voco Orchard Review: New Luxury Hotel With Rooftop Pool, In-Room Brekkie, Lounge w/ Free Wine & Snacks
There’s a new hotel in town to add to your staycation list, for voco Orchard Singapore has recently opened their doors - their first entry into Southeast Asia. Under the umbrella of the renowned IHG Hotels & Resorts, this upscale hotel is one for a luxurious yet unstuffy experience, with a rooftop pool, great dining options, and eco-friendly touches to boot.
voco Orchard Singapore review
Photo from IHG Hotels & Resorts
The modern “luxurious meets playful” vibe of voco Orchard Singapore is already evident once you step into the hotel’s lobby, which has gotten a vibrant facelift since its former Hilton days. The old-fangled all-brown colour scheme has been swapped out for eye-pleasing blue, complemented with neutrals as well as touches of yellow and muted red.
One thing that stood out to me here was a handy plastic bottle recycling station. According to voco, the bottles collected will later on be processed and transformed into sustainable items such as uniforms. As someone who drinks a ton of bottled water during hotel stays - and feels semi-guilty about the waste after - this was reassuring for me.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Checking in was an easy process and we were lucky enough to be given our room keys right on the spot, despite showing up about an hour before check-in time. I was also given a packet of homemade welcome cookies.
Shortly after settling into my room, I received a welcome SMS from the hotel’s live SMS chat service, telling me to reach out to them anytime should I need any assistance. This proved to be a very convenient way of liaising with the hotel during my stay, even when I was out of my room.
Unlike a wishy-washy Tinder match that’d go MIA for hours, replies were almost instantaneous, and I didn’t have to constantly turn to the in-room telephone whenever I needed something. Right off the bat, this set a positive tone for the rest of this mini getaway, and indeed the impeccable service never once faltered throughout.
Rooms at voco Orchard Singapore
Photo from IHG Hotels & Resorts
Now, not to go overboard with the Tinder references, but y’know how photos can be deceiving, such that the person you’re talking to online ends up being a far cry from who you eventually face IRL? That can be true for hotels as well, but there’s nothing to worry about at voco Orchard Singapore. What you see on their website is pretty much what you get.
I hadn’t stayed at the former Hilton Singapore prior to this, but based on photos, it seems like the old Hilton rooms haven’t been given much of an overhaul - save for a couple of framed wall art pieces and a yellow throw cushion on the armchair. These little touches did bring a more fun vibe to my Deluxe King Room, though.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
And it is indeed such touches that make all the difference. Other than a mini bar with a Nespresso machine, TWG tea, and Lotus Biscoff cookies, I was also pleasantly surprised to find an Apotheke scented candle, cute voco tiger mascot plushie, and deck of playing cards waiting for me on the coffee table. No, not the poker kind - these cards are meant to spark conversation, with prompts like “Tell me about your happiest memory!” and “What’s one food you could eat every day for the rest of your life?”
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The bathroom retains its old-timey, brown marbled interiors, but comes with sustainable amenities like bamboo toothbrushes and plant-based organic shampoo and shower gel from Apotheke in refillable bottles. Guests who wish to re-use their towels instead of having them swapped out on a daily basis can simply hang them up after use, which helps reduce water consumption from washing.
Even the bedsheets are made from 100% recycled materials!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Our room didn’t come with a balcony, but the curtains opened up to a pleasant view of the surrounding skyscrapers and some greenery. White pebbles laid out on the window ledge added some “zen”.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Those who are here on a business stay can comfortably recline back on the ergonomic Herman Miller chair and get some work done at the glass table by the window. We’re sure many of you would appreciate the 55-inch smart TV with cable channels too!
Rooftop pool at voco Orchard Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Although only the Club Rooms come with a bathtub, that wasn’t much of a concern - especially since I’d already decided that I’d much rather spend my time soaking at the rooftop pool on the 24th floor. It’s a pretty standard lap pool with a shallower jacuzzi pool at the side, but the city views and fresh air from up high heightened (pun unintended) the experience.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Perhaps it wasn’t the smartest decision to head to the pool right in the middle of the afternoon when the sun was at its strongest, but thankfully we could cool off under the shaded rest area, where comfy sofa seats were aplenty. This is also a great spot for snapping photos with your friends!
There's also a fully-equipped gym for those who'd like to squeeze in a workout.
Free-flow cocktails & light bites at the Club Lounge
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you’ve splurged on a Club Room, you get exclusive access to the Club Lounge. Here’s where you get the full VIP experience with free-flow cocktails and light bites at no extra charge. We loved how there was a bit of a classic old-school charm here, with some portions resembling a polished gentleman’s bar.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The menu varies day to day, but generally, you can expect a mix of sweet and savoury items - almost like a mini high tea session of sorts. The roast chicken and vol au vents were particularly yummy, and I was also brought a bowl of fruits without having to ask.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you don’t mind a wee bit of sun, we recommend going for the window seat at the corner as it’s most peaceful.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Food options at voco Orchard Singapore
Opus Bar & Grill: Solid steaks
Photo from Opus Bar & Grill
We had our dinner at Opus Bar & Grill, a steakhouse with a newly-revamped menu including items like Wagyu Short Rib Croquettes ($26) with shaved parmesan and pea puree, and Saffron Seafood Risotto ($32).
Photo from Opus Bar & Grill
Of course, we couldn’t resist some of the old favourites such as the nicely-charred Seared Atlantic Scallops ($25) with pancetta crumbs, as well as the juicy Tajima Wagyu Ribeye ($88). No matter what you order, you’re in for a flavour-packed treat with that smoky charcoal-grilled kick.
Photo from Opus Bar & Grill
il Cielo: Italian restaurant with a view
Photo from il Cielo
Another swanky eatery here perfect for dinner dates is Italian restaurant il Cielo. Part of it looks out to the pool, while other seats give you an eyeful of the surrounding cityscape - especially beautiful at night when everything is lit up.
Photo from il Cielo
Breakfast: Buffet feast or comfy in-room dining
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Opus Bar & Grill is also where you’ll be having your buffet breakfast the next morning, but you can also choose to opt for takeaway in your room if you prefer. While buffet breakfasts are something I often deem the highlight of my staycations, I decided to do things differently for a change, and go for the in-room dining menu instead - zero regrets about that!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Instead of having to wake up early to fight for the best of the spread out there, I could simply place my order of Eggs Benedict ($18), Egg Omelette ($18) prepared to preference, and basket of Artisan Breads & Pastries ($12) with a few taps on my mobile phone. Easy peasy!
Other F&B outlets at voco Orchard include D9 Cakery for sweet treats, and Iggy’s for fine-dining.
voco Orchard Singapore rates
At time of writing, room prices at voco Orchard Singapore start from around $209 for a King Bed Deluxe and slightly less than $300 for a King Bed Club with Club Room access. We’d say that this is reasonably affordable for a luxury hotel, especially when split between 2 persons.
While it’s admittedly not the “romantic” sort of hotel that one might typically consider for a couple’s staycation, it’s a great option for those who want to wine, dine, and enjoy a premium experience at friendly prices. You won’t go wrong when hosting business associates from abroad here either.
voco Orchard Singapore
Address: 581 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238883
Telephone: 6737 2233
Website
More staycation experiences in Singapore:
- Dusit Thani Laguna review: New resort with Bali vibes, 3 swimming pools, glasshouse eatery
- New Hilton Singapore Orchard: Largest Hilton hotel in Asia
- Mongolian Yurt Getaway in Singapore: 2D1N with campfire & movies under the stars
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
