Revitalised Conrad Singapore Orchard retains its dignified charm even after refurbishment, and the hotel’s upgraded rooms and facilities make it an excellent stay option on Orchard Road.
In case you missed it, what was Regent Hotel Singapore is now Conrad Singapore Orchard.
Regent Hotel Singapore was a favourite destination of ours. Not only is it home to award-winning cocktail lounge Manhattan Bar, its signature Italian restaurant Basilico is a family favourite for its weekend brunches. Then there’s the hotel’s cafe and gourmet pasticceria Dolcetto, whose loaded bomboloni we do so love.
Now it’s back as Conrad Singapore Orchard, and, after some extensive refurbishment, it’s even better.
Despite the revamp, the hotel retains its stately old-school charm in a quiet and more serene corner on Orchard Road, an area only slightly disturbed by the recent arrivals of Artyzen Singapore and the Singapore EDITION.
Those who remember the luxe hotel in its old days might know that it was designed by legendary architect John Portman, who also set his creative stamp on a number of other top hotels in Singapore. Thankfully Conrad Singapore Orchard retained most of Portman’s design DNA – the skylight atrium, and the bubble glass elevators that soar from the lobby to the hotel’s various floors, for example.
But there’s also a more modern, updated feel now. Contemporary art pieces tastefully adorn walls in open areas and rooms, while thoughtfully placed planters hint of Orchard Road’s plantation past and the verdant greenery one finds on this end of Singapore’s most famous shopping district.
445-key Conrad Singapore Orchard offers 16 different room configurations. They run from the regular room types such as the King Deluxe Room or Twin Executive Room, along with higher floor and balcony view options, to a range of suites such as the large Two Bedroom Balcony Suite if you need to fit five people comfortably.
And of course, there’s the massive 210sqm King Conrad Suite that’s obviously targeted at royalty, celebrities, or crypto bros who suddenly landed a fortune and are looking to splash some cash.
We had the opportunity to stay at the King Deluxe Suite which, at 81sqm, was expansive enough for our pooch to roam happily. Oh yes, that’s right. Conrad Singapore Orchard is dog-friendly. In fact it has a very accommodating pet policy compared to other pet-friendly hotels, allowing dogs of up to 34kg (or even two dogs, as long as they both come under that weight limit). We reckon Conrad Singapore Orchard is set to be a favourite among dog-owners looking for staycation options.
Interestingly we stayed in a similar room type when it was still Regent. But our new experience, compared to before, is night and day. Our newly revamped suite retains much of the original layout, but now comes with a refreshed design that oozes understated contemporary chic. Swathed in natural hues and neutral tones of sand, cream, and muted greens, the space feels serene and relaxing.
As with most suites, this was divided into two: a primary bedroom with a walk-in closet and an attached ensuite, as well as a very generous and comfortable living room (which also comes with its own powder room near the main door). And not that we tend to use them, but this suite comes with double balconies.
Amenities are lavish you might expect. We like that there’s a proper work desk with the requisite power points if we need to get some work done. The bathroom is spacious enough to easily shower a large dog, while Byredo bathroom amenities allow you to smell and feel luxuriously clean.
Conrad Singapore Orchard comes with a new wellness theme; a pillow concierge allows you pick the best support for your stiff neck, while a calming herbal tea is offered during turndown service to help you reset mind and spirit during the evening. You can also sign up for morning intention classes to help you kickstart the day in the right frame of mind, with activities such as yoga, pilates, or meditation exercises.
But its really the upgraded facilities at Conrad Singapore Orchard that make a stay here top-notch. While the swimming pool remains essentially unchanged, the hotel’s gym is swanky and cutting-edge, its new equipment – including a pilates reformer – gleaming and asking for plenty of invigorating use.
Not to mention its dining options. Regent Hotel Singapore was well known for its stunning F&B offerings; we’re happy to report all of its dining concepts have been retained. There’s award-winning Manhattan Bar for innovative cocktails, Basilico with its staggering array of Italian eats, Dolcetto for a coffee pick-me-up (and those bombolini!), and even Tea Lounge, which transforms into wine bar Park90 during the evenings.
Some have gotten even better. Summer Palace, for one. The Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant gets a full overhaul, transforming into an even more refined establishment positively dripping in contemporary chinoiserie, along with a new and enhanced tea programme for proper cultural immersion.
You’ll dine very well without having to step foot outside the hotel.
Conrad Singapore Orchard also runs various interesting curated guest experiences for those looking for something fun to do. There’s a ‘Rickhouse Experience’ at Manhattan Bar, for example, for those who want to know more about barrel-aging of cocktails, or a cheese workshop at Basilico where you learn how to marinate and infuse cheeses with additional flavour. You can even get a guide to walk you through Singapore Botanic Gardens, where learn to identify edible local flora.
Verdict
Conrad Singapore Orchard may face competition from those new upstarts along Cuscaden Road, but the grand old dame – now full touched up – still exudes the charm and allure that made it such a beacon of hospitality before. This urban oasis continues to be a gastronomic eden with its winning suite of F&B establishments, and its extremely welcoming pet policy makes this hotel attractive for dog owners seeking a staycation option.
[Photos courtesy of Conrad Singapore Orchard]
Conrad Singapore Orchard
Address 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715 (Google Maps link)
Tel (65) 6733 8888
Web www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sinodci-conrad-singapore-orchard
Facebook conradsingaporeorchard
Instagram @conradsingaporeorchard
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