Orchard Hotel Singapore

From the outside, this hotel is nothing special -- it's an 18-story building that stands tall on Orchard Road. Inside, though, the hotel is a lively and busy place with plenty of style and substance. It's composed of two towers, the Orchard Wing and the Claymore Wing, and guests enter from the shopping arcade off the main road or in back at the main entrance where cars drive up. Inside, a massive clock tower in the middle of the lobby displays different time zones, giving the hotel a mall-like feeling, or a vibe that's almost akin to a casino. Arm chairs atop a red carpet surround it, and a floral display changes with the seasons. There's an abundance of dark marble, oak paneling, and gold leaf to really hammer home the vibe. The hotel caters to both tourists and business travelers, and all sorts of guests can be seen in the bustling lobby. 

The hotel is located at the quieter end of Orchard Road surrounded by commercial buildings with one notable exception. The hotel sits next to Orchard Towers, a red-light area of Singapore that comes alive at night with people streaming in and out until the early hours of the day. Most guests aren't bothered by this infamous neighbor, and like all of Singapore, the area is quite safe. The hotel's location is convenient for both tourists and business travelers, with the main Orchard Road shopping area just a 10-minute walk down the road, including the huge ION Orchard shopping mall. A bus stop is close by, and the Orchard Road MRT station is also a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Central Business District is about 15 minutes away by car, and Clarke Quay -- a major dining ad entertainment hub -- takes about 10 minutes to reach in a taxi. Chinatown, Little India, and the Botanic Gardens are all about 10 minutes away by car. Expect a 30-minute drive to Changi International Airport, or about an hour by public transportation. 

The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from Deluxe Rooms to Premier and Signature Club Rooms and Suites. They are divided into two wings, the Orchard Wing and the Claymore Wing. Signature Suites and Club Rooms in the Orchard Wing were created by well-known French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. All rooms are modern, elegant, and sophisticated, combining a contemporary Eastern look with Western comforts. Most rooms feature soothing color palettes of gray, beige, and earth tones, with vibrant details like the patterned carpet in the Deluxe Room we visited. 

Amenities include free access to PressReader for newspapers and other publications, flat-screen TVs, minibars, ergonomic desk chairs, work desks, safes, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms in most lower-category rooms are simple and sharp, with gleaming white walls, shower/tub combos, and compact vanities. Internet access requires a fee except in Signature and Premier Club Rooms and Suites. 

Premier Club Rooms and Signature Club Rooms offer a nice step up in decor. Guests in these rooms also get access to the Club Lounge, which offers numerous amenities such as free breakfast and refreshments throughout the day, evening cocktails, and free use of a meeting room. Signature Club Rooms are especially attractive and could fit right in at a boutique hotel -- a nice perk given the size of the Orchard Hotel. These rooms employ rich textiles, vivid colors, and sharp furniture with modern Asian silhouettes plus an abundance of eye-catching art; some even have kitchenettes. Bathrooms are sleek and sexy, with black granite walls and floors, separate showers and tubs, and plenty of space. 

The highly regarded main restaurant, Hua Ting, serves Cantonese cuisine in a sophisticated setting for lunch and dinner and also provides catering for events. The Orchard Cafe is a more casual space serving all meals, both buffet and a la carte. Noodles in the lobby is the place for, well, noodles of course, and there's also a lively bar on the lobby level. Breakfast isn't included with rooms except for guests staying in Premier and Signature Club rooms, who have access to the exclusive Club Lounge for free breakfast, free cocktails, and other perks . 

The 20-meter outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, but those who prefer to relax poolside can try out the red cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas. There's a hot tub as well, and the Poolside Snack Bar serves drinks and snacks. An expansive conference center offers 13 meeting and function rooms, as well as a variety of business services. The hotel is popular for both business gatherings and weddings and other social events. The spacious fitness center has large windows and multiple modern treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, LifeFitness machines, and stationary bikes. Towels and water are provided. The Ask Alfred children's service helps the little ones feel special with treats such as ice cream, candy, and a teddy bear. There are fees for Wi-Fi in most rooms.