Concorde Hotel Singapore

Situated smack in the middle of Singapore's major shopping area, right on Orchard Road, this large hotel has a good amount of modern appeal -- once guests step inside, that is. From the outside, the hotel looks held over from previous decades, with it's block concrete-and-glass exterior. Add to this the fact that the hotel sits atop a shopping mall, and first impressions aren't the most chic. However, once indoors, things have just enough glitz to keep this business-oriented hotel appealing for leisure travelers as well. 

The lobby entrance resides on the third level, where guests are greeted in a bright and expansive space illuminated by an atrium ceiling. Contemporary gray couches accented by black and orange pillows provide seating and pair well with elegant black chairs, sleek coffee tables, and subtly patterned, apricot-hued rugs on gleaming white tile floors. Interior hallways tower above, while two glass elevators ferry guests up to their rooms. Like many of the large hotels along Orchard Road, despite the wealth of things to do just outside the hotel's door, there are a few spots within the hotel for travelers to kick back, including some bars and restaurants. The hotel is geared to both business and leisure travelers, including couples and families.

This hotel is located on the lower end of Orchard Road in the Cuppage area, close to major shopping malls and eateries. It's surrounded by other hotels and commercial buildings, as well as a number of bars and nightclubs, some that are somewhat on the seedy side. Fort Canning Park is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, as is the National Museum of Singapore. Most well known tourist attractions are several bus stops away and take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach, plus the hotel is within a five-minute walk of two metro stations. Chinatown is only about five minutes away by car, as is popular shopping and dining along Clarke Quay. Vibrant Little India is a 10-minute cab ride -- it's the same amount of travel time to the Marina Bay Sands entertainment complex as well. Changi Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, or around 50 minutes by public transportation.

Rooms are classy and spacious -- with handsome, modern decor that doesn't exactly deliver any surprises. 

Floor plans are generous across the board, with even entry-level Deluxe Rooms having 31 square meters of space (323 square feet). All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles for coffee and tea, minibars, and safes. Unfortunately, the travertine tiled bathrooms in Deluxe and Executive Rooms are small, but offer ample counter space, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Premier Room bathrooms are more sleek, with walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads (some also have bathtubs). Executive Rooms have balconies, but they are not furnished. Guests staying in Premier Rooms have access to the Premier Lounge, which offers a number of perks explained below. The hotel offers smoking rooms, so smoke smells are present in some hallways. 

Given the size of this hotel and what's generally on offer at competing four-pearl hotels in the area, there are some nice additions here. Dining is varied enough and gets mostly solid marks. Spices Cafe, the hotel's main restaurant, serves all meals in a modern, lobby-level setting. Cuisine is a mix of local and Western. A second restaurant, Nogawa, serves authentic Japanese fare for lunch and dinner. Drinks and light fare are available both at Spices Bar and in the Lobby Lounge, and guests also can drink and dine at the pool bar. Those staying in the Premier category of rooms have extra food and beverage benefits, including free breakfast, drinks, and snacks. 

The long rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, or guests can opt to relax on the cushioned, umbrella-shaded lounge chairs that surround. Large potted plants add a tropical touch, and there's a small wading pool for kids. The fitness center at the hotel is one of the bigger that we've seen in this part of Singapore, with a large array of cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines, and kettle bells. Plenty of windows keep things bright and there are TVs all around as well -- it feels very much like any modern, urban gym.

Eleven event spaces, including a grand ballroom, can accommodate up to 800 people. The hotel is a popular venue for large weddings, which can sometimes overwhelm the property. A business center has work stations and computers for guests to use, and business services are offered as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, which isn't always a guarantee in Singapore. The free smartphones issued at check-in are convenient for navigating town and making free international calls (to select countries). Concierge services are available around the clock, and include everything from cars to laundry and dry cleaning (for a fee).