With countless Instagram-worthy opportunities at the picturesque Oasia Hotel Downtown, come here for its photogenic interiors and stay for the impeccable service
The canopied daybeds and cushioned lounge chairs overlook the city and Keppel Bay. (Photo: Lynn Yang)
Rising up in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar district, the new Oasia Hotel Downtown stands tall and stark, with vines creeping up its sides. A more whimsical person might muse that it resembles Medusa’s tower or Mordor from The Lord of the Rings.
But its steely façade hides a secret garden oasis, where promises of being refreshed are made — and fulfilled. From the moment we entered the lobby, we knew we were in for a treat at this private haven.
Our Club Room was large and comfortable. (Photo: Far East Hospitality)
Welcome to the club
The dedicated staff receives arrivals at the concierge, and eagerly directs visitors to a separate lobby. Regular guests check in on the reception floor on the 12th level, while Club Room guests can do so on the exclusive Club Floor on the 21st.
As Club guests, besides enjoying a personalised check-in with no queue, we were also spoiled with endless drinks and snacks served at the Club Lounge. The spread included quality brands like European Speculoos cookies, Italian Coralba mineral water, as well as artisan coffee brewed on demand.
Oasia takes care of simpler pleasures as well; who knew that Speculoos could taste so comforting with a humble can of soy milk?
The benefits extend beyond Club Lounge access. In our Club Room, we were offered a premium range of TWG teas, Nespresso coffee-making facilities, Biology bath amenities as well as a restocked mini-bar of Perrier and refreshing coconut water.
The bathroom was stocked with luxurious Biology bath amenities. (Photo: Far East Hospitality)
These made for a pampering stay for us, especially when we began our movie night and didn’t have to worry about heading out for more goodies. The Club reception staff also happily and promptly replenished our toiletries when we requested for it.
Cooling off at the pool
While these privileges could be considered the perfect finishing touch to the staycation, the solid foundation that sets Oasia’s Club benefits apart is access to the infinity pool on the Club Floor.
With canopied daybeds and cushioned lounge chairs overlooking the city and Keppel Bay — not to forget, the free flow of treats from the Club Lounge — one could very well settle in here and call it a day.
Cin Cin bar in the lobby of Oasia Downtown is a haven for gin fans or those simply looking to wind down. (Photo: Far East Hospitality)
Because of its exclusivity, the Club Floor is quiet, roomy and breezy, with few people sharing the space. Its décor leans towards industrial chic, featuring grey walls, wood and copper-toned furniture, giving off an earthy and tranquil vibe.
On the other hand, the twin rooftop pools, which are open to all guests, are a burst of colour with bright adobe brick walls and vibrant lawn chairs. This spot draws in the more outgoing, thanks in part to its quirky swinging egg chairs. It is also very popular with families.
A local cafe in the lobby
Locals will recognise the café in the hotel lobby. The Marmalade Pantry is a local brand that has partnered with Oasia to bring its famous cakes, cupcakes and dishes to travellers and staycationers. Our dinner was a healthy quinoa salad, followed by hearty seafood pasta and a rich and delightful sticky date pudding.
What truly surprised us (and we think this is a must-try), was the Gold Moscato white tea ($7.50), kindly recommended to us by our waiter. Although I had no plans to drink tea in the evening, its sweet herbal aroma enveloped my senses like a warm hug, and I succumbed.
The breakfast spread in the Club Lounge is the same as the one in the lobby, except with more beverage options, barista-brewed coffee and personalised service. (Photo: Pamela Chow)
For breakfast, a basic buffet spread of pastries, salad, eggs and some Asian fare prepared by the hotel was laid out at The Marmalade Pantry. Guests who prefer a heartier meal to start their day can head out to the many other food options dotted around the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood.
For us, we were content with kicking back over coffee and the morning papers back at the Club Lounge. For a truly indulgent staycation, Club Room upgrades — especially with quality service like Oasia’s — are a luxury I’d willingly splurge on.
Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Peck Seah Street.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of Weekender, Issue 156, July 22 – August 4, 2016, with the headline ‘An oasis in the city’.
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