We review Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, a new and convenient Aussie-inspired lodging that’s come from Down Under to Singapore.
Anyone who’s familiar with me will know I’ve got a soft spot for Australia and its cheery people and atmosphere. So of course, I said yes to the opportunity to stay at Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, which opened in November last year. For the uninitiated, Vibe is an Aussie-based hotel brand that extended its reach to Singapore and is managed here by Far East Hospitality.
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard review: Convenient location and attentive service
This chic new property sits in the quiet residential enclave of Mount Elizabeth – just a brief 10-minute stroll from the shopper’s utopia of Orchard Road. This means you get a good mix of tranquillity and easy access to some of Singapore’s top-rated shops and eateries.
From the moment I stepped into the hotel lobby, I was impressed by the staff’s exceptional service and hospitality. Whether you’re coming or going, you can expect to be greeted with smiles and a friendly wave. Linger in the lobby for a moment too long? Someone will be there in a heartbeat to offer assistance with anything from your room to your itinerary. The attentiveness and care was reminiscent of the warm and welcoming hospitality I’ve often associated with the land down under.
Spacious rooms with useful amenities
I checked into the Deluxe Room for my stay. But guests can choose between one of five different room categories to suit varying group sizes and needs. I was immediately struck by the spaciousness of the room, featuring modern, neutral grey-brown shades and chequered carpeting. The open wardrobe on the right of the door made it effortless to hang up clothes and access my luggage.
On the left was a well-stocked bathroom complete with a bathtub – perfect for a relaxing bubble bath. All the necessary soap and toiletries were also provided for a comfortable stay. I loved that they stock O&M body soap, shampoo, and conditioner. It’s made of a blend of Australian native extracts and minerals that were gentle on my skin (and smelled so good!).
If you’re planning to have a movie marathon, the room also has a Smart TV that lets you stream your favourite shows from your device through Chromecast. I spent a huge chunk of my second day bingeing season four of You.
Fill your time at the hotel’s fun facilities
The best part about any staycay is kicking back by the poolside. So you can bet I made time to go for a swim at the hotel’s outdoor pool. Truth be told, I don’t think Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard has the grandest one. But I love that they made up for it with cute alpaca-shaped inflatable floats and colourful pool noodles. Guests can also stay updated on sports events through the big screen located at the pool bar; or enjoy rowdy outdoor barbecues in typical Australian fashion.
Don’t want to miss out on gym day? No problem. The hotel has a 24-hour gym that’s complete with everything you need for basic daily workouts. Think treadmills, elliptical machines, and an assortment of weights. I didn’t use this because I can’t stand the thought of exercise, but my boyfriend was more than happy with the available equipment.
If you’re a corporate guest staying in the Premier Room, you’ll also have exclusive access to the Vibe Pantry. This self-service counter is open round the clock and accessible only with your room key card. You can indulge in an array of snacks that range from healthy to indulgent, such as oat milk, cookies, corn chips, and more. During my stay, I had the opportunity to enjoy this benefit and found it so convenient compared to ordering delivery or walking the 10 minutes to Orchard Road whenever I felt peckish.
Have all your meals at Roos
And of course, there’s Roos, the hotel’s restaurant with a stunning dining area featuring grand floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a cascading waterfall. The ambience made us feel like we were dining in nature.
In the mornings, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes influenced by Australian breakfast culture. Think along the lines of Greek-style yoghurt, warm pastries, bagels, and the classic avocado toast. I appreciated that they also provide Asian cuisine options, such as nasi lemak or chicken congee, which I imagine my parents would be thrilled to have.
I’ve really got to shine a spotlight on its all-day dining menu. You can choose from Asian options like laksa and prawn noodle soup. But I recommend the selection of grilled meats and fresh pasta handmade by the head chef. During my visit, we ordered the cream of wild mushroom soup topped with crispy enoki and a dash of truffle oil ($10). For the main course, we had the uber creamy kombu butter tagliatelle ($16) and the extra tender Angus rib-eye steak ($42).
I enjoyed my experience at Roos so much, I can envision returning on an ordinary day instead of going to an overrated and overcrowded cafe.
All in all, I’d highly recommend this property for both business and leisure travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. If there’s just one thing to be careful of, it’s that guests who have limited mobility may want to take note of the walking distance to Orchard Road, especially during humid or rainy weather.
Despite that, the exceptional service, delicious food, and room amenities were definitely highlights of my experience. Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a cosy and welcoming retreat in the heart of Singapore.