Andaz Singapore

Andaz Singapore is a chic hotel that's all about design. The property is set in a pair of honeycomb-patterned towers with deep hexagonal frames -- a project by renowned German architect Ole Scheeren -- and the lovely interiors are by Singaporean artist Andre Fu, The inspiration for those interiors came from the nearby Arab Quarter, and shows in details that emulate the old-school shophouses in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, such as bright double doors and mailboxes outside guest rooms. Throughout the hotel, hues such as light blue, dark purple, and shades of yellow are paired with elements like copper and wood to give rooms and common areas a warm vibe. Things here are also kept very laid-back and casual; in place of cookie-cutter front desks are open-concept, barrier-less spaces where guests can check-in on the 25th floor, and staff don “uniforms” that look like everyday wear, although there's been some feedback on how this makes it tough to make the distinction between crew and guest.With its close proximity to offices and shopping malls, Andaz draws both business and leisure travelers, mostly couples and middle-aged tourists rather than families. The arrival lounge is on the second floor of the building, and guests coming in via public transport may have a hard time finding their way to the lobby on the 25th floor as the signage around the property's grounds on the street level aren't very clear. 

The hotel is situated in the vibrant Kampong Glam neighborhood, a cultural precinct that's also known as the Arab Quarter. Getting around on foot to visit shopping areas like Haji Lane and Bugis Village is easy (both are a five-minute walk away), and the whole district is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Bugis MRT train station is opposite Andaz, and reaching areas like Orchard Road and Marina Bay takes less than 30 minutes via train. Little India is also within walking distance of the Andaz (about 15 to 20 minutes), and Chinatown is 25 minutes away via the Downtown Line on the MRT. Changi Airport can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Like the rest of the property, the Andaz Singoapore's 342 rooms (which includes 26 suites) feature designer Andre Fu's local-inspired interiors and fresh, bright details like mango-yellow double doors and copper accents paired with light wooden surfaces. All units have floor-to-ceiling windows plus blinds and curtains that connect to a motion-sensor at the main door, revealing great views of the city when you enter the room. Sizes for entry-level rooms start from 409 square feet (38 square meters), and for the suites, they go up to 1,636 square feet (152 square meters).Amenities are top-notch. You'll find Nespresso machines, a range of TWG Tea (a high-end made-in-Singapore brand), Bose Bluetooth speakers (which are upgraded to Bang & Olufsen sound systems in premium suites), wall-mounted flat-screen Smart TVs, classic “Singapore-style” slippers that can even be worn to the pool (instead of regular bedroom slippers), and a stocked minibar with free snacks and drinks that are loved by locals, like Milo and Tiger Beer.Decked in marble, granite, and hardwood, the bathrooms are elegant and simple, with round backlit mirrors, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads (suites have bathtubs or both showers and tubs), and separate toilet rooms from the vanity areas and showers. Toiletries like soap and shampoo are custom-made for Andaz Singapore by French perfumer, Christophe Laudamiel. Other in-room standards include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, bathrobes, USB charging ports, safes, ironing facilities, and open-concept closets. The suites are on higher floors, offering even greater views of the city (plus the bay area), and have bigger living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. 

The features at the Andaz Singapore are pretty solid. There are several restaurants on-site, including a steakhouse and a dining concept called Alley on 25 that's made up of a collection of various “mini-restaurants” that feature everything from oven-grilled (European) to wok-fried (Asian). There's also a rooftop bar, Mr. Stork, on level 39 -- the hotel's highest floor -- that has unobstructed views of Singapore. Its little teepee huts are high in demand with locals and tourists alike, particularly on weekends.However, what's more impressive is the Sunroom -- a free-to-use lounge area that offers all-day refreshments such as light bites and drinks for hotel guests. Many other hotels in Singapore have a similar space, except it's usually an exclusive lounge for Club-level guests, and non-Club-level guests would have to pay a daily fee to access the area and enjoy the perks that come with it. Here it's open to everyone.Andaz also has fitness center that's open 24/7 and provides nice extras like chilled towels and disposable headsets for use on TV-equipped cardio machines. The hotel pool is outdoors, on the 25th floor. Views of the city skyline from here are excellent, but the pool is surprisingly small and there don't seem to be enough lounge chairs to serve a 342-room property; it can also get quite crowded. Meeting rooms and event spaces like ballrooms are also available, and they can be found at Alley on 3, on the hotel's third level.