This is my 2nd/3rd time staying at this hotel, with about 4-5 years apart from each stay and usually this is just for a night or two.  This stay was a stay of 2 weeks.  This hotel is what I would see as one of the grand dame in the hotel scene in Singapore as it was one of the first few luxury hotels in this city island.  

Location

The hotel is located north of the famous shopping area of Orchard Road.  Location is ideal especially if you are there for shopping as there are tons of shopping mall along this road.  There is a MRT stop (Orchard) about 10 mins walk from the hotel - you will have to go through the malls to reach the station.  From the airport by car, it will take about 20-25 mins in average traffic, and close to 40-45 mins during peak hours.  

Check In

Before my arrival, I did receive some information from the hotel, room preferences and my arrival time were also requested.  I noticed on the app that a day before, I was upgraded to a King Premium room (from a deluxe).  Arriving in the late afternoon, the check in area was quite free, so I was helped immediately.  Upon noticing my status, I was asked if I would like to check-in at the Executive Lounge which I declined (don't really see the need for this).  

I was informed that I was upgraded to a renovated room on the Premium floor.  I was quite surprised as I did not remember reading anywhere that they recently renovated their rooms.  Anyway, within 10 mins, I was off to my room after arriving at the property.

Room

Room was ok in size facing the main street.  I was at first a bit worried about the noise level, but this turned out to be ok.  As I mentioned earlier, when I was told that this was a renovated room, I was quite curious, but turned out to be (my opinion) not really recently renovated.  I would say it might have been spruced up to a certain extend maybe > 2 years ago.  The room was well appointed but was rather bland.  I cannot actually imagine what a non-renovated room will look like.

Some of the main differences (rather minimum) between a deluxe and Premium room are Premium rooms have a Nespresso machine, high floor and slightly larger floor space.

Apart from that, there was a kettle and tea bags (TWG) and mini bar (fridge was filled).  Bottled water was provided every day (I am not sure if this was based on status/room type/usual amenity).  

Internet speed was good and reliable, only what I don't really understand is why it was only valid for 24 hours before I had to re-log in again (this happens also at more properties).  This is of course a small incovenience, but I am sure that there are some smarter way to do this based on the length of stay of a guest.  The TV options were as expected from an international hotel with different variations.  It had also the ability to mirror your device to the TV - which is nice.  There were more than sufficient international plugs around the room with some USB charging points too.

The climate control in the room was good and worked well.  The bed quality was ok'ish - but it was clear that the mattress is due for a change as there was clear feel that the 2 sides of the bed have been used frequently (or slept in by a heavy person) with the bump in the middle of the mattrass.  

Bathroom was on the smaller side.  My expectation here (especially with the room price) that they would have at least some high tech toilet with (Japanese) bidet like, but it was just the usual one. [although surprisingly, one of the most water saving that I've seen - seems like less than 1/2 litre water is used with every flush).  The shower area was definitely on the smaller side - as it was quite impossible to dry yourself within the area.  Toiletries were the usual Verbana range.

Other than that, bathrobes and slippers were provided.  Upon request, you could also have evening turndown service.  

As mentioned earlier, the room faced the main street, which I was initially worried about the noise.  However it turned out to be ok.  Yes you will hear cars - but only if they sound their horns or have a muffler - which seems to happen only occasionally once/twice in the morning/night.  Other than that it was ok.  You will hear more noise coming from the people slamming their doors or when walking pass the room to theirs/elevator.

Executive Lounge

The lounge is located on the 22nd floor.  As mentioned earlier, for eligible guest, you can check in/out here and all other arrangements like at the front desk.  [although you will need key card access to reach the floor via the elevator].

The lounge serves breakfast, tea time snacks and evening hors d'oeuvres.  

For breakfast, I was actually rather dissapointed in general - offerings are limited (which is normal) - consisting mainly of western and a couple of asian dishes (mainly dim sum, bao's and fried mee/rice).  This for me would have been sufficient, however what was a dissapointment was that you were not able to order eggs - they only had srambled eggs available.  Therefore due to this I was 'forced' to use the restaurant instead.  I would have preferred to use the lounge as it was much quieter and easier for guests that just need something simple.

I did not have a chance to see what were the offerings for their tea time service, but I would imagine it would just be some pastries and small cakes.

As for the evening spread, it was not too bad - about 4-5 different dishes and a number of salads (including a do it yourself caesar salad), breads, cheese and desserts.  There were always 2 different red wine, 2 white wines and a sparkling wine.  They do offer some basic cocktails - e.g. gin&tonic, etc which staff will be on hand to prepare for you.  Too bad the evening hours is only from 1730-1930/5.30-7.30 pm.  Compared to other lounges, the cheese and dessert options coule be extended to about 8.30/9.00pm.  At this property, they are very precise - at sharp 7.30 pm, everything will be cleared - it was at military precision every time which I was there.  The lounge does get filled up fast during the evening hours. 

This is one of the few lounges that has a dress code implemented - which I can understand, but on the other hand, logic should apply in my opinion when implementing it.  Yes, I would also not like to see people coming in skimpy bikinis, or bath robe, room slippers, but what I fail to understand is if a guest is modestly dressed why are normal slippers not allowed - especially in such a tropical country and most probably half the guests are there on holiday.  

Another irritating point is that it seems the lounge really tries to control every thing - as in if you need any drinks (hot or cold), you will have to request for it from the staff.  This in my opinion is quite incovenient as you will have to find a staff to serve you.  Even small snacks, such as fruits, biscuits, etc are all hidden away after the evening offerings.  I am not sure if they are trying to save or to control the situation.  

The staff working the lounge were in general friendly with a few exceptional ones being more genuine and helpful.

Breakfast

As an elite member, I was given a choice of breakfast at the lounge or at the main restaurant.  Due to the situation in the lounge, I had my breakfast every day at the main restaurant (situated at the Lobby floor).

The breakfast area is of a moderate size and designed more as a study+ living room concept.  On most days, it was not too crowded, and only got slightly more crowded approaching the weekends.  

As for options, it was ok - however if compared to other Hilton properties around the region, than I would have to say it is on the weaker side.  They did have a mix of the different Asian type of food and western food - however choices were very limited.  Even the dim sum items on offer were every day the same items.  For meat options, basically there was close to none on offer except for sausages, bacon and the cold cuts.  I had excepted some asian style cooked meat included but none was available.

Amenities

Although I did not have time to use them, the fitness and pool area did look good and well appointed.

Service

In general, the service at the hotel was good.  If you have travelled with Singapore Airlines, than I would say the service level was close to a copy of what you get - i.e more robotic and following the books rather than coming from the inside.

Most of the staff are friendly and helpful, but there are some staff that were more genuine than the rest.  One of the outstanding one was a petite lady working in the breakfast room, Peggy, which was just exemplary - she was just so geniunely friendly to everyone, and she even remembered how I like my tea (a couple of times informing the server asking me of my choice).  

Overall

All in all, I would say that this property is ok'ish at best especially looking at value point of view and amenities.  I had expected more from such a property (and asking room price) in the level of amenities and delivery of the different items (e.g. breakfast offerings, lounge, etc), elite recognition, etc especially when compared to other Hilton properties in the region where even properties such as the Doubletree can offer much luxurious amenities for a better rate.