The newly renovated property manages to further leverage on its cultural charm and unbeatable location, discovers Yixin Ng
Location
Poised in Singapore’s bustling Bugis area, right above the subway, the newly-revamped InterContinental Singapore serves simultaneously as a tranquil hideout in a busy shopping district and a launchpad for discovering the eclectic local colour.
Having only one night at the hotel, I was satisfied by how options for retail, dining, nightlife and arts and culture, were all within walking distance from the property.
Time-strapped guests can experience the city’s many facets on foot – from the watering holes dotting Arab Street to the Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road to the heartland haunts found in the housing estates surrounding Rochor Centre.
The hotel recently began taking advantage of its location in the heritage-steeped district with the launch of complimentary guided walks every Saturday. The walks cover 20 art institutions and historical sites including the former Saint Anthony’s Convent, now home to the National Design Centre.
Rooms
All 338 guestrooms in the hotel’s main wing now flaunt a fresh look after a round of facelifts was completed in February.
It is always impressive when hotel rooms manage to sport a sophisticated aesthetic without giving off a bleak and severe vibe. I thought InterContinental hit the mark in this aspect. There is a charm embodied in the details that serve as subtle throwbacks to Singapore’s cultural roots. I especially took to the motifs on the mirror reminiscent of Peranakan tiles and the air-conditioning vents styled after Chinese carved beams.
My stay was in a Club-InterContinental room, which included complimentary pressing of two clothing items upon arrival. Even with the usual club benefits, the ultimate luxury for me was the bed. The sheets and duvet were feathery smooth to the touch and the mattress firm and springy.
For those who appreciate more spaciousness, I found out that rooms on the top floor have higher ceilings.
Facilities
Although the hotel ballrooms and meeting spaces were not included in the revamp, I was told there have been interest from corporate groups wanting to use the hotel’s overhauled suites for break-out sessions.
Aside from the ornate set-up, the spaciousness of the suites with floor area of up to 259m2 is a clear selling point.
The hotel gymnasium also underwent upgrades and looks more sanitary now. An open studio space complete with yoga mats is also attached.
Other renovated facilities include the lobby, lobby lounge and concierge lounge. Although the revamp brought few functional changes to these areas, I found that the new artwork and display pieces hinting at Singapore’s heritage served to prime visitors for their dive into the cultural potpourri beyond the hotel’s walls.
F&B
The new all-day dining restaurant, Ash & Elm, is a flashier version of its predecessor, boasting rustic-chic décor and an open kitchen concept. In comparison, it’s breakfast buffet selection was relatively pedestrian, with à la minute stations, sections of cold cuts, cheeses, juices and an international spread of breakfast items.
Service
Service was for the most part efficient and satisfactory. My requests for technical assistance and evening room-cleaning were quickly heard. Hospitality at the lobby lounge exceeded expectations – over tea, the staff picked up on my partner’s dietary restrictions during our conversation and offered us a portion of chicken meatballs.
Verdict
With great success, the refurbished hotel delivered a sense of place, both through its aesthetics and the newly rolled-out heritage walk. InterContinental also gets a solid tick for managing the balance of changing with the times while keeping its old-world charm and character well intact.
Name: InterContinental Singapore
No. of rooms: 338 rooms and suites in the main wing; 65 in heritage wing
Rates: From S$295 (US$219)
Tel: (65) 6338 7600
