InterContinental Singapore review: After the multi-million dollar refurbishment

THE PLACE

InterContinental Singapore

THE LOCATION

In the heart of the Bugis and Bras Basah arts and culture districts, the hotel is within walking distance of Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India. Next door is Bugis Junction shopping complex, Singapore's first glass-covered airconditioned shopping mall, and the Bugis MRT station.

THE SPACE

Fresh from a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the hotel now has a more elegant, residential feel. The lobby features a concierge lounge modelled on a living room from the local Peranakan culture and the impressive two-storey lobby lounge is a graceful marriage of colonial charm (think soaring columns and crystal chandeliers) and Asian vibrancy (colourful mosaic tiles and delicate chinaware). Upgrade to a Club InterContinental package and you get a raft of additional benefits including dedicated check-in, free local calls and access to the Club Lounge, an elegant sanctuary that serves breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails with hors d'oeuvres. Service shifts up a notch, too, with a more proactive, personalised approach.

THE ROOM

All 338 rooms in the hotel's main tower have been updated and feature silk-threaded wall panels, intricate wooden fretwork and colourful silk headboards. The colour scheme is all-white with gold and duck egg blue highlights, giving the rooms a graceful, if slightly anonymous feel. There are a few heritage touches, such as a lacquered black and gold mini-bar and some traditional block print detailing, but overall the styling is more restrained than in the public spaces. The marble bathroom in my deluxe room is spacious with a good-sized bath and separate shower and the room has all the expected gadgetry, including a large LED TV, Nespresso coffee machine and international plugs.