Brasserie) which was excellent (if you don’t feel like heading out). I used my $50 dining credit (part of my package) here.
There’s also the Rose Lounge & Bar, Cook & Tras Social Library (staked full of books and booze).
Breakfast is served at Murray Terrace, and it’s outstanding. You also have the option to head to Yellow Pot at the Duxton hotel which is around the corner.
If you loathe buffets (like I do), you will be surprised to find anything from the a-la-carte menu can be ordered (if you have breakfast included) and there doesn’t seem to be a limit either.
I kicked things off with an Acai Berry Bowl (delicious) and then had the crab cake eggs benedict. Who needs a buffet?
Presentation and taste were both on point so I would highly recommend including breakfast with your stay.
Staff & Service
Overall the service was excellent. The late checkout of 6 PM was granted without any of the back and forth I usually encounter with chain hotels that I hold status with.
Upgraded to a better room without having to ask…and an ice bucket with a couple of local beers and a personal note from the manager. Small touches like this are what sets a hotel apart from the rest.
Maxwell In Conclusion
Will I be back? Yes! I really enjoyed this hotel, especially since it’s boutique and part of a hotel group with some fantastic properties around the world (Six Senses).
I hope the level of service and standard remains now that Six Senses is part of a much bigger chain IHG – which in turn might open up interesting opportunities for those with points and status.
