Emerging from a two-year-long top-to-toe renovation, Grand Hyatt Singapore successfully shaves years off her 50-year-old self. She’s got style, she’s got grace, and she’s still very much the winner on the Singapore shopping belt
Location
Grand Hyatt Singapore rises on the starting point of Orchard Road shopping belt – ideal for shopaholics who enjoy systematically combing through malls from end to end. Its central location also allows guests to get to major city attractions easily.
Facilities
The hotel was a favourite weekend haunt of the ladies in my maternal family; Mezza9 and Pete’s Place were where we dined and chatted. I could retrace my steps, from the iconic tilted main doors down to the basement where Pete’s Place was or up the winding stairs to Mezza9, and later all the way through the belly of the hotel to access the carpark, passing the dramatic waterfall along the way.
The main structure of the hotel remains, but so much has changed. The lobby feels a lot more cavernous and lush. Large planters flank the walkways, transporting me momentarily to gardens.
While Grand Hyatt Singapore is progressively reopening, starting from its official launch on July 10, most facilities are already welcoming customers when I was there for a brief night’s stay on August 31.
The recreational deck on level one is brilliantly transformed. The Oasis pools and surrounding gardens give this city hotel a strong resort vibe. Exiting the elevators, one meanders down a shady trail with shrubs and trees all around and ends up at a free-form wellness pool with therapeutic water jets.
The many cabanas and bird’s nest daybeds under a canopy of trees beckoned me to pick my desired spot to sit and daydream.
Serious swimmers can get their laps in at a larger pool deeper inside the Oasis, where there are plenty more sun loungers.
Damai Spa on the same level is not opened yet, but the gym next door is.
The Grand Club is still in the works, with an opening planned for 2025, so privileged guests are welcomed at 10 Scotts lounge for now.
Accommodation
The renovated hotel has 699 rooms – more than the 677 keys before. For now, only the Terrace Wing is receiving guests. The Grand Wing will be ready next year.
A new accommodation offering at the hotel is the Garden Studios, located on the same level as the Oasis pool and garden. There are five of them, converted from what were previously spa treatment rooms. Doors open right into the garden, making this room type ideal for resort escapes that are not too far away from city conveniences.
My family and I had two connecting rooms in the Terrace Wing – one with a king bed and the other with twins. Both are large, at 42m² each, and dressed in dark wood panels, white marble flooring, and tender shades of green. With such a size, the room is able to take in an en-suite bathroom with dual-sink vanity and rain shower, walk-in wardrobe, a proper table to work or dine at, and – our favourite part of the room – a sunlit alcove with a comfortable daybed.
I was won over by all these material comforts, but what made me nod in appreciation was the numerous multi-outlet charging points across the room. I found them strategically placed by the bed, at the table, and in the alcove – all ready to juice up the devices we were so addicted to.
F&B
There are eight F&B outlets across the hotel, and most are open. Straits Kitchen, Pete’s Place, Brix, Oasis Bar on the pool deck, and The Shop for premium takeaways are in business, while 10 Scotts currently stands in as the club lounge.
Soon to come are the Martini Bar, Oasis Restaurant, and Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman’s Le Pristine Singapore; the latter will take over where Mezza9 used to stand.
The ladies in my family counted down to the reopening of Pete’s Place on August 19, and we were quick to plan a gathering that weekend. The red chequered cloth-covered tables that look straight out of nonna’s kitchen are now gone; in their place are modern furniture and cosy booth seats.
An interior design feature to spot is the repurposed red brick wall with artworks made from dismantled furniture of the former restaurant and photos from the past.
The menu is extensive. Between 18 of us, we were able to try a wide selection of antipasti and pasta, as well as two highly recommended protein bombs – costoletta alla Milanese breaded veal chop and bistecca alla Fiorentina bone-in ribeye steak. We rounded off our feast and emotional reunion with copious tiramisu, vanilla panna cotta, and shots of caramello made of vodka, cream and coffee.
I can see myself returning many times over just for the costoletta alla Milanese, tiramisu and caramello.
During our hotel stay a week later, we dined at Straits Kitchen where Indian, Malay and Chinese favourite dishes were served on a buffet line. That evening, we picked up flavourful satay, smoky tandoori chicken, tender Hainanese steamed chicken, creamy laksa, a fiery popiah filled generously with plump prawns and soft shredded turnip, and frothy teh tarik. Dishes were as authentic as I could find at any local hawker centre.
It is also good to know that Straits Kitchen is one of the very few top-end halal hotel buffet restaurants in Singapore.
10 Scotts will return as a tea lounge in 2025, serving up favourite dishes from around the world. While waiting for this to happen, I think the beautiful Oasis Bar may well be my favourite back-up. The lush landscaping throughout the Oasis recreational floor flows through this venue. Its wooden pillars and roof structures remind me of giant trees. Here, craft cocktails are served on tap. I picked Midnight Flower for my thirst-quencher – it was pretty to look at and packed a strong punch.
Service
Jolly crew at check-in/out, Straits Kitchen, Oasis Bar, and Pete’s Place make anytime at Grand Hyatt Singapore a good time.
Verdict
Grand Hyatt Singapore scores with its beautiful spaces for restful retreats and quality dining.
Contact details
Website: www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/sinrs-grand-hyatt-singapore
