BACKGROUND This property is the first under Far East Hospitality’s new Oasia brand. The hospitality group has a considerable portfolio of hotels and serviced residences all over Singapore, including the famous Quincy Hotel. The 428-room flagship Oasia is designed by homegrown DP Architects, with interiors by famed Japanese design firm Super Potato and local architects Ong & Ong. Oasia Downtown, the second property under the brand, is currently being developed on Peck Seah Street.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Its newest Oasia property is a smartly designed hotel that has successfully created an “urban oasis” feel. The lobby has a soothing neutral colour palette, while the use of wood and textural rock to complete the theme. The rooms are small, but space is well utilised. Offerings such as interactive TVs and free wifi throughout the building cater to the needs of 21st century travellers.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel is located right next to Novena MRT station, two stops away from Orchard Road. An underground walkway provides direct sheltered access to the train. Nearby landmarks include shopping malls Square 2 and Velocity, as well as medical facilities such as Novena Medical Center, Novena Specialist Center, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
ROOM FACILITIES I was staying at one of the club rooms, which is designed by Takashi Sugimoto of famed interior design firm Super Potato. At 25 sqm the room is rather small but it showcases what good design can achieve, as there is a decent-sized wardrobe with a slide-out safe, a suitcase stand, and even a bathtub. Part of the bathroom wall is made of glass to increase the sense of space. The wood panelling and marble flooring give the room a very clean and modern look, and the large window allows for ample natural light.
The work desk faces the window, with a mounted 46-inch Samsung flatscreen TV on the right-hand side and the king size bed against the other wall. The desk features a connectivity panel that includes a USB outlet. In addition, there is an alarm clock equipped with iPod/iPhone docking. Lights, the window shade, room temperature can all be controlled from the bed, with switches and thermostat spilt between the two sides. There is also a universal socket. The minibar provides complimentary canned soft drinks and a Nepresso coffee-making facility.
As a club room guest I had access to the exclusive Living Room on the 22nd floor, which offers complimentary breakfast, all-day coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks and happy hour with canapés from 6pm to 8pm. The place is stylishly decorated, with wood-panelled floors, wood counters with marble tops, hanging globe lights and full-length windows. But the standout feature here is the terrace with an infinity pool and Jacuzzi exclusively reserved for club guests; it was lovely to be able to have a quiet swim here. My room also came with complimentary pressing of one suit per stay.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS There is the 120-seat Zaffron for all-day dining and Rakuichi Japanese Restaurant. The former serves breakfast and is also the location for high-tea buffet (S$29/US$23). The latter is a fine-dining Japanese restaurant serving seasonal dishes.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are three meeting rooms under the name of “The Courtyard”, sized 53 sqm to 55 sqm and can host 45 to 50 guests each. The Boardroom, at 59 sqm, is designed for high-power corporate meetings of up to 20 delegates.
LEISURE FACILITIES Located on the 8th floor are a 20-metre lap pool and Jacuzzi with an expansive wooden deck and garden setting for guests to relax and sunbathe. The 24-hour fitness centre is small but adequately equipped for general workout. Plants are thoughtfully placed outside of the full-length window to continue the oasis theme.
VERDICT A very well designed hotel with a great location with efficient and friendly service.
