Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Holiday Inn City Centre is one hidden gem of a hotel that overdelivers in every areas that guest value – great beds, great showers and genuine service with a contemporary look. Despite being near key shopping areas e.g. Centrepoint, Somerset 313, it is surprisingly quiet, thanks to it being located just off the beaten track near Cuppage Terrace.

Holiday Inn City Centre’s recent multi-million dollar refurbishment is felt right from the start when you check-in at the reception – spacious lobby coupled with classy crystal chandeliers and friendly hotel staff just makes you feel so at ease with the hotel.

The Deluxe Suite is a whole new experience in itself. Each room (not just the deluxe suite) is equipped with modern amenities such as wired & wireless broadband Internet access, Stereo Audio iPod Docking station with AM/FM Radio and Dual Alarm Clock System and of course the large 37″ LCD TV. Everything is thoughtfully set up even down to the Universal Power Sockets which cater to power plugs of any countries (no more fumbling around with universal adaptors).

The refurbishment even extends right to the bathroom (now termed the Bath Zone). The new Bath Zone takes on a fresh new feel, with improved features such as enhanced showerheads and superior water pressure combining to create invigorating and refreshing experiences – just what one needs after a long time of shopping along Singapore’s most famous shopping belt – Orchard Road. The bathroom amenities are just excellent with a complete set of shampoo, shower gel to provide you with a clean and refreshing wash. Had too much to eat? – check out your weight with the electronic weighing machine right in the privacy of your Bath Zone. These are just some examples to illustrate that Holiday Inn’s refurbishment is more than just a cosmetic makeover of the hotel but also the added thoughtfulness and desire to be customer-centric.

Even magazines are provided based on your preference – if you are an avid traveller (like us) and Holiday Inn knew about this (perhaps from your previous stay with them), you will have CNNTraveler and various travel magazines prepared just for you.

The most important thing of any hotel experience is of course the bed! This is an area that Holiday Inn is most proud of – just like the bathroom with its own branding; the bedroom also gets it own branding – termed the Bed Zone. The Bed Zone is where guests can enjoy the best possible rest with premium bedding and a choice of soft and firm pillows for a peaceful sleep. Yes you read me right! There is a choice for you – pillows are differentiated by Soft and Firm; perfect for guests with different preferences. They take the guesswork out by clearly indicating which pillows are soft or firm. This level of thoughtfulness is unparalleled in any hotels I had stayed in and trust me – I have stayed in a number of hotels, local and overseas.

Just like the hotel itself, the Windows on the Park restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre also underwent a major refurbishment. The popular all-day dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner has opted for a bright, lively contemporary look. You can enjoy the very best of Asian and International cuisine at this restaurant, which overlooks the Istana grounds and is filled with natural lighting, making dining here a delightful experience. If you are here for lunch buffet, one dish you must try is the chicken rice – simply one of the best in Singapore. The buffet, be it breakfast or lunch offers a wide selection of international cuisine and its dessert station is one of the best too – you can enjoy French crepes with ice-cream or even waffles with the chocolate fondue.

Remember the thoughtfulness of the hotel’s amenities I kept mentioning about, I was surprised that it doesn’t end with the room – even at the restaurant itself, you find a small play corner for kids! Perfect for parents planning to enjoy the wide selection of buffet food without having to keep an eye on their kids at all times. The play corner keeps the kids occupied and the staff watches over them to ensure that they don’t slip out of the restaurant.

For more info on Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre, check out: http://www.holidayinn.com/sin-orchard