Hotel Review: Conrad Singapore Orchard (Executive Room) - Beautifully Renovated Rooms with a Great Executive Lounge
The Conrad Singapore Orchard reopened for guests in late December 2023 after a comprehensive renovation. This 445-room property, formerly a Regent hotel, has been transformed, and its newly-renovated rooms and suites are equipped with modern conveniences that will most definitely benefit international travellers. For clarification, there are two Conrad properties in Singapore. This is not the Conrad Centennial Singapore which is located near City Hall and has been there since 1996. Having frequented Regent Singapore on multiple occasions, particularly to dine at Basilico and Manhattan, I was eager to see the transformation of the Conrad Singapore Orchard. At first glance, the lobby appears similar, but a closer look reveals a more welcoming check-in area and the addition of greenery in the public spaces, breathing new life into the environment.
Click HERE to get the best rates for the Conrad Singapore Orchard!
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I was upgraded from a Deluxe Room to an Executive Room. According to the loyalty program's terms and conditions, members receiving such an upgrade are also granted complimentary access to the Executive Lounge. Lounge access is certainly the benefit I miss most from my time as a Hilton Honors Diamond member. However, due to a change in my travel plans and preferences, I have decided to shift my focus this year to World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and Accor Live Limitless (ALL). In addition to the room upgrade, I was pleased to learn that a room on the highest floor (Level 12) had been arranged for me on this stay - my 2:00 PM late checkout request was also granted and confirmed at the time of check-in.
The Conrad Singapore Orchard offers 46 suites, and from my understanding, the property has been pretty generous with upgrades. While it's uncertain if this policy will change as occupancy increases, it is currently an excellent choice for those with Diamond or Gold status in the Hilton Honors program. The location of the hotel might not be ideal for all travelers, and honestly, the Conrad Centennial Singapore offers greater convenience for most. However, if you plan to take the train, Orchard Boulevard Station (TEL) is easily accessible on foot. Most rooms at the Conrad Singapore Orchard measure 35 square meters, with some featuring a private balcony that increases the total room size to 40 square meters.
I was thoroughly impressed by the renovated rooms and I thought that the team has done an excellent job at creating a cozy yet functional space that meets all the needs of the modern traveler. Compared to the refreshed Premium Rooms at the former Regent Singapore, I appreciate the thoughtful redesign and the use of a neutral color palette throughout the space. On each side of the bed, you will find a universal power outlet, USB-A, and USB-C ports, as well as a wireless charging pad. While it's typical to find charging ports on only one side of the bed, the Conrad Singapore Orchard provides them on both sides. Moreover, they have future-proofed their rooms by including USB-C ports and wireless charging pads. With multiple universal power outlets distributed throughout the room, you're unlikely to run out of charging options. These thoughtful amenities greatly enhance the experience for travelers who prefer to pack light.
All the lights in the room can be conveniently turned off from the switch which is right next to the bed, though I can't recall if this includes the bathroom light. Additionally, you can draw and open the day and night curtains with a simple flick of a switch, eliminating the need to get out of bed just to let in some natural light in the morning. In terms of my sleep experiences at the Conrad Singapore Orchard, I have consistently enjoyed high-quality rest as the firmer mattress suits my preference, and in spite of the hotel's age following renovation, the air-conditioning is working well and the actual room temperature is able to go down to 18 degree Celsius. If you typically stay at Conrad hotels, you will definitely notice the absence of a Conrad bear here at the Conrad Singapore Orchard - there is apparently nothing planned yet but perhaps we will see one in the near future.
You might notice that the Conrad Singapore Orchard offers higher floor rooms as a separate room category and before you opt for that 'upgrade', it is important to remember that the highest floor in this hotel is Level 12. Despite the relatively low-rise buildings in the surrounding area, primarily composed of greenery and private landed houses, the view is somewhat limited even from a higher floor. As previously mentioned, my room was situated on the highest floor, and this is the view it overlooks.
I really like the overall redesign of rooms at the Conrad Singapore Orchard and I also love the natural daylight that the living space enjoys. While the rooms over at the Conrad Centennial Singapore might be slightly larger, and perhaps more suitable for those traveling with children, I do appreciate the thoughtful placement of furniture and the utilisation of space in this property. The sofa and coffee table also doubles as a workstation for those who wishes to get some done during their stay but honestly, if you have access to the Executive Lounge, you might be better off there as it is typically quite quiet during the day (outside of meal periods).
All of the rooms and suites here at the Conrad Singapore Orchard come equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and a Stagg EKG Electric Kettle that allows you to heat water to the exact temperature that you want - perfect for tea connoisseurs (or those traveling with infants)! The minibar is also affordably priced and the tin of cookies (complimentary!) is also there for you to enjoy. Strangely, there was never any welcome note (maybe because I am only a Gold member now?) on my stays stating that it is free for consumption though. There is also a filtered water tap which is great but I do wish they provide some kind of reusable glass bottle as well since I do prefer to consume chilled rather than room-temperature water.
The Conrad Singapore Orchard keeps you properly caffeinated throughout your stay as you will find a selection of TWG teabags, coffee capsules as well as single-serve coffee bags from Bacha Coffee in the drawer. I appreciate that the hotel offers an extensive range of premium coffee and tea options for in-house guests, which are consistently replenished during evening turndown and during the day for extended stays.
