We review Andaz Singapore, the perfect location for work and play in The Lion City

While the Little Red Dot often gets overshadowed by its neighbours like Bali and Malaysia when it comes to vacation destinations, we are big fans of a getaway to Singapore. The dining scene, the colourful neighbourhoods, and the range of unique hotels are always a joy to discover. Recently, we stayed at Andaz Singapore and were impressed by its considered offerings for both business and leisure travellers.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Andaz Singapore review

Hotel: Andaz Singapore
Address: 5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Number of rooms: 347 rooms, including 27 suites
Brand: Andaz / Hyatt
Style: Contemporary, design-led luxury with interiors by André Fu and inspiration drawn from Singapore’s diverse neighbourhoods and heritage
Best for: Couples, food lovers, design enthusiasts, first-time visitors and travellers wanting excellent public transport access
Family amenities: Family rooms and two-bedroom suites, plus cots and extra beds available on request in selected room categories
Wellness facilities: Rooftop infinity pool and 24-hour fitness centre
Dining: Multiple restaurants and bars, including Mr Stork rooftop bar and Alley on 25
Prices starting from: $450SGD per night, depending on room and season.

The first Andaz property to have opened its doors in Southeast Asia, back in 2017, Andaz Singapore overlooks the iconic Marina Bay from the top floors of the 39-storey DUO tower on Fraser Street. With Kampong Glam and its golden-domed Sultan Mosque, the colonial buildings of Bras Basah, and the street art and traditional eateries of Little India on its doorsteps, it’s a wonderful base from which to explore the Lion City. Not to mention the hotel is directly connected to Bugis MTR station, making it easy to access all corners of the city, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure.

Upon arrival, I recommend heading to Mr. Stork, the rooftop bar on level 39 to appreciate the sweeping views of the city. It doesn’t open until 5pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends, but you’re welcome to go there earlier just to enjoy a walk around the area. There’s, however, something special about toasting to sunset with an Andaz Summer Ale, brewed locally on Dempsey Hill, or one of the Destination Hyatt cocktails – inspired by the sights and aromas of iconic Hyatt properties, while taking in the 360-degree views.

The vibe

The first thing I noticed when arriving on level 25, where the main reception is located, was the sleek apartment-like interior décor by acclaimed designer André Fu. This lobby feels homey and looks like a living-room rather than a check-in area. I could already picture myself spending a few hours working with a cup of tea, or a glass of wine (choose your weapon!), from the comfortable veranda-like space situated behind the reception desks.

There are playful artworks showcased across the property, such as the stunning The World Traveller steel sculpture by Brazilian artist Andre Mendes, which stretches over levels 26 to 37 in the hotel’s atrium. Combined with locally inspired decorative details, fabric, and furniture, the contemporary design is elevated with cosy, locally-inspired vibes.

The rooms

We stayed in a King Bed City View Corner, Deluxe room, which was an invitation to lounge. You enter the room through a spacious walk-in closet/foyer space. Here, you’re greeted by the main space with floor-to-ceiling windows framing jaw-dropping urban views. It’s also worth mentioning that these panoramic windows are covered with a special filter which doesn’t obstruct the views but helps with energy saving by reducing solar heat by up to 25% during the day.

Vibrant hues of orange and yellow – reminiscent of the neighbouring shophouses – and warm wood tones contribute to a welcoming feel, which we enjoyed coming back to daily. So did the sitting area with a daybed and a round table. The working desk also offered a great space with plenty of power outlets. In a nutshell, this room was a perfect choice for both lounging and working. And it happens that I needed to do both.

The spacious bathroom also deserves a mention with its walk-in rain shower and abundant natural light. The refillable toiletries (which should be the norm by now, if you ask us) are by French perfumer Christophe Laudamiel, who has specially created the scent Singapore Fusion #19 as a fragrant homage to the local nooks that are Arab Street, Kampong Glam, and Singapore Botanic Gardens. What’s more, the bathroom is fitted with a special tap for drinking water in an effort to limit single-use plastic consumption. All you have to do is take the cool water bottle offered by the hotel and fill it yourself.

Eats & drinks

You won’t be left hungry or thirsty when staying at Andaz Singapore. There are a total of five restaurants and bars serving a wide range of cuisines. We’ve already mentioned Mr. Stork, the rooftop bar where you can also enjoy bar bites such as truffle fries and Karaage chicken. Libations are also on the menu at Bar Square, the lobby bar on the reception level, which offers a beautiful selection of wine by the glass. As the popularity of non-alcoholic spirits and wines is rising, we were also pleasantly surprised to find a substantial selection of Seedlip and Melati-based cocktails at Mr. Stork and a few non-alcoholic wines at Bar Square.

The tantalising breakfast is served buffet-style at Alley on 25, the hotel’s all-day dining venue featuring several cooking stations. Make sure to check every corner of the space, as various buffets, including a satay station, the à la minute egg counter, and the continental bread and pastries buffet, are scattered across several rooms, and it’s easy to miss things! On the same level, you’ll also find 5 ON 25 – a refined Cantonese restaurant.

Although not a typically local experience, we appreciated our lunch at 665°F. This steakhouse specialises in prime meats complemented with panoramic city views and an extensive wine offering. You can expect perfectly executed steakhouse signatures such as crab cakes, Caesar salad, and prime cuts of beef from Japan, the US, and Australia grilled in a Pira charcoal oven.

And if you’re still craving more, know that soft drinks from the in-room mini bar are complimentary, and so are the locally sourced snacks, which are replenished daily. We challenge you not to snack on the chilli popcorn.

It’s also worth mentioning that all food menus incorporate vegetarian options including dishes using the ImpossibleTM plant-based meat substitute.

Extra bits

The hotel’s gym, on level 38, is well equipped in terms of machines but doesn’t leave much space if you’re more of a mat training person. The infinity pool, on level 25, is flanked by sun beds and lush greenery, and a refreshing dip here – overlooking the Marina Bay – offers a quintessential taste of the Garden City.

Speaking of gardens, we were pleasantly surprised to find a small one in this hotel. The area next to the pool is planted with herbs, vegetables, and fruit, making it the highest herb garden in the city. Here you can wander amidst greenery, stop and smell the aromatic herbs that are harvested for use at Alley on 25 and in some of the cocktails.

Frequently asked questions: Andaz Singapore