Hilton Singapore Orchard is the only place foodies and fashionistas should stay

SINGAPORE IS OFTEN our gateway to Europe — but it’s so much more than just a stopover at Changi airport. Long known as a hub for business and finance, the vibrant city has been spoiling fashionistas and foodie lovers for years with its world-class dining, sartorial delights and energising festivals.

But amongst all the glitz, glamour and tantalising hawker street food — as presented in the 2018 film Crazy, Rich, Asians — Singapore is also one of the world’s cleanest and greenest cities. Green in reference to yes, its lush botanical spaces but also energy efficiency (there’s even eco-friendly malls). And if you’re after a luxuriously guilt-free and well-connected place to stay, which serves some of the city’s best meals — Hilton Singapore Orchard should be at the top of your list.

One can shop, sip and devour the true Singapore experience at the Hilton’s largest hotel in the Asia pacific. Situated in the heart of the city’s famed Orchard road, the 1,080-room Hilton Singapore Orchard is the ultimate haven for discerning shoppers. Guests not only have direct access to luxury department store the Mandarin Gallery, but can comfortably walk to the Paragon mall and Takashimaya Shopping Centre. For those after something a little more unique, can also check out the sustainably-minded Design Orchard just nearby. The integrated retail and incubation space is recommended as one of the best places in Singapore to source garments, accessories and furniture by local emerging designers.

“There is always exceptionally designed local fashion and homewares, as well as a shaded, secluded green space overlooking Orchard Road with a café that serves coffee that Australians would enjoy,” Cedric Nubul, Hilton Singapore Orchard General Manager, told Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand of Design Orchard.

EASY access to the BEST global BRANDS and GOURMET offerings

But effortless travel between suite and store, isn’t the only convenience that guests have the luxury of experiencing at Hilton Singapore Orchard.

Knowing all-too-well how precious time is for travellers, Hilton Singapore Orchard also offers hassle-free booking and check-in services — so you won’t have to queue at reception. Guests on the go are recommended to sign-up as a Hilton Honors member and download the supporting app to fast-track check-in. Don’t worry, both are free. Members can then select their preferred rooms (there’s 12 swish spaces to choose from) and even use their smartphone as a digital key to unlock their door and the hotel’s elevators.

Each room is botanically-inspired and is furnished with sophisticated amenities such as a Nespresso coffee machine and walk-in rain shower. Energy-efficient technologies and bulk bath products also reinforce the Hilton Singapore’s dedication to sustainability. Rooms also look out onto Orchard Road, with guests able to marvel at the Marina Bay Sands on a clear Singapore day. Suffice to say, one can retire peacefully in their room or be inspired by the city’s bright lights to dress up for a dazzling evening. And there’s no better place to make some Singaporean memories, than at the hotel itself. There’s even a MICHELIN-starred restaurant inside.

Hilton Singapore Orchard has an exquisite and diverse dining portfolio — which includes five award-winning dining concepts. Vijayakant Shanmugam, Hilton Singapore Orchard’s Director of Culinary, told BAZAAR there’s truly something for every taste and occasion, with menus “unique to Singapore as well as flavours from around the world.”

There’s the colonial-style Estate, which is buffet dining — but not as you know it. The all-day restaurant prides itself on presentation, quality and experiential dining — with guests able to enjoy a dinner-with-a-show atmosphere. Chefs can be seen whipping up “tantalising dishes à la minute” including some of the most delectable handmade desserts and pastries by Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo. An Estate highlight also includes the Grand Sunday Champagne Brunch, which offers 32 types of cheese, free-flowing champagne, wine and cocktails, and a slew of activities for kids.  

GUESTS are TREATED to a live DISPLAY of culinary SHOWMANSHIP

Those after a civilised afternoon tea, quick bite to eat or fresh Instagram content can also indulge their tummies and tease their ‘Followers’ while indulging at Ginger.Lily. “While the traditional British afternoon tea was the foundation concept, I — together with Executive Pasty Chef Cindy Khoo — curated the menu to have a balanced list of offerings,” Shanmugam said.

Their afternoon tea service, titled The Orchard Trail Experience, takes diners through a four-part journey of the iconic shopping avenue’s colonial and plantation past with: “savoury, sweet, thirst, and take me home.” Expect succulent Lobster Rolls, Smoked Beef Burgers and Spiced Apple Tatin — all washed down with botanical-forward craft cocktails and teas. There’s also various plant-based alternatives for vegans and vegetarian diners.

For some mouthwatering Asian meals, guests have the option of Singapore’s beloved Chatterbox or Japan’s 2-MICHELIN star (and the only 2-star MICHELIN Chinese restaurant in Singapore) Shisen Hanten. The Japanese Szechwan restaurant has a 64-year history with its Hilton Singapore Orchard branch personally helmed by third generation family member, Chef Chen Kentaro. Stunning chandeliers hang from the ceilings, meanwhile a 100-year-old Chinese antique red door is thoughtfully displayed as a frame. Shisen Hanten is certainly the space to hold an intimate wedding or private banquet.

For a no-frills experience — which is heavy on flavour — Chatterbox is the place to eat. Since 1971, Chatterbox has been satiating Singaporeans with its famous chicken-rice (seriously, try it) with Kelvin Tay, General Manager of Shisen Hanten and Chatterbox, calling it a “wonderful, shared dining experience.”

“I am proud of our menu selection, now with a wider range of dishes, catering to both locals and tourists, young and old, it certainly is where we are proud to bring our overseas friends for a delightful dining experience of Singaporean dishes.”

IT was GLORIOUS back in the DAY, and MIGHT I dare SAY, even MORE so NOW!

And last, but certainly not least, is Osteria Mozza by celebrated American chef Nancy Silverton. For those unfamiliar, the Cali-Italian restaurant is a Los Angeles institution with 1-MICHELIN star — lauded for its ethos on high-quality yet simple cooking. Its Singapore outpost delivers the same food love with Silverton’s signature wood-fired pizzas, salads and exceptional handmade pastas on offer as well as a number of new dishes crafted exclusively for Singapore. It’s all housed in an equally homey and rustic environment, ensuring a wholesome dining experience.

“Additionally, the restaurant, like its LA counterpart, is committed to the triple bottom line — people, planet and profit. For instance, the space is encircled by an outdoor herb garden which the restaurant uses to grow some of its own produce,” Cedric Nubul, Hilton Singapore Orchard General Manager, told BAZAAR.

Aside from its restaurants, Hilton Singapore Orchard has an extensive list of luxury facilities to help you work up a sweat, cool right down or facilitate an important business meeting. An elevated outdoor pool sits above street-level Orchard Road, two fully equipped fitness centres are available for 24-hour use and a slew of private meeting rooms can be used for presentations.

If there’s one word to describe Hilton Singapore Orchard — it’s ‘savour,’ as its the experience you’ll want to hold onto long after you’ve left.

For more information and booking enquiries, click here.