After travelling to Singapore countless times for business, David Goldman became somewhat immune to its charms. Staying at the new Andaz made him re-discover the real Singapore…
HOTEL: Andaz Singapore
CITY: Singapore
VIBE: stylish neighbourhood stay
PROPERTY SIZE: 342 guestrooms including 26 suites
LOCATION: Occupying floors 25 to 39 of the ultra-modern duo building in Bugis, Andaz is surrounded by traditional shophouses, shopping malls, restaurants, alleyways and all the colour of cultural districts Kampong Glam, Bras Basah and Little India. It’s close to Marina Bay, five minutes from the CBD, ten minutes from Orchard Rd and everything’s accessible from the BUGIS MRT via direct underpass.
ROOM STYLE: Stylish, sleek and subtle, the interior décor is earthy, elegant and authentic, inspired by Indian and Malay handicrafts. Luxe features include roomy daybeds, rainfall shower heads, premium linen, floor-to-ceiling windows framing city skyline views, deluxe bathrobes and complimentary bottled water and a non-alcoholic minibar.
FACILITIES: Lush landscaped gardens surround the outdoor infinity-style pool on level 25, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre with smashing views, Sunroom, the hotel’s lounge offers complimentary all-day refreshments as well as a daily free drinks from 5pm until 7pm.
DINING: Andaz is home to six restaurants and three bars, each focusing on a different local cuisine. Alley on 25 – you guessed it, on the 25th floor – is an all-day dining concept, similar to an upscale urban food court with a nod to Singapore’s famous hawker-style street food favourites. Auntie’s Wok & Steam dishes up dim sum and celebrates the city’s zi char obsession, and the aptly named Icehaus is the spot for decadent desserts, cold cuts and seafood, while Smoke & Pepper serves up smoky modern Asian barbeque.
I LOVE: From the fabulous location at the crossroads of the city’s diverse districts – the Arab Quarter, arts district and Little India, to the easy access to Haji Lane, (which is home to the city’s best chicken rice.), to the incredible 360-degree views of the city at Mr Stork rooftop bar located on the 39th floor with its tepee style daybeds…Andaz made me fall in love with Singapore all over again.
THE FINAL WORD: After travelling to Singapore countless times, I’d become somewhat immune to its charms. Staying at the new Andaz changed that. I must confess I was impressed before I even checked in, thanks to the hotel’s savvy use of Facebook Messenger. The smooth, swift yet laidback check in was another plus, and the fact that the hotel manages to maintain a boutique, local vibe despite its size is a feather in its cap, as is the interior style, inspired by surrounding communities and given an urban twist. Andaz Singapore is a top alternative to the traditional CBD business hotel for those keen to discover (or in my case, re-discover) the real Singapore.
