HotelChatter

Taking the opportunity to experience the entire Hilton experience, we chose an Executive Level room. The rooms are not the newest, but are still comfortable and functional and proved to be quite 'homey' by the end of our stay. It is obvious that the interior has had a sprucing up of design, but looking at the finer details, it is about time that the rooms see a full refurbish.

While comfortable and somewhat spacious, it was a standard hotel-room lay out with a short corridor with the bathroom on one side opening up to a larger room with the bed, desk, and small sitting area, all with the backdrop of a wall of windows framing the cranes and construction of the city in the distance. We liked it, we didn't love it.

The on-property facilities and Executive floor amenities were fantastic. With access to the lounge for both breakfast and evening cocktails and canapes, the gem of this property began to shine through. The staff were completely top-notch and never disappointed when we needed to ask a question of the city or have an hiccup with travel logistics; i.e., check-out, how to get to the off-the-beaten-path areas, opening times for markets, and how to view the fireworks for Singapore National Day celebrations, which they all missed due to being rostered on.

The rooftop pool was perfect for relaxing our weary feet in between neighborhood adventures. We imagine the pool would be used quite a lot when the weather is right. Note: Singapore has 2 seasons, hot and hot & wet. At night, the pool turns into a well lit, nightclub type deck for enjoying drinks while overlooking the city, or waiting for your table at the Italian fine dining restaurant, il Cielo.

Care for a Singapore Sling? You can enjoy one in the lobby bar that routinely plays host to live music. Although, not the most modern of design, it was perfect for a drink before heading out to people watch all over town.

How is the wireless internet situation, you ask? Since this is a hotel that is designed around the business traveler, there is WiFi aplenty here. We had it in our room, in all public areas, and the lounge and it was super fast all over. It sincerely makes a hotel stay a lot easier when you can stay connected everywhere. FYI: We are HHonors Gold members so the WiFi was free. However, it is typically $26.75 per day in the room. Public areas can connect for free for two hours.

Just like most of Orchard Road, shopping is the favorite past-time. The Hilton doesn't disappoint in this department either. With labels like Bulgari, Balenciaga, Misoni, Paul Smith and Dries Van Noten. Not shortage of high fashion here, and whats even better is that you don't even need to venture out in the heat and humidity to enjoy.

As a whole, the service we received was very warm and accommodating. This is truly one of the best assets of the hotel. Always smiling and willing to help, the staff make up for some of the outdated features of the rooms and public areas.

Rooms at the Singapore Hilton start at $480 SGD or $350 US.

[Photos: Rayme Gorniak/HotelChatter]