2017 was a monumental year of hotel openings in Singapore. But not to be overshadowed in the hustle of it all was the Andaz, under the Hyatt Group — the other establishment under the group in the city being the Grand Hyatt Singapore — which so happens to be the first Andaz hotel to open in Southeast Asia.
Occupying the upper floors of the DUO property — aptly named because there are two skyscrapers — in the Ophir-Rochor district and clad in a latticework of hexagonal windows, the ground floor lobby welcomes guests just before a swift elevator ride up to the 25th floor where the main reception is located.
Located in the heart of the CBD, the property opened its doors in October to great expectations. I’d stayed in the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York in June last year, and what I loved most about the hotel was its urban décor. From my recent stay in the Singapore hotel, I was pleased as punch to discover that the accommodations were more notable.
With 342 guestrooms, I checked in to my “View” room on the 34th floor one weekend, which falls in the highest tier just below the suites. Having seen some of the other rooms, what stood out to me was the fact that due to the building’s concave shape, the layouts were all varied. Essentially split up into two enclosures, I entered my room via a foyer with a proper passageway; with a walk-in closet and bathroom on my right, and the bedroom area straight ahead. Swinging wooden doors divided up both spaces and stepping in and out of each area made it feel like I was at home.
“Clad in a latticework of hexagonal windows, the building’s concave shape meant that the guestroom layouts were all varied.”
Though floor-to-ceiling windows are par for the course now in almost every hotel, the Andaz’s is particularly essential because it faces the aforementioned CBD, Singapore River and Kampong Glam-Little India-Bugis hub. The design of the hotel’s public spaces also allows for these spectacular views to be enjoyed at breakfast, the infinity pool, lobby lounge, fitness studio and F&B outlets — including a rooftop bar on the 39th floor.
Spacious and inviting, the room interior was dominated by warm to light hues of brown, orange, yellow and purple. Brass finishings and frosted glass for light fixtures complemented the furnishings in a modern way, alongside clean lines and wood panelling which helped to achieve an aesthetic that is both contemporary and cosy.
Decorative touches and details were found throughout the room too, like separate day and night blinds which could be automatically adjusted via a bedside panel; a roundtable as a working desk; numerous convenient power outlets; Bose Bluetooth speakers, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks in the minibar.
For the final finish, the bathroom’s open-plan configuration featured separate enclosures for the walk-in rain shower, sink and toilet — all of which blended into the closet area. More wood constructions juxtaposed against cement blocks here. My favourite detail was an extra large round mirror over the sink that showcased a circumferential light that reminded me of those that I’d seen people take selfies with on their mobile phones. Complete with Christophe Laudiamiel amenities that were specially customised for the hotel — as suggested by the “Singapore Fusion” wordings on the bottle labels — I wanted for nothing.
Comfortable and classy, I’m already looking forward to my next stay.
“An extra large round mirror over the sink showcased a circumferential light that reminded me of those that I’d seen people take selfies with on their mobile phones.”
Where: Andaz Singapore-a concept by Hyatt
5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Phone: +65 6408 1234
Note– The critic was invited by the Andaz Singapore. But all the opinions expressed herewith are her own.