Orchid Country Club

Surrounded by greenery, Orchid Country Club is a sprawling property comprising several low-rise buildings that each serve a different purpose. Rooms, for example, are housed in the Orchid Lodge. This is also where the lobby is, but unfortunately, interiors here (and throughout the club) are on the bland side, with ho-hum decor, lots of plain walls and tiles, and underutilized, empty spaces in common areas. Although the club's overall look is slightly dated, for such a massive compound, the grounds are relatively well maintained. Guests that check-in here tend to come in large numbers for occasions like weddings and company retreats (the club's many function halls and ballrooms are popular with these crowds). Other than that, some couples and smaller groups drop in for staycations and golf on the weekends.

Orchid Country Club lies in the Yishun precinct, which is part of Singapore's North Region, where many locals reside and hardly any other hotels exist. It sits right by Lower Seletar Reservoir, and getting here via public transport can be cumbersome. Guests can make use of the free shuttle rides that drop passengers off at Yishun MRT train station, but the best way to get to the city center is to take a taxi. Sites like Orchard Road and Marina Bay are 30 minutes away by car, while cultural districts like Chinatown and Little India can be reached in 25 minutes by car. Both Sentosa and Changi Airport are about a 35-minute drive.

With carpeted floors, dark-wood furniture, and an uncomplicated white-and-taupe color scheme, the club's rooms are pleasant enough, but quite forgettable and tending to look a little tired. The same can be said about the bathrooms, which are rather generic and -- surprisingly -- feature only walk-in showers (no bathtubs). However, the guest rooms get major points for their sizes. Ranging from 474 to 1,184 square feet (44 to 110 square meters), the rooms are large by Singapore standards. The higher-tier options come with separate living rooms and can easily sleep up to four. Guests with babies and toddlers can opt for a crib at no extra cost. All rooms also have private balconies, which come fitted with wicker tables and chairs, and offer views of the club's golf courses as well as the reservoir. Do note that the balcony doors should be kept closed at all times to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from getting indoors. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, free Wi-Fi, and irons and ironing boards. Bathrooms include wall-mounted telephones and hairdryers, plus toiletries like soap, shampoo, shower caps, and various kits.

Orchid Country Club is stuffed with features, many of which are suitable for large groups and visitors with young children. The driving range and three golf courses are the club's most popular extras, while non-golfers and kids tend to congregate either at the one of property's three swimming pools or the large bowling alley.

Even though the club's location isn't great, most guests find that there is no need to leave the premises with the multiple dining spots and bars on-site. That helps make this a staycation destination in Singapore.Spots like Vanda Terrace (breakfast is served here, although it's chargeable) and the Halal-certified Royal Palm are great for local fare, and other outlets like Himawari and Peach Garden focus on Japanese and Chinese flavors. Royal Cafe and Par Lounge are ideal venues for drinks and light bites.

Other features at the club include a full-service spa, a roomy and well-equipped gym that's open to guests and the public, tennis courts, a grocery store, and indoor and outdoor play areas for children. There are also several function halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms that come with audiovisual equipment for groups that need event spaces. Parking is free for guests, as is Wi-Fi. The hotel runs a shuttle to the Yishun MRT station, a five- to 10-minute drive away.