As a Hilton Diamond member, I’ve had my fair share of stays at some of the best properties around the world, with my usual go-to being the Conrad Marina Bay in Singapore. However, on my latest trip to the city, I decided to try something new and experience the Conrad Orchard for the first time. Having known a little about the hotel’s history—it was once the Regent Hotel before being rebranded as a Conrad—I was curious to see how much of the old charm remained, especially in terms of design and service.
From the moment I walked into the lobby, the hotel felt noticeably smaller than Conrad Marina Bay. The space was more intimate, with a quieter, more relaxed vibe. It wasn’t as grand or expansive, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s a certain appeal to a hotel that feels more personal and less overwhelming, and I found myself appreciating the cozy, almost boutique-like atmosphere. Despite the smaller size, the service was absolutely on par with what you’d expect from a luxury Conrad property. From check-in to check-out, the staff were warm and attentive, making sure all my needs were taken care of.
I stayed in a King Executive Room, which was beautifully appointed, offering all the modern amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel. The décor leaned toward a contemporary minimalist style, with clean lines and subtle tones that complemented the property’s overall design. However, there were a few areas where the room didn’t quite meet expectations. One of the biggest letdowns was the lack of a bathtub. For a luxury hotel, I was surprised that the bathroom was missing such a staple feature. Instead, there was only a shower, which, while functional, didn’t offer the indulgent experience I was hoping for. The bathroom also felt a little cramped compared to the overall size of the room.
The Executive Lounge was another highlight of my stay, though it had its quirks. The lounge offered a great selection of food and beverages, particularly during afternoon tea and the evening cocktail hours. The food was delicious, with a solid variety of both local and international options, and the service was excellent, as you’d expect from any Conrad property. However, the space itself was a bit small and felt a little tight at times. That said, there was a small outdoor terrace area attached to the lounge, which was a really nice feature. If you wanted to enjoy the sun or get some fresh air, it provided a perfect little escape from the confines of the lounge. Sitting out there with a cup of tea in the late afternoon, surrounded by the soft city hum, felt like a rare pocket of calm in the middle of bustling Singapore. It’s a feature that truly added to the overall experience, and I appreciated having that option.
One of the standout experiences of my stay was breakfast at Basilico, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. The spread was extensive and beautifully presented, offering a wide selection of both local and international favorites. What really set the experience apart, however, was the exclusive section for Hilton Diamond members. This area offered a more private and serene atmosphere, away from the main breakfast crowd. Diamond guests were treated to barista-made coffee—crafted exactly to order—and a selection of special treats not available in the main buffet, including premium pastries and a self-service Mimosa bar! It was a thoughtful and elegant touch that made the breakfast feel more like a curated dining experience than a standard hotel buffet. The service here was particularly warm and polished, with the staff taking the time to check in regularly and ensure that everything was to my liking. The refined atmosphere, paired with the personal service and exceptional coffee, made breakfast at Basilico the perfect way to start the morning.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to check out the gym or the pool, but I did read up on them prior to my stay. The fitness center at Conrad Orchard is well-equipped, with a range of machines and free weights, perfect for those who want to maintain their workout routine while traveling. The pool, on the other hand, looked like it would be a great spot to unwind. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene escape from the city’s buzz, and it has a reputation for being both peaceful and scenic. I didn’t get the chance to visit this time, but it’s definitely something I’ll make time for during my next stay.
One thing that truly stood out to me about the Conrad Orchard was its stunning atrium. The atrium acts as the central heart of the hotel, a soaring space filled with natural light that gives the property an airy, open feel. It’s where the hotel’s character really shines through. The tall glass panels allow sunlight to flood in during the day, casting a gentle glow on the polished floors and elegant furnishings. In the evenings, the lighting softens and the space takes on an intimate, tranquil tone. What impressed me most, however, was the artwork that lines the atrium and corridors. Rather than feeling like generic hotel decoration, the pieces here feel curated with purpose. The overall effect is calming yet inspiring, creating a visual journey as you move through the space. It’s a beautiful touch that adds depth to the experience of staying at the Conrad Orchard, and I found myself lingering in the atrium more than once, simply enjoying the interplay between the architecture and the art.
Conrad Orchard may be smaller and more understated than Conrad Marina Bay, but it offers a luxurious and serene stay that stands on its own merits. The service was attentive and polished, the dining experiences—from the Executive Lounge to breakfast at Basilico—were excellent, and the overall atmosphere was refined without being pretentious. The lack of a bathtub and the slightly compact Executive Lounge were noticeable drawbacks, but the warmth of the staff, the quality of the food, and the peaceful environment more than made up for them. The atrium and its artwork truly elevate the property, giving it a sense of identity and sophistication that many hotels lack.
For Hilton Diamond members like me, Conrad Orchard offers a refreshing alternative to the larger, busier hotels in Singapore. It’s more intimate, quieter, and feels almost residential in the best way. The attention to detail in both design and service makes it clear that this is a hotel that values comfort and calm over flashiness. On my next visit, I’ll make sure to take the time to experience the pool and gym, and of course, return to Basilico for another morning coffee crafted by the barista in that exclusive Diamond section. Conrad Orchard might not have the scale of Marina Bay, but it delivers something just as valuable—personalized service, a sense of calm, and a touch of artful elegance that leaves a lasting impression.
