If you’re on a budget, but wish to base yourself out of a hotel that’s centrally located during your next visit to Singapore, then the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road might just be the property for you.
Well within walking distance of major malls such as Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), Paragon, and ION Orchard, this property really puts Singapore’s premier shopping district right at your doorstep.
As you arrive at the property, do take a moment to take in the colourful window sills on the building’s facade. Do note that parking is available onsite as well.
The lobby was pretty simple in layout, with the front desk facing the main entrance, and the main lobby restaurant located just behind it.
That’s where the daily buffet breakfast is served too.
As all of the rooms are almost similar to each other, I was given a corner room on a higher floor in view of my IHG Platinum status.
The room layout was pretty standard, with the bathroom close to the entrance, and the bed following thereafter. The property opened not more than seven years ago, and this was evident in the rather sleek design of the room interiors.
While in bed, you can adjust the ambient lighting, either via the backlit headboard or even the reading lights overhead, to suit your comfort level.
The chair with leg rest right next to the window was actually very comfortable, and it was great that a reading light was installed right above it.
Here’s a view of Orchard Road from the room.
Space isn’t a premium in this property, so the work desk was a simple one tucked in a corner at the front of the room, which extended along the front of the room as a wooden ledge.
Right above it, a flat screen television was mounted on the front wall with all wires concealed behind it, which was pretty neat.
Bottled water, together with a kettle and tea bags, were also provided for guests.
Now the bathroom is pretty unique, as the main bathroom door doubles as the shower door, in that they both share a common hinge. This was, of course, in a bid to safe some space in the bathroom.
In all, the design paid off. Despite the bathroom being bound by a curved frosted glass panel that provided more than adequate levels of privacy, the bathroom felt quite spacious overall. In fact, the walk-in shower wasn’t crammed at all.
The wardrobe right by the main door came with the usual iron and ironing board, a safe, a laundry bag, and some slippers too.
There isn’t a pool at this property, but there is a gym. However, the gym is actually located outdoors, and given the heat and humidity in Singapore, you should time your workouts either in the morning or at night so that it’s bearable at least.
Also, the metallic surfaces on the equipment have started to rust, so do expect a little more friction from all the moving surfaces.
Breakfast is served at the lobby restaurant on the ground floor. There was quite a lot of seating available, but do avoid the peak timings where possible.
As for the food, I found it pretty decent, with hot dishes like dry laksa, sausages, nuggets, the usual pastries, cereal and fruit, as well as a selection of hot and cold drinks, all topped up and replenished throughout the breakfast service.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road will make for a great stay for those who wish to be based right in the heart of Singapore’s shopping and commercial district, and don’t require the full suite of hotel amenities, especially if you’re going to spend most of the time out and about.
