The unassuming exterior of InterContinental® Singapore hides away so much of its heritage
I’ve been sitting on this post for the longest time. I booked myself a staycation at the InterContinental® Singapore late last year, but never got round to writing this post after checking out all those many moons ago.
I am quite the perfectionist when it comes to the content I publish here, so it does take me some time to put together every single post. I’m learning to just let it go a little bit and just go for it, for memories sake.
Just recently, I took a tour of the hotel again after some parts of its refurbishment was completed and I took the opportunity to get the shots I never managed to during my stay. So before I get overwhelmed with this, that and everything in between, I thought I’d take the time to write this post of all the things I love about this hotel so rich with heritage (20 years in fact), hidden behind its unassuming exterior.
Get Acquainted with ‘In The Know’
City Guides and Insider Tips from the Concierge
I wish more people knew about InterContinental’s focus on presenting travellers with authentic and local experience through its ‘In the Know’ brand ambassadors – the Chef Concierge.
If you wish to embrace an a-typical and unique travel experience while you trot across the globe and come to a new city or even if you’re re-discovering a different side to a city you’ve been to many times over, one of the best services at your disposal when you choose to stay at an InterContinental, is the Chef Concierge and concierge desk.
Ask them anything at all and you’ll be assured a thoughtful answer. Whether you’re in for a “tourist” experience with cultural and heritage sites or want a mini city guide of where the locals hang, speak to one of the warm concierge staff members (which is a challenge to find in Singapore as most service staff can be less of the friendly sort, but more efficient and professional) for some input and to enhance your existing itinerary.
‘In the Know’ culture of InterContinental® Hotels is at the heart of their concierge service
Elegant and rustic waiting areas in the lobby
A Room You’ll Never Want to Leave
Colonial architecture with a hint of Peranakan influence
Like walking into a time warp, InterContinental® Singapore has such classic colonial architecture and interior design that scream “old fashioned” (but in a good way).
From the striped wallpapers in an old school colours of beige and white to the coloured cornices and the bright blue tiled patterned carpets, this is so far from the usual new age, minimalist look most hotels are going for and so different from the eclectic approach that’s seen in the newer designer hotels.
Then there’s the vintage dark wood furnishings that are complete with brass handles and knobs and don’t get get me started on the touches of Peranakan and oriental design theme throughout the room, especially those gorgeous lamps! If you’re looking for a place to get you feeling nostalgic, you’ll never want to leave this room.
Large and spacious walk-in area
Luxurious and spacious room
Thoughtful In-Room Amenities
Everything You Might Need to Enjoy the Finer Things in Life
InterContinental® Singapore, being a luxury five-star hotel, doesn’t disappoint with its plush in-room amenities and provisions. The room is a personal sanctuary filled with everything needed to enjoy the finer things in life.
The bath towels are fluffy and soft to the touch, bath robes and bedroom slippers are comfortable and luxe (none of those unpadded slippers). There’s also pillow menu for those of us who need a bit more than just a choice of firm and soft pillows.
If you’re the sort who doesn’t wish to leave your room for the nearby convenience stores and supermarkets, the minibar and fridge is amply stocked and there is no shortage of bottled water. There is also a pricey but decadent selection of in-room dining options.
What’s more impressive is that while most five-star hotels these days offer a personal audio system, InterContinental® Singapore has a Bose player to make an impact. It’s the little touches that makes this hotel so special and lavish.
Large and beautiful desk accompanied by a charming vintage chair
Bose Personal Audio System
Old school arm chair to relax on
Amazing Bathroom
Luxurious Amenities, Spacious Bathtub and Separate Rain Shower
I’ve seen my share of the newer InterContinental® Hotels and while they are absolutely gorgeous (bathrooms included), there’s nothing quite like the old-world charm of the InterContinental® Singapore that cuts through the same-old (that sounds a little ironic) minimalist, clean room designs that are de rigueur these days.
The colonial look and feel carries through to the bathroom and even the bathroom fixtures look like relics from a time long past. My closet retrophile was very happy with this.
The bathroom is sprawling with a large bath tub and separate shower (with both rain shower and hand shower) and I also look forward to the Agraria bathroom amenities on every stay at an InterContinental; I love the zesty and exuberant Lemon Verbena scent.
Marbled sink tops, embellished antique mirrors and vintage faucets
The big tub was comfortable enough to soak in
Lemon Verbena scented Agraria bathroom amenities
Photogenic Hotel
The Perfect Location for Your Instagram-worthy Shots
Let’s just say InterContinental® Singapore is completely photogenic. The yellow light at certain areas may add to the nostalgia, but you’ll also love the natural light-filled lobby that makes for some amazing photos.
The mostly white columns around the hotel contrasts amazingly with the brilliant colours from carpets boasting oriental patterns and wooden furnishings peppering the hotel.
I’ll let the pictures do the talking, but make your own deductions if this is not just one of the most instagram-worthy places in Singapore?
Light-filled lobby makes for a wonderful backdrop for portraits
Warm, rich looking furnishing contrasted with bright splashes of colour on the carpets
Stunning lobby lounge against the backdrop of a high ceiling
Waiting area outside the Club Lounge
Outdoor pool
New Kid on the Block: Ash & Elm
European Restaurant Built Around Three Culinary Theatres
If you’re looking for an exciting culinary experience, I’m here with great news! The Olive Tree has been replaced by a brand new kid on the block, Ash & Elm, an 150-seater European brasserie-style Restaurant set to become a new dining destination in Singapore.
The restaurant was built around the concept of of three culinary theatres:
- Charcuterie and Cheese Room
- Wood-fired Oven
- Charcoal Grill
In the day, natural light streams in from the skylight canopy. When night falls, the restaurant is bathed in glowing warm light from the elegant pendant chandeliers overhead.
Ash & Elm also smartly offers a different dining experience in the day with a buffet breakfast in the morning, a semi-buffet option or a la carte menu for lunch and when dinner comes around, indulge in the decadent and hearty offerings from the dinner a la carte menu.
If you’re making a reservation for dinner here (which I highly recommend) during your stay, order the Assorted Flatbreads, which are so crisp and appetising, you’ll forget you’re carbo loading. Don’t forget to relish the Tomahawk Steak (best shared in a group of four) because it has such perfect marbling. When I had it, it was so succulent and tender.
The desserts here are also surprisingly delish. You might not think much about ordering the Chocolate-Hazelnut Pizza, but it’s the full works with a mixture of milk, dark and white chocolate pralines and packs a sugary punch with marshmallows and white chocolate ice cream placed in a jar. So good!
Welcome to Ash & Elm, opposite the Lobby Lounge on Level 1
Open kitchens are in full-view
Cosy sofa seating
Long tables great for big group communal dining
InterContinental® Singapore
80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
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