Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre – formerly Holiday Inn Park View Singapore – continues the chain’s ongoing global brand refreshment now showing results in Asia-Pacific (see news). Thirty six re-imagined Holiday Inns have rolled out in the past 18 months in cities such as Bangkok and Hongkong.
The 24-year-old landmark, just off Orchard Road, experienced a S$25 million (US$18 million) makeover covering among others, guestrooms, function rooms and public areas. Following the enhanced Holiday Inn template, said general manager Shantha de Silva, their latest services and products respond to customer demands for “choice, flexible staff (attitude) and to be treated as an individual”.
As for room amenities, a comfortable bed and pillows and a good shower room – factors that also figure prominently in many surveys – have been provided. Said De Silva: “We offer a choice of firm and soft pillows. (Kings get four, two of each type; twins get two on each bed of each type.)
“The bath experience has been improved with the three-function shower, so you can adjust the speed and pressure of the water.”
Another pressing urge, connectivity, is served in each room by bedside iPod, individual DVD players, LCD TVs, measuring between 37 inches and 42-inches, and port panels that hook up electronic devices to the TV screen. The executive lounge has been relocated to the third floor and doubled in size. De Silva revealed that non-executive floor guests could gain access to enjoy privileges by adding S$75 (US$54) to their rate.
For events, the Crystal Ballroom is versatile, taking small groups of 10 to large ones of 400.
Opened in 1985 and owned by the prominent Harilela clan, generations of Singaporeans are familiar with the hotel, particularly with its Tandoor North Indian Restaurant, an old reliable in serving this cuisine.
Holiday Inn is one of the many brands belonging to the IHG portfolio.
For more details, visit www.holidayinn.com/sin-orchard
Margie T Logarta
