Orchard Road’s newest hotel has recently opened to welcome guests, and it’s one with Hollywood roots. With a name like The Standard, there can only be one of two outcomes – it either sets the, well, standard for other hotels in Singapore’s central shopping district, or risks falling short of its ambitious name in an unfortunate case of irony (see also: café in Singapore called Average Service).
Upon Googling images of the hotel along Orange Grove, I was initially a tad doubtful. I could already tell that this wasn’t a particularly sprawling hotel, and while modern as advertised, it didn’t seem to have any standout features – no gym, club lounge, spa and the like.
Yet, curious to find out what exactly it is that makes The Standard brand so popular around the world with a presence in more than 10 cities including New York, Ibiza, and Miami, I packed a bag for a one-night stay with no expectations. The short verdict? Whoever was doing the initial stock photography for the hotel certainly didn’t do it justice, and there’s lots more to discover in person. Read on for our full review of The Standard, Singapore.
About The Standard hotel group
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
The very first Standard Hotel was unveiled along the Sunset Strip in Hollywood back in 1999. That debut branch has since closed as of a couple of years back, but the brand now exists in multiple cities. Each Standard property has its own unique touches, so no two are the same. For example, the one in London has a red pill elevator facing the street, while the Maldives’ version is a beach villa paradise with an over-water bar.
The first indication of The Standard, Singapore not being your typical hotel is its trademark red upside-down signage at the entrance – a cheeky little prelude of the quirkiness that lies beyond the hotel’s otherwise steely exterior. Entering the lobby, we were met with mid-century modern interiors and little surprises like metal animal sculptures, shelves of art books, and a transparent check-in counter that doubles up as a faux terrarium. This lobby leads directly to The Garden, a communal green terraced outdoor space with seats and hammocks for chilling out at – at least when it’s not scorching hot.
Rooms at The Standard, Singapore
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
We stayed in a Standard King Pool View room, which at 23 square metres was perfect for two. The decor style here is clean and contemporary – nothing specific to shout about, but at the same time, we have no complaints. Davines bath products are provided in the very yellow, retro-esque bathrooms, though do note that none of the room categories including the suites come with bath tubs. Each room also comes with a Nespresso machine, 50-inch smart TV, and an Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Bluetooth speaker, and you’re able to request hypoallergenic pillows and a hair straightener too.
Food and drink options at The Standard, Singapore
Dining options within the hotel are rather limited as there are only two in-house F&B establishments, but both are worth the calories. Either way, plenty of other eateries exist in a five to 10-minute radius since you’re in the middle of Singapore’s top mall hub. If you plan on staying in, however, here’s what you can expect from Kaya and Café Standard.
Kaya – Japanese restaurant-bar at The Standard
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
You’re probably thinking of the traditional egg-based toast spread, but Kaya at The Standard isn’t one of those mod-Sin eateries. Instead, it’s short for ‘izakaya’, serving up Japanese flavours with modern flair – burnt karaage ($18), anago fry ($26), and gyu tan ($28) are some of the many. The drinks also have a similar Japanese-forward flavour profile, with signature cocktails like the Niji Negroni ($25) infused with yuzu umeshu and sakura tea Roku Gin; and Wagashi Harmony ($25) with notes of milk oolong Suntory Whisky, coconut milk, matcha, hojicha, and black sesame.
This is also where we had our a la carte buffet breakfast the next morning. We love how all the cooked items like eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, and laksa come in mini portions so that you can sample a little bit of everything without getting too full.
Café Standard – stacked burgers and salads
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
Located within the hotel’s lobby lounge is Café Standard, an all-day dining concept that serves a lean selection of salads (from $16) and stacked burgers (from $22), along with a sizeable list of cocktails, spiked milkshakes, bottled beer, coffee, matcha concoctions and 10 types of brewed tea. We highly recommend The Standard Burger ($24), which is everything a great burger should be: hot-pressed beef patties with melted cheese, chimichurri mayo, and a heaping of shoestring fries. Portions are hefty, so order with restraint.
Swimming pool at The Standard, Singapore
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
The swimming pool at The Standard, Singapore more or less serves its purpose – enough length for a good round of laps, poolside daybeds, in-water deck chairs, and a semi-shaded swim-up bar with overhanging greenery. Not sure how I feel about the pool being in direct view of neighbouring Shangri-La’s multitude of rooms, though. Even without anyone looking out, I would very much prefer to have a little more privacy while basking in a swimsuit.
Gym equipment at The Standard, Singapore
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
There isn’t a full-fledged gym here. But fitness buffs who absolutely need to work those muscles can tide themselves over with the free weights, yoga mats, exercise balls and resistance bands at The Garden. You can also sign up for a free free yoga session, happening every alternate Friday morning.
Should you book a stay at The Standard, Singapore?
Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
First impressions aren’t always last impressions, and so I stand corrected – The Standard, Singapore really isn’t to be judged by its outer appearances and certainly offers a breath of fresh air amidst the other more dated hotels in the area. With prices starting from under $300 per night, it’s also easier on the wallet compared to its other Orchard counterparts.
That said, it falls short with regards to having certain facilities such as bath tubs, a spa, club lounge, and proper gym. If you’re seeking all the trimmings for a pampering fix, this probably isn’t the place for you. But for those who appreciate art, out-of-the-ordinary details, lots of seamless communal spots and – dare we say – photo opportunities, The Standard, Singapore is a fun, trendy, and non-standard boutique hotel that you can’t really go wrong with.
The Standard, Singapore
Address: 12 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258353
Price per night: ~$289 per night
Closest MRT station: Orchard (15-minute walk, 5-minute drive)
Find out more about The Standard, Singapore and make your booking here.