Conrad Singapore Orchard

The Conrad Singapore Orchard is unmistakable for its unique exterior composed of stepped balconies alongside a thin tower. It's part of the Four Seasons group, and like its nearby competitor (the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore), exudes a classic atmosphere made even more refined by a collection of museum-quality Asian art pieces. This is the type of place where pianists play during a terrific high tea, and guests are catered to with thoughtful extras such as loaner cell phones (though they have to pay for calls, they can avoid international roaming charges).

The stately reception is a marble and wood-paneled affair with gold accents and weighty chandeliers that opens into a bright 12-story atrium lobby with glass elevators. The hotel's six dining and drinking options display an interesting array of decor styles. The Basilico Restaurant feels masculine and rich with black leather furniture and marble floors, and wood-paneled walls. Appropriately, the Tea Lounge feels more delicate and subdued, with classic pillow-topped armchairs and couches around low dark-wood tables. The Manhattan bar recalls a New York speakeasy, complete with velvet armchairs and Art Deco-inspired tile floors. The property gets mostly business travelers and couples, along with some families keen on shopping on nearby Orchard Road.

The hotel is on the edge of Singapore's Tanglin district, tucked between high-end condominiums and a shopping mall. It's about a 10-minute walk to the Orchard Road shopping belt -- the city's main high-end retail enclave. Being next to the Tanglin Mall also means direct access to plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as proximity to the bus stop opposite the mall. The Orchard Road MRT is a 15-minute walk away, but shuttle buses right outside the hotel connect directly to it, and the downtown waterfront in about 30 minutes. For some peace and quiet, visitors can walk about 15 minutes to the pretty Singapore Botanic Gardens. Most of the city's embassies are within a five-minute walk of the gardens. Changi International Airport is a 20- to 30- minute drive, or up to an hour away on public transportation.

The Conrad Singapore Orchard's 440 rooms have a classic decor that mixes in Asian furnishings and artwork. Sedate neutral tones allow the more ornate and exotic wood furnishings to stand out. Even the standard Superior Rooms are on the large side, clocking in at about 387 square feet, and each with an armchair, ottoman, work desk, and ergonomic roller chair. There are large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. The minibars are well-stocked and coffee/tea facilities are provided.

Bathrooms can be small, have shower/tub combos (no separate tubs), and are showing their age, but are covered in marble tile or granite and have L'Occitane products. Upgraded rooms grant access to the Regent Club Lounge and its free breakfast, cocktails, and snacks. The 46 suites add private balconies and dressing areas with walk-in closets. Housekeeping is twice daily.

Reflecting its city's diverse culinary background, the hotel has six different restaurants and bars. Basilico is a standout in the area for its authentic Italian cuisine and high-quality buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has an espresso bar, a wine cellar, and alfresco dining on an adjacent terrace. The restaurant operates a bakery and cafe that share the outdoor terrace. Summer Palace serves traditional Cantonese fare with changing seasonal menus and private dining rooms, while Tenshin serves contemporary Japanese cuisine with a special focus on tempura. The lobby's Tea Lounge serves a classic afternoon tea, as well as a weekend high tea buffet. The classy Manhattan lounge invokes its namesake city with decor reminiscent of the 19th century and a boozy adult-only Sunday cocktail brunch with an expansive buffet of oysters, lobster, and smoked foie gras.

The second floor houses a full spa with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, along with a 24-hour fitness center. There's also a small outdoor pool with a sun deck and loungers. Business facilities include 15 function rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 680 people, along with a 24-hour business center.