Four Seasons Hotel Singapore – A Singapore Sojourn on Orchard Boulevard
Monica Tindall
Singapore buzzes with a futuristic rhythm. Glass and steel titans dominate the skyline, their gleaming facades reflecting the city’s relentless innovation. Yet, amidst the shiny towers, pockets of history and heritage linger. Meticulously restored temples from the 19th century dot the streets alongside hawker nests and a melange of international faces. We’re down from Kuala Lumpur for the weekend and find Four Seasons Hotel Singapore an excellent launchpad for unlocking the city’s secrets while providing an oasis of modern luxury to retreat to when needing a break.
Location: A Stone’s Throw from the Buzz
Orchard Road, Singapore’s beating retail heart, might seem an unlikely spot for serenity. Yet, the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore manages this feat with surprising ease. Tucked away on a tree-lined street, it’s a hidden gem, a quiet counterpoint to the city’s vibrant pulse. We’re steps away from a plethora of shops, world-class malls and trendy restaurants via an air-conditioned walkway. And just a little further away, cultural gems like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam offer a glimpse into Singapore’s cultural heritage.
It’s a fantastic location for those who love to see the city on foot. No doubt, public transport is abundant with Grab the request of an app away, and bus and train stops mere metres from the hotel, but this is a walkable city, and much freedom comes with that.
Design: Classic Charm with a Modern Twist
The lobby entrance whispers promises of sophistication the moment we walk in. High ceilings adorned with intricate patterns communicate old-school charm, while incredible fresh floral arrangements blur the lines between indoors and out. The use of natural materials – think gleaming marble and rich wood – oozes luxury, while contemporary artwork adds a touch of whimsy. It is a design that feels both timeless and fresh, setting the stage for a memorable stay.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Rooms: Size, Style & Comforts
We settle into a Boulevard Room for the weekend. In a city like Singapore, where space is a premium, the 49 sqm room is a welcome surprise. This generous square footage is a testament to the hotel’s heritage, starkly contrasting the shoebox-sized rooms in some newer establishments. The colour palette soothes with rich browns and calming beiges, accented with refreshing sage green. The bay window frames the bustling energy of Orchard Road, filtered through luscious tropical greenery.
The plush king-sized bed promises a night of uninterrupted slumber, further enhanced by automated blinds that allow us to control the light at the touch of a button. We can further personalise our sleep experience with a pillow menu—orthopaedic for hubby and bolster for me. And guess what?! You can also choose your mattress topper! Just add your preferences to the hotel’s app before your stay (you receive an email with a link to download it leading up to your booking), and you can customise your bedding experience before you even arrive. Sleep has never been taken so seriously.
A Lavazza coffee machine is a welcome change from the ubiquitous Nespresso, and tea lovers are also catered to, with options for every taste. Complimentary salted nuts get nibbled up quickly, and there’s a range of gourmet snacks in the mini-bar beyond the over-commercialised standard.
The marble bathroom features double sinks – a godsend for couples who haven’t quite mastered the art of sharing (even after 25 years, like us!). There’s a deep soaking tub and a high-pressure shower with hand-held and rain heads. Bath products are in reusable pumps, signalling both luxury and care for the earth. Thick terry towelling robes are hung in the bathroom, but you can request yukata robes for a touch of Japanese indulgence. Every comfort is considered, from a lit magnifying mirror (that I don’t have to bend down to use) and scales to an iron and ironing board. For an extra level of convenience, shoe shining is even complimentary.
High-speed Wi-Fi keeps us connected, while a large Smart TV provides endless entertainment options. On-demand movies are available for those seeking a night in, and portable Bose speakers allow us to customise our getaway soundtrack.
Despite being a well-established property, the meticulous maintenance and impeccable cleanliness throughout the room are evident.
Executive Club
I always upgrade to executive club benefits when given the chance. I appreciate the quieter space and privacy away from the crowds. The Executive Club at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore provides precisely what I desire and more.
First of all, it’s small. We only see a few other guests throughout our stay, so the environment is always peaceful and refined. Secondly, there are both indoor and outdoor tables. I love alfresco dining, and the Executive Club is set by the adults-only quiet pool. It’s bordered by lush greenery, and we hear an abundance of tropical birds chirping from the treetops that envelop the space. We’re even fortunate enough to see a couple of hornbills! Lastly, the food and beverage are exceptional. A la carte breakfast supported by a small buffet, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and all-day refreshments are included.
My morning ritual of sipping freshly brewed coffee while taking in botanical views sets the tone for the day. The Executive Club uses locally-roasted Singapore Alchemist Seasonal Blend of beans from Corrego, Brazil and Pixcaya, Guatemala. It offers balanced acidity with red dates, almonds and dark chocolate notes. Baristas brew it fresh, none of the mass-market push-of-a-button brews that dominate large hotels. Each cup is made with care. A range of espresso-based brews are available alongside cold drip, pour-over, French press and other specialities, such as iced Vietnamese coffee, espresso and tonic, and the cold, creamy Italian favourite, shakerato.
