BACKGROUND
The serviced residence celebrated its grand opening in September this year. It is the second Oakwood property in the city, following the Oakwood Studios Singapore that opened near Orchard Road in March.
WHERE IS IT?
The property is situated in the OUE Downtown mixed-use development in the CBD, which also houses offices and the Downtown Gallery shopping mall. Tanjong Pagar is the closest MRT station, a five-minute walk away, while Changi Airport is about a 30-minute drive.
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Guests are welcomed to the OUE Downtown building by the large, voluptuous form of Fernando Botero’s bronze Standing Woman sculpture. Taking the lift to the level 7, guests arrive at the lobby for check-in. The luxurious design features comfy sofas and chandeliers, while the space is flooded with light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
ROOM FACILITIES
There are 268 units available, ranging from Studio to two-bedroom apartments. The apartments are located on levels 8 to 18 and 21 to 32, accessible via different lifts. I was housed in a large one-bedroom apartment, featuring separate bedroom, living room and kitchen areas, which can be left open or divided with sliding doors. The colour scheme incorporated earthy, neutral tones that helped to create a sophisticated, homey feeling. There were no windows in the living room, which was a slight shame as it meant no natural daylight, however the room was comfortable and featured a Bluetooth sound system and an additional wardrobe for storage. A highlight was the long, spacious kitchen (though it was lacking a table during my short-stay). Otherwise it was well-equipped with an oven, toaster, rice cooker, cutlery and tableware. There is also a washer/dryer machine and a fridge pre-stocked with soft drinks, juice and milk. The only thing missing during my stay was a table.
The bathroom is a standard size and comes with US-branded Imperial Barber Grade Products. There is a good-sized glass-door rain shower (no bath tub), though the water temperature was a little inconsistent during my stay. I appreciated the mirror cabinet to store my toiletries neatly, rather than leaving them around the basin.
The bedroom features a comfortable king-size bed, and an additional couch at the foot of the bed. Again, there is plenty of storage space, including a wardrobe and drawers under the bed. A wide worktable was also located in the bedroom, equipped with a full set of stationary, a handy smartphone and a Samsung tablet. I found the tablet to be particularly informative, with weather forecasts, dining options and where to go in Singapore. It also operates as a guest service device, so guests can use it to order room service (an unexpected bonus for a serviced apartment), ask for the room to be made-up or to borrow an international adaptor.
There is also a large window in the bedroom with unobstructed views over the cruise terminal. Those unaffected by heights can perch on the large window sill to drink in the views – particularly beautiful at sunset. The apartment also offers fast, free wifi and daily housekeeping service.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The Se7enth restaurant on the lobby level offers complimentary daily buffet breakfast, serving a range of international and local cuisines from muesli to dim sum. There is also a live-cooking station serving omelettes. The large room (74-seats) accommodated guests well – it was never crowded during my stay – and the restaurant staff were friendly and attentive.
A bar is located on the same floor, with a selection signature cocktails such as Downtown Mojito and Xpresso Martini. Both the restaurant and bar welcome non-residents for lunch and drinks. An Oakwood Executive Club Lounge (not ready during my stay) is located next to an outdoor pool on level 7 – both features a rarity for a serviced apartment. The sophisticated area offers perks such as complimentary Prosecco breakfasts and evening cocktails. It is accessible to guests who sign up for the Oakwood Executive Club Privileges.
MEETING FACILITIES
In addition to the Oakwood Executive Club Lounge, Club guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the separate 12-person Executive Boardroom, which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool.
LEISURE FACILITIES
I was very impressed to see an infinity pool at a serviced residence. I enjoyed a relaxing hour unwinding in the afternoon, with views over the ocean and cruise terminal, and a dip in the Jacuzzi. There is also a gym next to the pool, which again never got busy during my stay.
VERDICT
The newly opened serviced residence feels more like a luxury hotel with its fantastic service, facilities and hardware. I was particular impressed with the additional offerings not commonly found in serviced apartments, from the room service to the pool. The apartment itself was pleasantly designed with plenty of storage options for long-stay travellers.
PRICE
Based on best flexible internet rates, a stay in a one-bedroom apartment in mid-January starts from S$420 (US$309) per night. Minimum of seven-night stay is required.
CONTACT 6 Shenton Way OUE Downtown 1 Singapore 068809; tel +65 6812 6000; oakwoodasia.com
