Staycation review: The newly rebranded Voco Orchard Singapore

What was formerly Hilton Singapore is now Voco Orchard Singapore. The 51-year-old property has been given a refresh, and has been rebranded, with subtle changes made to both dining and stay experiences. The hotel continues to offer 423 guest rooms, from deluxe rooms to Club rooms and family suites, as well as a rooftop pool, and a 24-hour gym.

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Step into the lobby and you’ll also find that it has been given a small makeover, with the reception desk now sporting a vibrant blue backdrop. We dropped in for a night’s stay, and here’s what to expect.

A comfortable stay

You’ll find that the rooms remain largely familiar, but are now updated with vibrant and contemporary art pieces that bring chic modernity to the space.

At 32 sq m, the deluxe rooms are already spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows for city views, plush carpeting underfoot, a work desk, a Herman Miller chair, and a Nespresso coffee machine. It’s also outfitted with a 55-inch smart TV. You’ll find the same sequoia brown marble bathroom as before, which comes equipped with a handheld shower (for the deluxe rooms).

Personal touches and sustainability

Sustainability is a focus of the new Voco, with eco-friendly touches like bathroom amenities from Apotheke, a plant-based organic skincare company, in large-sized bottles. The bedding’s made from 100 per cent recycled materials (like plastic bottles) and not only is it kinder to the planet, but it’s also wonderfully sumptuous, soft, and inviting.

We were also greeted with a welcome gift pack of a scented candle, a welcome note, a small bottle of essential oil, and conversation cards — great for spending the night chilling in the room and bonding with a loved one.

Enjoy cocktails and canapes at the Club Lounge

Guests who book a stay in the Twin Bed or King Bed Club room and onwards can enjoy access to the Club Lounge. Open from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the elegant space dotted with marble tables, plush sofas and chairs is lovely for enjoying pre-dinner cocktails and canapes in the evening. The impeccable hospitality is a plus.

The canape selection is rotated — we tucked into sugar cane prawns, fried rice, madeleines, and crudites, alongside cocktails and prosecco during our visit.

Dinner at Opus Bar & Grill

If you fancy a good steak, then head to Opus Bar & Grill located near the lobby.

Seafood lovers, do yourself a favour and get the Crab Cake ($24++), a crowd favourite and for good reason. Breaded lightly and packed to the brim with soft but sturdy lump crab meat, it’s also teamed with mango wasabi mayo for a bit of punch.

The signature sharing steaks are a must too. For mains, we had the 1.2kg Whiskey-Aged Wagyu Tomahawk ($168++) with a marble score of 5, which the chef will flambe at the table (so get your cameras at the ready). The steak is excellent, with a tender, buttery centre that’s punctuated with the distinct aroma of whisky. It also comes with two sauces of your choice, from black truffle and wild mushroom to red wine and bone marrow and chimichurri.

If steak and fries are your usual go-to, then consider the Opus Over-the-Top Fries ($16++). The mountain of crisp fries is rendered with foie gras fat and sprinkled with black truffle puree and parmesan.

Sip on Voco's special cocktails

Over at the bar, you can also sip on Voco’s signature cocktails ($20++), like the Rosella, which has Aperol, rosella and elderflower syrup, lime juice and prosecco. There’s also the Spicy Martini, shaken with chili padi-infused gin and passionfruit juice, as well as the Nutmeg Old Fashioned, with nutmeg-infused bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters,

Comfort Italian fare at the newly reopened il Cielo

Il Cielo, located on the 24th storey by the pool, has also just reopened its doors. We’d recommend going in the evening, for a more romantic and intimate vibe with a view of the city lights.

While it previously presented fusion Italian-Japanese fine-dining, the restaurant now showcases a more casual menu by chef Marco Fregnan with authentic Italian comfort food. Think Fritto Misto (fried seafood, $18++) and Carpaccio ($28++) with thin sheets of angus beef tenderloin and Parmigiano Reggiano, aged 24 months.

You can’t go wrong with the Manzo & Tartufo ($38++). The soft and silk ribbons of tagliatelle are cooked perfectly and sit in a comforting pool of red wine and parmesan emulsion, then topped with nuggets of juicy wagyu beef. Love pizza? The Burrata e Tartufo ($34++) with dollops of creamy burrata and black truffle is excellent, too.

Leave some room for dessert. The Panna Cotta alle nocciole ($16) sees a rich (albeit a little thick) hazelnut praline panna cotta, accompanied by hazelnuts and decadent caramel fudge that’s brightened with hints of citrus marmalade.

A sumptuous breakfast

Breakfast is held at Opus Bar & Grill, with hearty options that are worth getting out of bed for. Your choices include a robust American Breakfast set (with eggs, sausages, bacon and hash browns), as well as the likes of pancakes with vanilla bean ice cream, and a Signature Breakfast set of eggs benedict with turkey ham, herb-roasted tomato and hash browns.

And for a waistline-friendly option, there’s also the Healthy Breakfast set with an egg-white omelette, sauteed spinach and local farm mushrooms. Or if you prefer Asian flavours, we also found options like nasi lemak and fish congee on the menu.

All breakfast sets come with a selection of fruit juices, tea and filter coffee, as well as a choice of a starter like croissants, cereals, bircher muesli, and cheeses with dried fruits.

Room rates start from $230++ per night per room. Voco Orchard Singapore is at 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883. Visit its website for reservations and more information.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.