Located along Singapore’s main shopping belt at Orchard Road, and also within a short driving distance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Regent Singapore.
For those who’re arriving by car, do take note that the main driveway and access to the parking garage is along Tomlinson Road, which happens to be one-way.
The property has been around for some time actually, and you can tell from the exterior that it doesn’t look like some of the newer properties around in Singapore. That being said, some upgrading works have been done to keep the interiors a little more up to date.
At the hotel’s main lobby entrance, staff will offer you any assistance you may need with your bags, and direct you to the front desk for check-in.
The lobby area around the front desk seemed very traditional, classically furnished with plush sofas and ornate cabinets.
However, as you proceed further in, the lobby opens up into the main atrium that is really the enclosed volume of the building, stretching all the way to the top. The skylight allows natural light to stream in as well.
The corridors for every floor face inwards and overlook this central atrium, similar to other properties in Singapore such as the Pan Pacific.
After my keys were issued, I proceeded to the lift lobby located in the centre of the atrium, where glass capsule lifts transport guests to their respective floors.
Once you reach your desired floor, walkways like these will take you from the lift lobby to the rooms, where you can appreciate the views of the central atrium from above.
The room was pretty spacious, but it wasn’t one of the refurbished ones.
On the surface, the room was traditionally furnished, but there were definitely some modern touches.
The work desk was fitted with multiple power sockets built into the desk drawer itself.
The reading lamp also seemed too modern in its place, but it definitely serves its function well.
By the window was a plush and comfortable arm chair and leg rest that filled up the large empty space nicely.
I always love my bed a little firmer, and I found the bed with its crisp sheets and fluffy pillows to be just right.
At the front of the room was a lovely wooden chest, with a large flat screen television resting on top of it.
Beneath you’ll find the minibar fridge fully stocked with a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, together with some snacks on the side.
The bathroom appeared to be the oldest part of the room. The sink area was spacious, and while the overall bathroom was a little small, the large mirror helped.
There wasn’t a separate bathtub, but it was integrated with the shower instead.
As my room came with access to The Regent Club, I made an effort to pop by whenever possible, especially during the evening cocktails.
The atmosphere was cozy, with ample seating spread throughout the floorspace. I would suggest one of the tables away from the main buffet area for a more peaceful dining experience.
The buffet spread was pretty decent, with dishes such as chicken curry, fried rice, pumpkin soup, and pizzas available.
Desserts and cocktails were also available.
Newspapers and magazines were available for guests’ reading pleasure.
Most travellers, especially those on business, would already have a laptop on hand, but a small business corner with desktops were available for use in the lounge.
For those who require any assistance during their stay, the lounge has a counter where staff will be able to address them.
The property has a fully equipped gym with a wide range of equipment for most people’s workout needs.
The outdoor pool wasn’t as large as I would expect, and while not ideal for doing laps in, is great for a refreshing afternoon dip.
Breakfast was served at Basilico, the property’s main buffet restaurant. The crowd was thin, which made for a more pleasant dining experience.
Everything, from savoury to sweets, was replenished regularly throughout the breakfast service, while staff frequently stopped by tables to ask if everyone was doing fine.
I still had some space left after breakfast at Basilico, so I decided to head up to The Regent Club for another round.
While the breakfast spread here was more limited, it offered a more intimate dining atmosphere. Just like in Basilico, everything was replenished regularly throughout the breakfast service, which was great to see.
The Regent Singapore enjoys a great location in Orchard Road, and while it may lack some of the more modern touches most of us are familiar with in newer hotels, it makes up for it in the warmth and sincerity demonstrated by its staff. Oh and did I mention that this is also a pet friendly hotel? To ensure that your furry friends enjoy their stay, do contact the hotel in advance so certain arrangements can be made.
