Hotel Review: Pullman Singapore Orchard & Pullman Express Staycation Package

Located right smack in the center of Orchard Road, Pullman Singapore Orchard blends modern luxury with a vibrant, forward-looking energy. The hotel is perfectly positioned for travelers who want to be in the center of Singapore’s premier shopping district yet still enjoy a sense of calm once inside as the main entrance does not face Orchard Road per se.

Prior to this stay, I had not stepped foot into Pullman Singapore Orchard. The last time I was there was during its past incarnation as Grand Park Orchard and I could not be more astounded by the renovation that took place. From the moment I stepped foot into the lobby, I was struck by the sleek and contemporary design — a mix of bold art, polished finishes and neon lights that gives the property a distinctly upscale but cosmopolitan feel. All throughout, Pullman’s heritage in train travel is still evident through subtle elements, such as in the lounge area, ceiling of Eden Restaurant and the headboards in the guestrooms.  My stay here was a weekend escape to unwind and explore the Pullman Express package, this being my first stay in this property.

Officially known as Pullman Express – Singapore Unlocked, the staycation package comes with the following inclusions:

• Upgrade to a Deluxe Premier Room
• Breakfast in bed (guests can also choose to have breakfast in Eden)
• Early check-in at 10 am and late check-out at 2 pm
• An “Unplugged Hour” ritual kit consisting of workbooks centered around wellness and reflection
• In-room fitness kit
• 2 mocktails at Atelier Lounge & Bar
• SGD 100 dining credits at Eden Restaurant, Atelier Lounge & Bar or P.S.O. Beach Club
• Sleep Well kit consisting of skincare masks and sleep spray
• In-room Northern Lights projection
• Mindful walking map
• 1 Complimentary parking per stay

Room – Deluxe Premier Room

I stayed in the Deluxe Premier Room, which is about 32 square meters — spacious for an Orchard Road hotel and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and efficiency. The room features a king-size bed with premium linens and leather headboard, a 55-inch smart TV with Chromecast and plenty of USB-C and power outlets conveniently located beside the bed and table. The hotel has done away with a conventional desk and opted instead for a more flexible and lighter table that can be used both for work and dining. 

There’s also a Nespresso machine, a mini-fridge and a Dyson hairdryer — small touches that make the stay feel upscale.

The lighting is controlled by a digital touch panel with preset modes (reading, relaxing and sleeping), which adds to the modern feel, although I found the ambient lighting slightly dim in the evenings. The air-conditioning was quiet and maintained a consistent temperature and soundproofing was excellent — I barely heard any corridor noise despite the hotel’s central location. This is thanks partly to the double-glazed windows.

At night, one can activate the in-room northern lights projection for a rather ambient night scene – a feature of the Pullman Express package. I literally dozed off watching the projection as it shifted colors and sparkled with images of the stars. 

The bathroom, separated by glass panels, had a rain shower with strong water pressure and a bathtub right next to it, thus avoiding the “shub” layout. The marble-like tiles and sleek fixtures added to the modern aesthetic. Toiletries were from C.O. Bigelow, a nice premium touch. Overall, the room felt high-tech, stylish and comfortable for a solo or couple stay with enough space to move around and relax thanks to smart choices in furnishing.

Club Lounge

The Club Lounge, called Archive Club, is situated at the far end of the fourth floor and was perhaps converted as such from a few guestrooms. It had a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, perfect for winding down after a long day out. The evening cocktails and canapés were well curated, and the staff were attentive without being intrusive. The food selection wasn’t extensive but made up for it in quality. I also liked that the lounge offered a quiet breakfast option away from the main restaurant crowd in the mornings.

Eden Restaurant

The Pullman Express package comes with a S$100 dining credit that can be utilized at any of the hotel’s F&B’s outlets. I had never been to their all-day dining restaurant, Eden before so I thought to check it out. At the time of my visit, they had just introduced a couple of new menu items and I was not disappointed! 

For this particular package, guests could have breakfast either in Eden Restaurant, club lounge or via in-room dining. As the latter was quite novel to me, I opted to have breakfast delivered to my room. Along with my choice of mains – samples included American Breakfast Set, Avocado Toast, etc – I was also served a pastry basket, fruit bowl, yoghurt as well as my choice of beverage (coffee comes from Common Man Coffee Roasters), making it a rather full meal in itself. 

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool at Pullman Singapore Orchard, called the P.S.O. Club, feels like a calm retreat above the busy Orchard stretch. It’s not large but the layout is chic and resort-like, surrounded by daybeds and cabanas that give it a boutique vibe. The space transitions nicely in the evening with soft lighting and music, making it equally inviting for a quick dip or a relaxed drink by the pool. While it’s more suited for lounging than serious laps, it’s a stylish and relaxing spot that complements the hotel’s overall proposition.

Verdict

Pullman Singapore Orchard delivers a stylish, well-thought package for folks seeking to take a break from the stress of day-to-day life – ironically in a location that can perhaps be the busiest in Singapore. In terms of hardware, the design is chic and the facilities commendable for a city hotel. The food offering at Eden also left me surprised in a positive way. While there’s still room for small improvements (like lighting brightness), I left feeling satisfied and would gladly return for another weekend staycation.

More information about the Pullman Express package here