There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Singapore. It’s actually hard to even think of a city where there are more rigorous and exacting standards of service at every property you encounter. So when Hyatt decided to open an Andaz concept hotel in this luxury filled city, many travellers were left scratching their head, wondering what a new hotel could add to the mix. It turns out, a lot. While I’ve always had great stays in Singapore, I felt quite at home at the Andaz.
The Andaz Singapore Property
The Andaz Singapore is located in an enviable location, within minutes walk of many important city landmarks. But for me, I knew I was in heaven when I realised that the hotel was directly across the street from Atlas, which I’d firmly regarded as the best bar in Singapore, and probably top 5 in the world.
For non cocktail nerds, you’re in walking distance to Haji Lane, minutes from Raffles Hospital, across from Bugis shopping centre, 15 minutes from downtown, 15 minutes from Little India and a 25 minute walk from Gardens By The Bay, and even closer to Marina Bay.
The hotel is set atop the highest floors of a multi functional tower building, with really solid food options and MRT (metro) access directly below the building. You can find everything from Poke bowls to refined Japanese and bagels directly under the building. But let’s be real, it’s Singapore, so you really should venture elsewhere, no matter how tired you are.
Check In And First Impressions
Nice digs.
I followed the clearly marked signs to the entrance, which I believe to be on the 25th floor, give or take a few floors. Like all Andaz Hotels, the lobby avoids the cookie cutter cliches, and working desks used by front of house staff feel more collaborative than the intimidating counters elsewhere. I was offered a lovely and refreshing drink while the standard formalities took place, and the staff made sure to address and recognize the benefits of my booking.
The lobby check in area offers a couple restaurants, including where most guests take in breakfast, and I was also given a couple drink coupons to head up to Mr. Stork, the rooftop bar with great skyline views.
The Andaz Singapore King Room
I took the elevator up to my room and loved the beautiful accents and tones of the hallways during the short walk. It was immaculate clean, quiet and well looked after. My interior design terminology lacks only my art knowledge, but the interior felt like a great mix of pan-asian concepts, including tranquil plant areas reminiscent of the Andaz Tokyo and Japanese zen, and stained wood tones that reflect the heritage of Singapore and Southeast Asia et al.
But no hotel experience of any star rating is worth a damn if it isn’t up to modern standard.
Andaz Singapore Facilities And Amenities
Unfortunately for late sleepers, nothing helps combat jet lag like an invigorating workout. Like many Andaz properties I’ve stayed at throughout the years, I found the gym to be of the highest standard in terms of functional workout equipment. It’s got the cliched machines overused by meatheads, but also things like TRX bands, free weights and other modern kit that make for well rounded sessions.
As to restaurants, I had an amazing Pandan cake from the lobby restaurant, and enjoyed the wide ranging selection at breakfast. The Andaz Singapore breakfast seemingly offers everything. I had paratha, a western omelette, fresh fruit and could’ve gone much further with a full Chinese, Japanese and Indian selection beyond the pastries and everything else.
The room service Nasi Goreng was also seriously worth a shout. It rivalled some of the better versions I’ve had in Singapores most famous Hawker Stalls.
Mr. Stork, the rooftop bar at the Andaz Singapore was a lively place which seemed to offer a steady mix of locals and travellers alike. Prices are traditionally steep, like any place with a fantastic city view, but the drinks were of great standard and the wine list was solid too. Most importantly: the rooftop pool was everything you’d hope it to be.
Final Thoughts – I’ll Be Back
They had me from the start being mere steps from the best bar in Singapore, but the friendly service, flexible dining options and the sophisticatedly homey rooms made me feel at ease. I was sad to leave the city the next day, as always, but I was also sad to miss out on another Andaz breakfast and a room with true blackout blinds. This is a great option in the city with convenient access to everything, and at least during my dates – the price was right for a five star hotel.
Sounds like a great alternative to the Grand Hyatt, and, Orchard Road.
Photos of breakfast buffet?
Spa/Wet area? Jacuzzi; steam; sauna; relaxation area?
Crowded/noise levels?
Hey Chris, definitely. Sadly not of any of those. I’m a terrible reviewer!
Couldn’t agree more; love this hotel, and the pool is my favourite in Singapore.
Nice to have a hotel-wide club-level concept (free drinks/snacks each evening) that allows kids (if seated in the restaurant area). Most club-levels in Singapore Hotels ban kids (/young adults) 24/7 – and that severely restricts choice when travelling as a family.
They suffered early on due to a hawker-concept breakfast being a bit confused – the Hyatt-obsessed US travel sites really gave them stick for it – though by the time I visited a year ago it was all simplified into one open breakfast that was close-to perfect (the head chef was even there making waffles at every Breakfast).
Just hope it continues to go from strength to strength. A lot of the cool, new hotels seem to go downhill fast in Singapore. Parkroyal on Pickering being a prime example of a hotel that went downhill so fast in a year I didn’t go back, it used to be great!
Stayed here just after it opened and we had a great stay. The breakfast was a bit confusing and the hosts didn’t really explain anything. Pool is great and amazing views from Mr Stork. We are back next week – have used a Prive rate for this stay. Looking forward to the QSuites on the flight and another stay here.
@Gilbert. No worries about review.
The Grand Hyatt feels like a brothel with the pickup bar below the hotel, and the prostitutes working front sidewalk of hotel poaching guests.
My personal experience with the 5 stars (Westin; JW; Grand Hyatt; Marriott…) is that they are overrun with families on staycations.
Hotels are up-selling rooms with lounge access. As a top-tier elite in Marriott and mid-tier in Hyatt, nothing like a 30min-1 hr wait for lounge access. Crowded spa areas and pools filled with screaming children. Breakfast in restaurant like a pre-school with amp-upped entitled children.
Forget Suite upgrades with Marriott; they prefer to sell/up sell to non-elites.
I’ll try the Andaz. Thinking of Fullerton and 4 Seasons too.
We stayed at the andaz for 5 days in August on our family vacation… It was everything. Easily our favorite hotel for the vacation(we flew in after 7 days in bangkok)
From the lovely snacks in the sun room,to the rooftop pool and the ‘underground passage’ to the bugis junction, bugis + malls and oh the MRT.
Everyone wants to go back! I hope it’s the same when we do.
Christine A.