The Fullerton Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of Singapore with a claim to fame that few hotels can boast: it used to be the post office.

The historic building is fabulously decked in art deco and features an infinity pool (above), several dining and drinking options, a spa which offers everything from Swedish massage to traditional Chinese treatments and a giant koi pond with fish the size of cats. I highly recommend chatting with the fish and the Singapore Slings at Post Bar (you know you have to have one while you're in Singapore). They actually have a whole Sling Collection, if the traditional Singapore Sling (gin, cherry brandy, and Bénédictine) isn't your thing -- Coco, Lychee and Hazel are among the flavors offered.

More about the hotel: It sits on the former site of Fort Fullerton (named after Sir Robert Fullerton, the first governor of the Straits Settlement). In 1928, the Fullerton Building was built there, costing over $4 million. It's flanked by two historic bridges, Anderson Bridge and Cavenagh Bridge, and the hotel itself incorporates a historic lighthouse, which remained functional until 1978 (now it's a restaurant, The Lighthouse). The hotel officially opened its doors on January 1, 2001.

The hotel is located right in the heart of the business district, and just a quick hop away from Clarke Quay, one of the hottest spots for nightlife -- all the warehouses from the quay's days of shipping have been converted into nightclubs. You can also walk from The Fullerton to Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum and the Esplanade, as well as Singapore's national icon, the Merlion (it's half lion half fish).

If you happen to be fortunate enough to stay at the Fullerton during the F1 Grand Prix within the next few years, you'll be thrilled to know that the rooftop bar serves endless champagne and canapes to guests watching -- much classier than the cramped middle of the grandstand and just as close to the track. If you're interested in one of their Grand Prix packages for next September, look into booking now; those reservations go fast!

Speaking of reservations, a night at The Fullerton starts at $750 Singapore (about $530.37 USD) and goes up to $6,880 for the multi-level presidential suite. For those who love a Club Level, there is The Straights Club -- refreshments are served all day, including champagne breakfast, a cocktail hour, and an afternoon English Tea -- which can be added to your stay for an additional S$120 per guest. It may be a steep price to pay, but the hotel is truly exceptional -- it has hosted the likes of Mariah Carey, Mel Gibson, and even Queen Elizabeth-- and how many people can say they stayed at the old post office?

Gallery: The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

This trip was paid for by the Singapore Board of Tourism, but the views expressed within the post are 100% my own.

Filed under: Singapore, Hotels and Accommodations