Living an Intercontinental Life--Singapura Style
8:15 PM
A unique landmark in the heart of historic Bugis, InterContinental Singapore is Singapore's only Peranakan-inspired luxury hotel.
The Peranakans were often wealthy traders and could afford to indulge their passion for sumptuous furnishings, jewellery and brocades. Their terrace houses were gaily painted, with patterned tiles embedded in the walls for extra decoration. When it came to the interior, Peranakan tastes favoured heavily carved and inlaid furniture.Peranakan dress was similarly ornate. Nonyas (females) wore fabulously embroidered kasot manek (slippers) and kebaya (blouses worn over a sarong), tied with beautiful kerasong brooches, usually of fine filigree gold or silver. Babas (Males), who assumed Western dress in the 19th century, reflecting their wealth and contacts with the British, saved their finery for important occasions such as the wedding ceremony, a highly stylised and intricate ritual dictated by adat (Malay customary law).
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| Intercontinental Singapore Drop Off Area |
Intercontinental Singapore is located at 80 Middle Road in Bugis area.Having stayed here I actually found the location of the hotel still convenient in proximity to Orchard road as cabs are relatively easy to find. The train station is connected to the mall to which The Intercontinental is attached to, so that is also within easy access of the hotel.
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| Bugis Junction |
The immediate proximity is great. There is a major mall right by this hotel. While the shops are everywhere, there’s lots to see and do here. There are some older buildings, and a bazaar type market that are unique. There are also tonnes of restaurants in the area as well as plenty of local shopping. Take note of the design of Bugis Junction as well. They encased the “street stall” area so the courtyard is air conditioned. Very cool!
From Holiday Inn Atrium, we straightly gone to our next hotel stop, Intercontinental Hotel Singapore. It took us about 10-15 minutes cab drive. Right after the cab pulled over to hotel's entrance, a hotel staff readily offered a big smile and took the luggage for us, I said hello while I'm handing our cab fare of 8-10 Singapore Dollars.
The hallways, corridors and lobby area were very grand and the setting allows for a very luxurious ambiance. It was very impressive. We're just in time for check-in, although there's a bit delay since there are guest who are checking out at the same time. We waited patiently for our turn and seated on the seat available and admired the old inspired luxury hotel. I handed our passports to front desk staff and given our key access card after signing some sheets. One of the hotel staff lead our way to our reserved room... the shophouse suite on the club level.
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| Elevators |
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| Grand Staircase |
Our room is located on the second floor which means that you can use the elevator or their elegant staircase, whichever you prefer. I tried both and I guarantee you; you'll get to second level no matter what. *winks*
After the trip through the elevator or the staircase you'll be passing this elegant hallway overlooking to grandiose lobby lounge area
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| the lounge |
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| Club Intercontinental |
On our way to our room, we passed by the Club Intercontinental Exclusive Lounge. If you're staying at one of the club rooms or paying the club benefits rate, you'll be able to enjoy this exclusive club lounge. The Club Intercontinental is a exclusive lounge which is very stylish, light filled and residential in style, the new Club InterContinental lounge redefines luxury for all esteemed guests. Reflecting the style and heritage of early Singapore, Club InterContinental will provide the guests with the business facilities and a dedicated Concierge service that is committed to attend to guest's need.
Some benefits are...
| • | Private hotel check-in and check-out at Club InterContinental lounge |
| • | Peranakan welcome tea service upon check-in |
| • | A library featuring Peranakan literature at Club InterContinental lounge |
| • | Daily breakfast from 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. |
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| Hallway of the Club Rooms level |
| Being in Singapore, the entire city is incredibly secure, even so you will feel very safe within the confines of this hotel. The security is top notch. Just like their rooms on the club level. It is located on a secluded part of the building. You can only enter on the club wing with their special key access card who are given to guest staying on the said level. FYI Most of club floors or executive lounge of Intercontinental hotels are located on the top floor except for the Intercontinental Singapore. Why?! Because... Because I said so... Hahaha! A hotel insider said that it's because of the Peranakan lifestyle. Traders back in old years wanted their room just on the second floor so they can see what's happening in the trading area. Now you know! apir!
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A unique architectural feature of old Singapore, Shophouses along Malay and Malabar Streets hark back to 1920s Singapore where Peranakan merchants and their families lived on the upper floors of their businesses.
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| The old french door at the work area |
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| bedroom with 2 double beds |
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| living room area |
Décor reminiscent of Peranakan culture and lifestyle is also infused in each of our Shophouses. Framed tiles, intricate bed headboard and tea cabinets with carvings of peonies and bats harmoniously marry Chinese Art with Malay style to give a glimpse into the old days of Peranakan shophouse living.
I think the shophouse rooms is one of the most charming aspect of the hotel and one of the reason to stay. It over looks a unique mall street which is not excessively noisy. However some business travelers really wants serenity and peace on their stay to finish work, fortunately the hotel have another wing to accommodate guest who needs peace and quiet. A simple request that the hotel can't say no, as long as it's available! Why not?! Coconut! *winks*:D
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| view from our room |
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| Shophouse inspired salon adjacent to our room |
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| the bugis junction--Malay Street |
Very Clean and cozy rooms. Pillow menu was Fabulous very IMPRESSIVE. We slept very well and the bed and linens are SUPER COMFORTABLE. Soooo comfy that i want one in my own room!! hehehe! Even the bed runner is in peranakan style.
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| Boob Tube in the bedroom |
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| another television in the living room |
ENTERTAINMENT
Cable / Satellite TV
Color TV
In Room Movies - Pay Per View
Sound System
Stereo
Color TV
In Room Movies - Pay Per View
Sound System
Stereo
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| Tea and Coffee Making Facilities/Mini Bar |
REFRESHMENT / KITCHEN
Mini Bar
Mini Refrigerator
Tea Maker
Mini Refrigerator
Tea Maker
DATA SERVICES
Analog Dial-up
High-speed Internet Access
PC
High-speed Internet Access
PC
WORKSPACE / DESK
Meeting Room, complimentary
Work Desk w/ Lamp
Desk Level Electrical Outlet
Electrical Adapters Available
Spare Electrical Outlet at Desk
Work Desk w/ Lamp
Desk Level Electrical Outlet
Electrical Adapters Available
Spare Electrical Outlet at Desk
BATHROOM / PERSONAL CARE
Bathrobe
Bathtub
Dressing Room
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Scale
Bathtub
Dressing Room
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Scale
Bathroom is big and very good size with quality shampoo, lotion, shower gel and to the extend good quality disposable toothbrush. We loved it, and ENJOYED our stay.
The hotel offer several restaurants on-site. It offers different type of cuisine that will cater to multi-cultural guests. One of their restaurant is...
Olive Tree Restaurant
Offering all-day dining with ala carte menus and an extensive array of international cuisine on the buffet selection, award-winning restaurant Olive Tree is the perfect setting for any business lunches or intimate dinners.
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| Lunch Buffet: 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. | |||||||||||||||
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Weekend International High Tea:
12.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. | |||||||||||||||
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Luxuriate with their spa facilities, outdoor swimming or simply relax at the roof garden. If the need for an adrenaline surge hits you, check out our 24-hour gymnasium. Complete with the latest cardio and weights equipment, they have qualified trainers who are on hand to customize a workout programme just for the guest. | |
This is a super hotel. Elegant, classy, clean, and comfortable room. Excellent location -- easy walk to the Quays, shopping area next door, restaurants nearby, subway right there. Very professional staff, beautiful facility. What more can I say?! Two thumbs up!
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