Similar to the bedrooms, the bathrooms at the Conrad Singapore Orchard have undergone a complete renovation. A common trend in these updates is the removal of the bathtub in favor of a rain shower head. While I appreciate the luxury of a freestanding tub, I am not particularly fond of shower and tub combinations, making this change a positive one for me.
The shower area now features both a rain shower head and a handheld shower head. Additionally, the bathroom lighting can be adjusted between full and half brightness, depending on your preference and time of the day - there is nothing more annoying that having to walk into a fully-lit bathroom in the middle of the night.
In line with brand standards, bath amenities at the Conrad Singapore Orchard are provided by BYREDO, featuring the Mojave Ghost scent—a woody composition inspired by the soulful beauty of the Mojave Desert. Single-use personal items, such as toothbrushes, cotton buds, and shower caps, are conveniently located in the drawer under the vanity sink. However, for additional items like a disposable razor, guests will need to request them via phone or the in-app chat function.
The Executive Lounge, located on Level 11 of the hotel, offers evening cocktails and canapés daily from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM—a detail to consider if you prefer a room on the same floor. Even during its time as the Regent Singapore, the Executive Lounge was a highlight of my stay. I am pleased to confirm that it continues to provide an excellent experience, with high-quality food that can easily serve as dinner for those who prefer to stay in.
Having stayed at the Conrad Singapore Orchard several times in recent months, I can confirm that the Executive Lounge consistently offers a good selection of hot dishes each night. A particular highlight is the large pot of soup, often sourced from the Michelin-starred restaurant, Summer Palace, which tends to be a favorite among guests. The variety of food in the Executive Lounge is impressive, featuring a balanced selection of protein-rich dishes, carbohydrates, and pizza for those with an inclination for Western cuisine. The service in the Executive Lounge is generally quite good, but I did have one unfortunate experience where the staff seemed more engrossed in their own conversations than in refilling empty glasses. While I can certainly refill my own glass, the staff usually handle this attentively throughout the evening, so this was a notable exception.
Hotel guests can choose from a range of wines and spirits - cocktails are also available upon request, but I don’t remember seeing a menu while I was there. If you are looking for Champagne, unfortunately, the Conrad Singapore Orchard only serves an N.V. Astoria Cuvée Lounge Brut from Italy. Additionally, only whole fruits are offered in the lounge so I did not bother with them since I prefer them sliced for convenience.
Evening turndown service is offered at the Conrad Singapore Orchard, though it may be available upon request only. Personally, I make it a habit to request this service when leaving the room, and it is typically completed by the time I return. The turndown service adds an extra touch of luxury and comfort to the stay, ensuring the room is perfectly prepared for a restful night. You will find two specially-blended tea bags that is apparently made from botanicals representing the gastrogeography of Singapore. If you prefer, there are also non-caffeinated TWG tea bags in the drawer.
Although the Conrad Singapore Orchard does not have bathtubs, shower steamers from Savan Baths were placed in the bathroom during the evening turndown. Before my stay, I had no experience with these, but I found they had a pleasant scent and created a relaxing and rejuvenating shower experience.
From my understanding, in some parts of the world, such as the USA, complimentary breakfast as part of elite benefits is only offered in the Executive Lounge. However, in Singapore and most of Southeast Asia, complimentary breakfast typically includes the full buffet experience, provided as part of your membership status. At the Conrad Singapore Orchard, breakfast is served at Basilico from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM each day. If you are a Hilton Honors Gold member, you may choose breakfast over 1,000 bonus points as your benefit ahead of check-in but otherwise, it is priced at S$45++ per adult.
Basilico offers a wide array of breakfast items, though the selection leans more towards Western dishes. However, you will still find popular Asian options such as a small selection of dim sum, a noodle station serving a delicious bowl of beef noodles, and congee. For those who prefer a healthier breakfast, Basilico provides an extensive salad selection, along with cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh fruits. The pastry and sweets section is also impressive, featuring high-quality baked goods that are not commonly found in typical breakfast buffets.
Like the gym at Hilton Singapore Orchard, the fitness center at Conrad Singapore Orchard is equipped with the latest Technogym equipment. On one end of the gym, there is a smaller room featuring a pilates reformer machine and ample space that serves as a studio for mobility stretches and workouts that do not require weights.
The fitness centre also comes with five state-of-the-art treadmills as well as various cardio machines (e.g. bikes and elliptical machine) for those who prefer to do their workouts indoors. Alternatively, if you wish to go for a run outside, the Conrad Singapore Orchard is actually located in a pretty nice area and you can easily jog over to Orchard Road, or even the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Honestly, I didn't anticipate enjoying my stay at Conrad Singapore Orchard as much as I did at Conrad Centennial Singapore. However, if given the choice now, I would actually prefer the former over the latter. While the property's location may not be the most optimal, it's still possible to take a leisurely stroll down to Orchard Road if desired, or conveniently hop on the train at Orchard Boulevard station. I particularly appreciate the renovated rooms and facilities at the hotel. Despite experiencing patchy service in the Executive Lounge during my previous visit, I still find the property appealing enough to warrant another staycation on weekends when I am in Singapore.
Conrad Singapore Orchard
1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715
Website | Email
From now until 24 November 2024, stand a chance to be one of four lucky winners of the Apple iPad Pro 13" WiFi + Cell 512GB (worth S$2,599) when you answer two questions from Income Insurance - no product sign-up is required!