Hotel Review: InterContinental Singapore (Heritage Suite)

The InterContinental Singapore has just completed a huge refurbishment and the rooms have been redesigned and they are now looking spectacular! The InterContinental Singapore, which was recently awarded an impressive Four-Star in the latest Forbes Travel Guide (2016), features a brand new Ash & Elm restaurant, a refreshed Lobby Lounge and plenty of beautifully-appointed rooms and suites - check out some photos of the new rooms here! In case you do not already know, Singapore's second InterContinental hotel will also open at Robertson Quay in due course. 

Suite Entrance
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

After getting an InterContinental Ambassador membership (which honestly should be something everyone gets!) earlier this year, I have been really motivated to stay at the InterContinental Singapore a lot more. I stayed in the iconic Heritage Suite of the InterContinental Singapore one weekend after hearing so much about it from frequent flyers and international travelers. Previously known as the Shophouse Suite, the Heritage Suite combines the rich Peranakan heritage with shophouse living. Located on the same floor as the Club InterContinental, the Heritage Suites offer 55sqm of space with all the modern-day comforts that you require. 

Coffee & Tea Making Facilities
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The Heritage Suite also comes with a basic Nespresso machine and some TWG teabags that are hidden away in plain sight - it is located in that black box under where the power is located. A Nespresso machine is slowly becoming a necessary luxury in travel but if you are staying in a Heritage Suite at the InterContinental Singapore, you can always make your way down to Club InterContinental for coffee instead. 

Ambassador Welcome Amenity
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

As an InterContinental Ambassador, I receive a unique (to each property) welcome amenity with each eligible stay at all InterContinental hotels around the world. While the InterContinental Singapore used to give out an adorable Baba the Lion plush toy, they have replaced it with the (probably more practicaly) TWG InterContinental Singapore Heritage Tea instead. I also received a small bottle of Evian (on top of the usual water) and fresh fruits in the suite. 

Living Room
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The Heritage Suite features a separate living room (which may differ slightly in size depending on which one you are assigned to), a bedroom and a bathroom. While I never used to understand the point of a living room when I first started chasing miles and points, I have grown to appreciate additional space simply because it allows me to get more work done by physically separating work and play (meaning rest). 

Private Balcony
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The highly sought after Heritage Suites overlook the insides of the shopping mall (Bugis Junction) that is connected to the InterContinental Singapore. In fact, you will be able to access a private balcony that will directly lookout to the mall - just remember to close the blinds for privacy once you are done. 

View from the Private Balcony
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

If you are worried about the noise, you would be pleased to know that with the restoration of the Heritage rooms and suites some years back, the noise isolation has improved dramatically and you will now be able to block off most of the noise outside by simply shutting the door. 

Bedroom
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The bedroom which is connected to both the bathroom and the living room features a comfortable king-sized bed, a small couch by the window (which also looks out to the shopping mall) and another TV with a handsome selection of cable and satellite channels. I like that there are various light controls on the bedside which makes it easy to go to bed in the evening when you are feeling sleepy - just press the master light switch and you are all set for a good night's rest. 

Bathroom
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The relatively spacious bathroom in the Heritage Suite is perhaps one of my favourite areas in this whole suite. Firstly, I really love the design of the floor tiles and the basin area. The Heritage Suite features a double sink, a deep soaking tub, a separate shower area and toilet. Secondly, I love how the InterContinental Singapore has decided to retain most of the old-world charm in the design. 

Bath Amenities
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

Bath amenities are provided by one of America's oldest and largest luxury home fragrance house, Agraria. Instead of the smaller 50ml ones that you get with the regular rooms (and club rooms), you get larger 100ml bottles instead. I am personally not a huge fan of the fragrance since it reminds me of a particular brand of detergent in Singapore but YMMV. 

Afternoon Tea
Club InterContinental - InterContinental Singapore

As a Club InterContinental guest, you will access to a host of privileges which include complimentary afternoon tea at the beautiful Peranakan-inspired Club InterContinental. Filled with a selection of local and Western favourites, the three-tier during afternoon tea at the Club InterContinental can be refilled - just let the friendly lounge staff know which ones to replace. There is also a pretty generous selection of coffee and an assortment of TWG Teas to choose from (also available outside of afternoon tea hours). 

Interiors
Club InterContinental - InterContinental Singapore

I really like the look and feel for the Club InterContinental - the design is obviously inspired by Peranakan elements but it is still modern enough for you to feel at home. The Club InterContinental was already refurbished some years back (even when I visited in 2014) but it has definitely been well maintained since then. I also like how there are various seating arrangements and the seats are spaced far apart from each other for you to have private conversations. 

Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Club InterContinental - InterContinental Singapore

Evening Cocktails at the Club InterContinental should not be missed - the food is definitely sufficient to substitute of a light dinner but if you are looking to grab a bite somewhere nearby, check out Chin Chin Eating House (a short 10 minutes walk away) for delicious Hainanese food! The canapes do change on a regular basis so even if you are holed up at the InterContinental Singapore for a good week (lucky you!), you can be certain that the food will not be the same throughout. There is also a healthy selection of hot and cold food which includes salads, fruits, desserts, cold cuts and various other dishes. 

Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Club InterContinental - InterContinental Singapore

If like me, you value the importance of an evening beverage, go crazy here at the Club InterContinental because the staff will literally make you anything you want (so long you ask nicely) if they have the spirits required - I was unable to get anything that required a Malibu however. The Singapore Sling is definitely something to try if you do not know where to start. 

View from the Private Balcony (Night)
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

After enjoying two hours of evening cocktails at the Club InterContinental, I made my way back to the Heritage Suite to ask for a turndown service. I ended up going out for dinner in the end (because I am hungry like that) and when I got back pretty late at approximately 11PM, the shops in Bugis Junction were all closed - honestly it looks a little bit like an abandoned mall at that point (too many Zombie shows, perhaps?). 

Breakfast
Ash & Elm - InterContinental Singapore

As a Club InterContinental guest, I had the option of having breakfast either at the Club InterContinental or a full buffet breakfast at Ash & Elm downstairs. Do note that with the latter option, it is advisable for you to go early as it may get quite crowded from 930AM. I do personally prefer breakfast at Ash & Elm since that new space is just beautiful and the selection of food is pretty great (especially the Asian dishes!).

Breakfast
Ash & Elm - InterContinental Singapore

I love that Ash & Elm offers a variety of juices, yoghurts and fresh fruits. In fact, the spread is pretty impressive (especially if you were to compare this with the previous Olive Tree restaurant) for breakfast. 

Breakfast
Ash & Elm - InterContinental Singapore

While the breakfast at Ash & Elm is good enough to get out of bed for, I have had to wait over 20 minutes for coffee the last 3 consecutive times I have been here for breakfast. Perhaps the restaurant is understaffed or maybe the poor barista is overworked but even though it is a great cup of coffee, 20 minutes wait for coffee in the morning is really something you should factor in if you are traveling for business. 

Bedroom
Heritage Suite - InterContinental Singapore

The Heritage Suite (previously known as the Shophouse Suite) at the InterContinental Singapore is truly a unique accommodation experience in Singapore and I do see why the seasoned travelers love it. The space is ample for a prolonged-period of stay and there is sufficient distinction between space to work and space to rest; the design is charming but comfort is not compromised. Is the InterContinental Singapore the best IHG property to burn 50,000 IHG Rewards Club Points? Probably not. However, if you are looking to stay here, the weekend rates are usually super attractive if you book on the right days. 

InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966
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