Highlights from brekkie are the avocado toast, eggs benedict, house-made granola with Greek yoghurt and berries, yuzu pancakes (very good!) and Singaporean chilli crab omelette. From the supporting buffet, we love the variety of fruit and nuts, an assortment of milk alternatives, healthy (EG chia seed pudding) and decadent (EG caviar blinis) choices.
Perfectly timed for a break in the day’s schedule, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s Executive Club also offers elegant afternoon tea. A collection of hand-crafted sweets and small bites is just enough to recharge for another round of exploration or relaxation as you please.
While I no longer have a sweet tooth, I haven’t lost my wine tooth, so evening cocktails are a hit. Actually, a quality wine selection and drinks are available all day long, but we try to strike a healthy balance and limit ourselves to a glass late afternoon. If you have a liking for spirit-forward cocktails as I do, give their Espresso Negroni a try – it’s delicious. Seeing the sun go down at gin o’clock with craft cocktails and light bites provides a sophisticated transition into the night. If you’ve been out and about on gourmet trails around the city, you might find the food spread more than sufficient for your evening meal.
In addition to the quiet environment, gracious service, and exceptional food and beverage, Executive Club benefits include complimentary pressing of two garments daily, a 15% discount on selected spa treatments, and access to a meeting room.
Facilities: Unwinding and Exploring
The Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has plenty of relaxation and recreation. We head to the third floor for some calm before the storm (of activities we have planned in the city). The designated quiet area and adult lap pool, set amidst lush greenery, make an awesome morning wake-up and fantastic post-scurry cooldown. I like kids, but I am grateful to have spaces where I can choose to share in their fun … or not.
For family diversion, the rooftop on the 20th floor takes the crown. A 52.5-metre freeform pool stretches out with a playful collection of kickboards and pool toys. From this floor, you can see the changing city roofscape in the background with the tree-embraced boulevard in the foreground.
Possibly the most luxurious-looking gym I’ve ever been to also gets good use during our stay. Appreciative of 24-hour opening hours, I can squeeze in a morning workout and get a head start on the day. Everything is provided here. The room is expansive, so it never feels crowded, and it’s filled with top-of-the-range Hoist strength machines, free weights, a good variety of cardio machines, and a bunch of fitness accessories such as balls, mats and resistance bands. Chilled moist towels, fruit and an assortment of water options (bubbly, room temperature, chilled, with citrus) are provided alongside the standard towels and filtered water.
If you prefer outdoor fitness activities, Singapore is well suited for cycling, and the hotel provides complimentary use of its bikes. Hubby is enthusiastic about the tennis courts, having booked his court time and a partner virtually on his “tennis Tinder” before we arrived. He reports the artificial grass surface is excellent, and we’re fortunate for overcast weather that takes the edge off the tropical heat.
Restaurants & Bars at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
The Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has plenty to keep gourmands entertained. While we don’t take up the option of the breakfast buffet at the hotel’s all-day dining outlet, One-Ninety Restaurant, we do have a walk-through before heading up to the quieter Executive Club. The expansive buffet displays a global bounty—fresh fruits, pastries, cured meats, and local specialties. Live cooking stations cater to individual whims, offering made-to-order eggs, fluffy pancakes, and steaming Asian breakfast staples. The crowd looks happy.
Across from One-Ninety Restaurant is One-Ninety Bar, where Peranakan Afternoon Tea is a highlight. It’s a collaboration between the first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in the world, Candlenut, and the hotel’s kitchen team. Check out the Peranakan Afternoon Tea here.
Nobu is also on the premises, and we spend an evening in the team’s capable hands, revisiting our favourite recipes. Check out the Nobu Singapore menu here.
With limited tummy capacity and so many places to dine out in Singapore, we don’t have time for a meal at Jiang-Nan Chun, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. However, we have heard great things about the food and service. Just look at the gorgeous setting in the photo below.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Review
Our weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is more than just a stay; it is an immersion into a world of luxury and personalised comfort. The hotel’s prime location, its classic design with modern amenities, impeccable service, and excellent food and beverage options combine to create a memorable stay. Whether unwinding in the adults-only pool, indulging in cocktail hour at the Executive Club, or exploring the city on the hotel’s doorstep, every detail speaks of the hotel’s commitment to creating an extraordinary haven for its guests.
Reasons to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore: an incredibly convenient location yet a quiet, peaceful stay surrounded by luxuriant tropical greenery; gracious service; customisable bedding; I highly recommend the Executive Club; and very much appreciate the quiet, adults-only pool and the incredibly well-fit gymnasium.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646
Link to Four Seasons Hotel Singapore on Google Maps
@fssingapore
+65 6734 1110
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