I am sipping on a frothy cappuccino, sitting on a bold red leather chair on a trendy terrace under a Parisian stripped awning-how divine!

It's none of the above… I have discovered the joys of European delicacy and restful purposefulness in a place many of you might have overlooked should you be a resident as opposed to a visitor of Singapore. The Hotel Café.

Long a center of café society, these posh palaces of caffeine purveyance are the perfect escape from the heat and humidity that is everyday Singapore. Sit back and relax, read the paper and listen to the occasional live classical music play. Here are three excellent choices to get your on your voyage of discovery of the luxe caffee experience.

Crossroads Café

This café is an ideal place to rest from the rigours of shopping. Literally on the crossroads of Orchard and Scotts Roads, it is also a culinary crossroads with a selection of snacks from rice and noodles to Japanese fare, Italian dishes, sandwiches and grills. Relax with a tasty snack and a drink and watch the world go by.

Town Restaurant

This casual but smart restaurant has a number of dining options from its power breakfast for morning meetings, international lunch and evening buffets, Sunday champagne brunch is divine - or simply enjoy a coffee and a snack. Dine indoors in the lounge area, in the restaurant itself or outside on the balcony overlooking the river.

Martini Bar

A great way to add some zest to your meals at the mezza9 restaurant at the Grand Hyatt is to combine it with a trip to the Martini Bar. The main attraction of this glass enclosed bar, is, of course, the cocktails, but there's also a view over Scotts Road to allow you to people watch as you down a cappuccino or two.