In 2024, the travel landscape is evolving, with bleisure travel gaining significant traction. Professionals are increasingly extending work trips to explore new destinations, seeking a balance between productivity and relaxation. In fact, a survey by Expedia reveals that 60% of business trips now include a leisure component, highlighting the shift towards mixing business with pleasure. Travellers are looking for hotels that not only provide comfortable stays but also offer authentic local experiences that enrich their journeys.
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre stands out as the perfect hotel destination for bleisure travellers to experience the pulse of Singapore. As the latest flagship hotel of the Worldwide Hotels Group, it ticks all the right boxes with its modern amenities, strategic location and ease of access to the city’s iconic experiences.
Artful designs with local flair
Guests are imbued with a sense of place when they enter the hotel lobby, with iconic images of olden-day shophouses displayed on a colourful LED mural.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed into a space infused with local inspiration, where every detail reflects the unique essence of the destination. Drawing from the vibrant façades of nearby Chinatown and the dynamic atmosphere of the Central Business District (CBD), Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre’s design captures the rich heritage of the neighbourhood. This is particularly evident in the lobby, which features a striking LED mural and artworks depicting iconic shophouses by local artist Ripple Root.
Guests can select from 989 rooms across various categories that offer breathtaking views of either the city skyline or the lively Chinatown area, ensuring a connection to Singapore’s rich culture even while indoors. Each room is thoughtfully designed to balance relaxation and productivity, making it an ideal retreat for business travellers seeking comfort during their stay.
Prime location with unmatched accessibility
Convenience takes centrestage at Mercure ICON, with easy transportation links for guests to work, live and play like a local.
Strategically located at the intersection of historic Chinatown and the bustling CBD, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions and major business hubs. Guests benefit from direct connections to two Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations—Chinatown and Telok Ayer—on key transit lines, facilitating quick travel to the CBD and major convention centres, enhancing convenience for MICE guests.
The locale is also a stone’s throw from popular attractions – think Gardens by the Bay, Little India and Marina Bay Sands – chill-out spots and shopping choices so guests can easily work in a short exploratory tour when work is done for the day.
Additionally, an underground retail mall, ICON Link@ClubStreet, connected to 18 Cross Street is set to open in November. Once the Telok Ayer MRT Station access link is ready, it will offer enhanced convenience and abundant food options for hotel guests, from caffeine hotspots Luckin Coffee and Tomoro Coffee to power through the workday to hearty meals from Mount Faber Nasic Lemak and Super Ngon Vietnamese Noodle Café.
Navigate Singapore like a local
Offering six distinct dining experiences from Mediterranean to French and local delights, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre is a one-stop culinary destination.
The hotel enhances guests' stays with an immersive experience through a soon-to-launch unique partnership with a well-known local artist, who has created a walking trail map showcasing stunning murals in Chinatown. This allows visitors to embark on an adventure of discovery, capturing Instagram-worthy shots while familiarising themselves with the iconic heritage sites in the vicinity.
Food is central to Singapore's identity, and no visit is complete without indulging in the island-nation’s culinary delights. Guests can savour Michelin Bib Gourmand-acclaimed dishes such as the famous Tian Tian chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre, crispy curry puffs from J2 at Amoy Food Centre, as well as Hill Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre.
For a more upscale dining experience, sophisticated bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away on Club Street and Ann Siang Road. Notable mentions include Lolla, featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for its elegant fusion of Filipino and Mediterranean cuisine, and Le Bon Funk, known for its relaxed vibe and eclectic range of natural wines and sharing plates.
But guests don’t have to travel far for indulgent food options. With six distinct dining experiences, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre stands out as a culinary destination.
Guests can choose from all-day dining restaurant Chara Brasserie, which offers an authentic Mediterranean buffet spread alongside Asian and Pacific favourites; lobby café Brunetti for a mix of international and local delights paired with specially crafted cocktails; or L’antica Pizzeria da Michele – a renowned Naples establishment featured in the Michelin Guide – which will be making its debut on local shores with its signature Margherita and Marinara pizzas.
For a taste of classic French and traditional Alsace favourites, guests will enjoy La Table d’Emma helmed by veteran French chef Michael Muller. Other casual options include omakase at Ashino, craft beers at Upward Taproom and homegrown coffee at TAG Espresso.
Designed for comfort and productivity
Fatigue takes a back seat with easily accessible fitness options such as the 40-metre-long pool within the hotel to invigorate tired souls.
Wellness options are crucial for bleisure travellers who seek to balance work and personal well-being. Mercure ICON has been recognised as the best midscale hotel by Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards, thanks to its focus on the needs of business travellers.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group, the owner of Mercure ICON Singapore City, said: "We are deeply honoured that Mercure ICON, our new landmark destination hotel that captures the pulse of Singapore, has been recognised as the Best Midscale Hotel in the Asia Pacific region. This property offers an ideal blend of affordable premium offerings, delivering exceptional value with a vibrant and convenient location in the heart of the city, ensuring a memorable experience for all our guests."
Fitness enthusiasts can kickstart their day with complimentary morning yoga workouts – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday - at the scenic landscape deck before finishing with a refreshing swim at the 40-metre pool. Time-strapped folks can also opt for a quick workout at the 24-hour gym. This focus on well-being enhances the overall travel experience, allowing guests to return to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
Sustainable Stays
The hotel takes a mindful approach to sustainability with drinkable water taps in every room and biodegradable amenities for guests.
The hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainability by eliminating bottled water and providing drinking water taps in each room, encouraging guests to reduce plastic waste. All amenities are biodegradable, reflecting the growing demand for eco-friendly options among modern travellers.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond just convenience; it fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness among guests about their environmental impact and makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to travel responsibly while enjoying their stay.
With its focus on creating distinctively local moments that cater to both their business needs and leisure pursuits, Mercure ICON is poised to be a top choice for those looking to make the most of their travels in Singapore.
For more information on the hotel, visit Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre Hotel.
This article is brought to you by Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre Hotel.