BACKGROUND
This hotel began life in 1971 as the 700-room Hyatt Regency Singapore – Hyatt International’s largest hotel at the time. It was rebranded as a Grand Hyatt in 1988, and went through its first major remodelling in October 2003. The most recent renovations were completed in September 2013, which saw all guestrooms and suites in the Terrace Wing completely refurbished.
WHERE IS IT?
Located on Scotts Road near the western end of Orchard Road, a 2.2km-long boulevard that is one of Singapore’s most popular retail and entertainment hubs. The hotel is three minutes’ walk from Orchard MRT station, which provides direct links to the business districts of City Hall and Raffles Place. It is also within walking distance of an impressive range of shopping malls including ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Paragon. Singapore’s Changi Airport is less than 30 minutes away by car.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The hotel’s exterior is unassuming, housed as it is within a relatively plain building that retains its original façade and is showing its age. Grand Hyatt has, however, invested significantly in modernising the hotel interior, which adheres to the brand’s signature design style that features a generous use of textured wood and metal. This is clearly a Grand Hyatt hotel.
ROOM FACILITIES
The property has two separate wings: the Terrace Wing (levels 5-16) and Grand Wing (levels 4-21). I was in a Grand Club Deluxe King room, which is located in the latter.
At 54 sqm the room was spacious without being ostentatious. Considered a “junior suite” by the hotel, the room features a separate living area and bedroom. The décor is simple with light and dark woods, and the large windows provide plenty of natural light. Furnishings are simple and practical: a large table in the living room provided me with all the tools I needed to work, while the plush sofa and armchair that faced the flatscreen TV (with Blu-ray player included) were comfortable and a great way to get some respite after a busy day. Complimentary wifi is available throughout the hotel.
The conscientious approach to delivering quality business-friendly amenities in a simple way extends to the bedroom, where a Hyatt Grand Bed dominates, supported by two
mini ledges on the sides that provide guests with a space to charge their mobile devices during the night. Lighting controls are easily accessible and even easier to use. The en suite bathroom is marble clad, features both tub and rainforest shower facilities, and offers June Jacob-branded toiletries.
CLUB LOUNGE
Grand Club room occupants have access to the Grand Club Lounge, located on the 21st floor and accessed by taking the elevator to the 20th floor, before ascending a small flight of stairs.
The lounge is brightly lit and delivers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. There are plenty of seats, and the wooden furniture sports a chic, modern design. The continental breakfast served in the lounge was excellent, as were the evening canapés. Grand Club guests are also entitled to one hour’s complimentary use of the boardroom per day, subject to availability.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The Grand Hyatt Singapore is home to seven F&B outlets. Mezza9, located on the Mezzanine level, features nine open-kitchen dining experiences and serves Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisine. Straits Kitchen is a jewel even amongst the most discerning Singaporeans – well known for its authentic local fare. There’s also the Italian restaurant, Pete’s Place, poolside restaurant Oasis, as well as 10 SCOTTS where guests can enjoy afternoon high tea. For the younger crowd, the nightclub BRIX is a haven for music and drinking.
MEETING FACILITIES
A dedicated business centre provides a range of secretarial services and office facilities for on-the-go working travellers, and there’s also a large number of meeting and event venues, including a grand ballroom that seats up to 380 guests for banquets, and the Grand Salon, a 515 sqm space that’s equipped with a show kitchen and can accommodate up to 340 guests.
LEISURE FACILITIES
Damai Spa offers a range of massage, body care and facial treatments. Other leisure facilities at the hotel include a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and sauna. There is also an indoor badminton court and two outdoor tennis courts.
VERDICT A true business hotel, Grand Hyatt Singapore ticks all the right boxes, and continues to be an excellent choice for corporate travellers.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 677 guestrooms split across 16 different categories (631 rooms and 46 suites).
- HIGHLIGHTS The quality amenities and furnishings that position this property as an excellent business hotel.
- PRICE Internet rates for a Grand Club Deluxe King in mid-May start from S$624 (US$445) including tax and service charges.
- CONTACT 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211; tel +65 6738 1234; singapore.grand.hyatt.com
Clement Huang
