-ADiN.jpg&w=347&h=240&crop-to-fit)
One property to keep an eye out for this year is voco Orchard Singapore, which takes over the building that previously housed the Hilton Singapore. The voco brand, which is under IHG Hotels & Resorts, is all about charm, ease, and playfulness, making it the perfect choice for couples, friends, families, and even business travelers who value great service without the stifling formalities.
TRAVEL
The voco Singapore Experience
by Anton D. Javier
04 Mar 2022
04 Mar 2022
At once new and familiar, the first voco property in Singapore under the IHG Hotels & Resorts group boasts an atmosphere that’s perfect for “me time”.
If recent news is anything to go by, it seems like Singapore’s tourism industry is on the mend – slowly but surely. In the past few weeks, we’ve learned that the Singapore Grand Prix is returning with a bang this year, Singapore Airlines has resumed cabin crew recruitment after a two-year freeze, and hotel openings and rebranding exercises are happening in time for increased staycation demands, as well as a steady influx of leisure and business travelers.
- THE VOCO BRAND OF HOSPITALITY
- COMFORT COMES FIRST
- FEAST FOR THE SENSES
The voco Brand of Hospitality
Judging by the hotel’s name, which translates to “call together” and “to invite” from Latin, you can expect warmth and authenticity during your stay. This is immediately apparent in the lobby, which sports an updated look and color palette – a feature wall in calming blue, serving as the backdrop of the check-in counter, splashes of yellow found in lamps, throw pillows, and framed artworks, as well as other soothing shades like gold, rose gold, and brown peppered around the space.
The refreshed lobby of voco Orchard Singapore
For those who frequented the Hilton Singapore before, you’ll still find touches of it in the lobby, shopping arcade, and bedrooms. It’s an interesting choice for the new tenant to leave these hardly untouched, but as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Adding to this observation, Mark Winterton, General Manager, voco Orchard Singapore, reveals, “The spirit of voco Orchard Singapore is defined by its people. Familiar faces of long-serving staff – some of whom have been working at the hotel for over 40 years. Following the rebranding, we will be making subtle changes to the guest experience, enhancing both dining and stay experiences.”
(Related: Reliving history at The Barracks Hotel)
- THE VOCO BRAND OF HOSPITALITY
- COMFORT COMES FIRST
- FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Comfort Comes First
In line with the guest experience, voco Orchard Singapore encourages guests to indulge in ‘Me Time’, which is easy to do across the nine types of rooms and three types of suites within the property, ranging from a comfortable 32 sqm to an ultra-generous 164 sqm.
Signature voco touches to keep an eye out for in the rooms include high-quality bedding made from 100% recycled materials. This might conjure up the feeling of rough textures, but trust me when I say that comfort is not sacrificed at all. Complementing the comfortable bedding are other stylish furniture, such as a Herman Miller chair, a work desk with ample space, as well as a 55-inch smart television.
Where bathroom amenities are concerned, we love that voco Orchard Singapore uses Apotheke, a plant-based organic skincare brand from Brooklyn, New York. The eco-friendly brand introduces guests to large size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion with a fresh, calming fragrance that calls to mind crisp linen, white musk, and subtle floral notes from lily of the valley.
- THE VOCO BRAND OF HOSPITALITY
- COMFORT COMES FIRST
- FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Feast for the Senses
If fitting in a quick workout is a must during your hotel stay, voco Orchard Singapore features a rooftop swimming pool, as well as a 24-hour gym. These facilities might come in handy too due to the dining options within the hotel and its immediate surroundings.
Executive lounge
Opus Bar & Grill
For those with access to the Executive Lounge, this is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day, bringing together a stunning view of Orchard Road from high up, an assortment of delicious bites, cocktails, and alcohol-free drink options. For those who prefer to unwind at the lobby, head to D9 Cakery and indulge in a variety of sweet treats, like the classic American Cheesecake. And right next to D9 Cakery is the famous Opus Bar & Grill, which is well-loved for signature 1.2kg wagyu tomahawk, skewers, and various seafood dishes.
In addition to these in-house establishments, voco is conveniently located across the road from Palais Renaissance, which is slowly transforming into a dining hotspot with restaurants like Merci Marcel, Caviar, Binary, Siam Smith, Sushi Kimura, and more. And on the same stretch, Orchard Road favorites like Shake Shack, LINO, and Privé are just a few meters away.
Back
