HOTEL REVIEW : GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE – GRAND KING

The Grand Hyatt Singapore has been a prominent structure in the heart of Orchard Road. With it’s glass doors and nimble bellboys it radiates with luxury upon shoppers passing by, filling them with a sense of wonder and yearning. I booked a stay with their most basic room, the Grand King using Travelpony.

Direct rates were $411.95 SGD (without breakfast) or $441.38 SGD (with breakfast). However, I paid $168.00 SGD (with breakfast) during a flash sale on Travelpony. Since the price after taxes came to above 200.00 USD, I was able to use my referral code for $35.00 USD off, and my Travelpony credits for a further $50.00 USD off. You can get your free $35.00 USD Credit ( Affiliate links removed, refer to the Travelpony referral conga on Flyertalk )

As a Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum member, I enjoyed a minor upgrade to a preferred room with a nice view of the pool and a late 2pm checkout. I was quite surprised with this privilege, as it was a third-party booking and my experience with Intercontinental Hotel Group & Hilton HHonors are that they only give benefits for direct bookings.

The Grand King was situated at the Grand Wing of the hotel, with a bulging window that makes it seem like a corner room. Think the Esplanade. My first impression of the room was that it was really spacious, similar to the standard rooms of St.Regis Singapore. This made the rates for this hotel more convincing. The second thing I noticed was the lighting in the room, which was done brilliantly.

The bathroom was also spacious, with a rainshower and large bathtub.

The amenities provided were from June Jacobs, Hyatt must really love Green Tea and Cucumbers. Although this “Zen” preference felt refreshing, the smell and perfume did not really resonate with me. I wonder if the amenities for guests with Club Benefits will be different? I’ll probably find out on my next stay.

The bathroom also has a powder/make-up table. The doors to the sliding cupboard are ingeniously designed to allow a naked person to fish for their robes and clothes right from the bathroom (do make sure curtains are drawn!). I wish more hotels would have this feature.

The pantry & minibar of the Grand King was stocked with bottled water, TWG teas (the only way to go), premium potato chips (I love Torres), a half-bottle of wine, nuts and chocolates carefully divided into complementary and paid drawers.

My preferred room had a nice view of the swimming pool while I work at processing my photos.

Even though the swimming pool was average-sized, it boasts quality. With gazebos and chairs on the water, it seemed pretty unique and a good use of space.

The Fitness Center of the hotel sleek & grand. Filled with the latest touchscreen equipment, one can excercise in luxury while losing the weight you just put on from breakfast !

Breakfast is served at Straits Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Singapore’s main buffet restaurant. I was surprised to find out that this restaurant does not serve pork at all, So i bet it’s halal certified, Especially with the amount of Muslim guests that I spotted. I think that more can be done to get the word out there about this restaurant as it can be a powerful selling point to attract certain market segments to stay at the Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Frittata, lasagna, sauteed vegetables, beef and chicken sausages cooked to a high standard. The Straits Kitchen even had an Indian cuisine corner with freshly made “roti prata”, curries and vegetarian dishes. Nasi lemak and chicken rendang was also available, along with a live egg and noodle soup station. The Chinese fare such as stir fried kuay teow and fried carrot cake was done pretty well. Outstanding variety.

The Grand Hyatt Singapore has more than proven it’s place in the heart of Orchard Road. Although it is a dated hotel, the management is very efficient in dealing with the maintenance of the rooms should problems arise in order to convey across the level of luxury and charm that this property possesses. A great venue for a staycation if you have plans around the Orchard Road area.

I blog at www.checkmyhacks.com