We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Millenia, on the club floor. Well worth the extra charge: the breakfast was appealing and there were drinks, champagne and “nibbles” in the afternoon and dessert in the evening. The rooms are nice-sized; the bathrooms all had large port hole-style windows over the tub featuring views of Singapore (although the casino being built nearby is likely to block some of those views). The hotel is within walking distance of the convention center, as is the Mandarin Oriental.

Eating:

Hawkers selling food from stalls are a big feature of the Singapore street scene. We had lunch at the Maxwell Centre, which comprised many kiosks under the same roof, selling fish soups, oyster omelets, rice bowls, etc. Very clean.

Restaurant-wise, Min Jiang @ One North served terrific appetizers followed by excellent Peking duck, steamed sea perch and pork with cucumbers. 5 Rochester Park (65)6774 0122. Jade Restaurant in the Fullerton Hotel was also excellent, as well as a bit more formal. The restaurant offered several prix fixe dinners but was more than happy to change the dishes if necessary. Interesting, rather contemporary Chinese food. (None of the food we ate anywhere was the least bit greasy). Tung Lok Group. (65)6877 8188.

Song of India featured authentic (having been to India) and quite tasty Indian food. Marvelous prawns and crab (most of which, we were told, come from Sri Lanka). 33 Scotts Rd (65)6836 0055.
Our last Singapore lunch, at Iggy’s in the Regent Hotel, was disappointing. Touted as interesting modern European using lots of local ingredients, the food was nice but uninspired. (65)6733 8888.

Shopping:

Merchandise of local designers to be found at:
Asylum. 22 Ann Siang Rd (65)6324 2289.
Front Row. 5 Ann Siang Rd (65)6224 5501 & 5502.
. 33 Erskine Rd (65) 6536 6977 and 260 Joo Chiat Rd (65)6345 5200.