Located in the district of Bugis in Singapore, the InterContinental Singapore is IHG’s flagship property in the city state. It is also just minutes away from the Central Business District and Marina Bay, and well connected to other parts of the island via the subway.
If you’re arriving by car, expect to be dropped off at the concealed entrance off the main road.
Even though this hotel has been around for sometime, it has been very well maintained, as seen from the well manicured interiors.
As a Platinum Elite member, I was pre-upgraded to the one-bedroom Premier Suite. Therefore, upon arriving at the hotel, I was invited to check in at the Club InterContinental, to which I was also granted access during my stay.
The Club InterContinental was very spacious. More importantly, the seating was dispersed throughout the entire lounge such that there were lots of open areas around, which made the venue seem less crowded even during the peak hours.
While waiting for my keys to be issues, I had the opportunity to get a quick look around the lounge. There was a small business centre just around the corner from the front reception, which can be pretty useful if you’ve got an urgent print job or two.
In terms of the seating arrangement, most tables can accommodate any number of guests ranging from two to five.
If you would like more privacy, I found those tables positioned right by the partitions to offer more of it.
Guests with access to the Club InterContinental can expect to enjoy a dedicated Concierge team to assist you with any of your needs and requests during your stay, as well as the a la carte breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapés throughout the day. At the time of my arrival, the lounge had already concluded the breakfast service but I was invited for the afternoon tea and evening cocktails later in the day.
Before long I was in my very own Premier Suite, which I found very enchanting.
Immediately after entering the suite, the walkway opens up into the living room area, with a 3-seater sofa and an arm chair organised around an oval shaped coffee table.
The welcome amenity was really a couple of bottles of Acqua Panna mineral water, and a fruit bowl.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowed for lots of natural lighting to enter, while full length mirrors effectively expanded the perception of space in the room.
A work desk was also positioned facing the living room area, alongside a panel with multiple power sockets for your electronic devices. A wall mounted reading lamp could be swivelled to provide just the right amount of lighting while working at the desk.
At the front of the living room was a large flat screen television accompanied by a sound bar, great for enhanced sound effects while watching your favourite movies on television, or even your personal playlist off your mobile device via Bluetooth.
The bedroom is separated by a wooden sliding door for added privacy.
Once again, I enjoyed the natural lighting during the day, and beautiful day and night curtains frame the windows ever so perfectly. The wall panels appear more classic while there was an attempt at a more contemporary approach to the furnishing.
Bedside lamps give you the option of a bedtime read just before turning in for the night.
Just like the living room, the bedroom also has a flat screen television with a sound bar, so you can enjoy the same audiovisual entertainment in the comfort of your bed.
Unlike most suites where you can access the bathroom from the bedroom, the Premier Suite actually has a bathroom that is only accessible via the living room right by the entrance walkway.
That being said, the bathroom was spacious, and even came with a separate bathtub!
The Premier Suite also comes with the usual minibar and a selection of hot beverages that you can self-prepare.
Feeling the need for a workout, I proceeded to the hotel gym to have a look. While the gym was indeed spacious, they could’ve done a little more to fit more equipment in, to allow for a wider range of workouts.
However for most guests, the available equipment should be more than sufficient.
There is even a separate corner for yoga or pilates if you prefer.
The outdoor pool is moderately sized, and appears absolutely inviting on a hot sunny afternoon. There are quite a number of poolside deck chairs available should you wish to touch up your tan.
Back at the Club InterContinental, the afternoon tea was a comforting affair. Staff would offer the tea set comprising the day’s offerings, and will replenish them along the way.
Accompanying this tea set was a list of hot and cold beverages to pick from.
The staff to guest ratio was favourable, so you shouldn’t have to wait long for your requests.
As for the evening cocktails, you can pick from a list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while the staff will serve a selection of canapés that’s also free flow.
Apart from the canapés served at your table, you can also pick from other light snacks available at the buffet area.
I was also offered some complimentary drinks at Idlewild, located at the hotel lobby. The interiors are all travel-themed, and expect to choose from an interesting list of cocktails and mocktails you’re sure to enjoy.
For breakfast, it was possible for me to also enjoy the semi a la carte breakfast buffet at Ash & Elm. A specially cordoned off area was reserved for Club InterContinental guests.
The buffet spread was pretty much what you would expect for a 5-star property. The selections on the a la carte menu featured the more popular items, and were also free flow, meaning you won’t have to wait in line for your favourite items.
For lunch, why not stop by Man Fu Yuan for delectable dim sum? Stay in guests may also enjoy additional discounts when you dine in.
Overall, InterContinental Singapore exceeded my expectations. From warm and friendly staff, to beautifully appointed suites, the hotel is sure to please its guests. Being also very centrally located, the property is a perfect choice for guests who wish to have the best of Singapore right at their doorstep during their stay.
