The Workation Guide Part 2: Singapore’s best luxury hotel stays for business travellers

From cutting-edge business facilities and co-working lounges to world-class nightlife, personalised wellness services, luxury sleep packages, and curated cultural experiences, Singapore’s hospitality industry is evolving to meet the diverse needs of both locals and global travellers.

In this three-part series, senior features editor Chelsia Tan explores how nine hotels are enhancing their offerings across three key pillars: Work, Play, and Live.

Part Two spotlights three of Singapore’s top international hotel chains.

Amid an increasingly competitive hospitality scene, these internationally renowned hotel chains are stepping up their game with refreshed interiors, stylish new restaurants and bars, and enhanced wellness offerings and MICE facilities.

Grand Hyatt Singapore

10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211

Following an extensive two-year makeover, the Grand Hyatt Singapore finally reopened its doors in August 2024. The refurbishment reinforces the Green Mark Platinum-certified hotel’s commitment to sustainable hospitality, with eco-friendly utilities and advanced waste management systems woven into its operations.

Design-wise, lush greenery and the introduction of five exclusive Garden Studios – suites that open directly onto the hotel’s first-floor garden – establish the Grand Hyatt as an urban oasis.

Accessibility

Grand Hyatt Singapore is located in the heart of Orchard Road, just mere steps away from an underground pass leading to Orchard MRT. Nuff’ said.

Room with a view

Alas, the Garden Studios weren’t available for review during my stay. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my room – the 42 sqm 1 King Bed – which featured a spacious bathroom and essential amenities, including a coffee machine. Instead of a traditional desk, the room offered a cosy nook with a daybed – perfect for a bit of R&R while racing to meet deadlines.

Service

Professional, pleasant, and composed – even when confronted by an extremely disgruntled guest. I watched the front-desk staff handle a tense situation with absolute aplomb, staying calm despite being shouted at. But really, please don’t yell at the concierge.

Wine and dine

You’ll be spoiled for choice at the Grand Hyatt, which is home to a diverse range of dining and nightlife options – from the halal buffet restaurant Straits Kitchen to the fine dining hotspot Le Pristine Singapore, Martini Bar, and nightlife venue Brix, among others.

One standout is Pete’s Place, a beloved institution serving comforting Italian fare since 1973. The semi-buffet lunch ($62) – featuring a generous spread of appetisers and desserts, along with a choice of main course – is a real treat. I opted for the tomato-based spaghetti conchiglie cioppino ($58, a la carte), which came loaded with a flavourful medley of half Boston lobster, prawns, scallops, clams, and mussels.

I had to pace myself for dinner at Oasis, where the hearty BBQ Sharing Platter ($88++ per adult) was nothing short of a feast. Piled high with surf and turf favourites – Italian pork sausage, bone-in beef, barramundi fillet, tiger prawns, lamb, and marinated chicken – it’s the kind of meal worth skipping lunch for. And that’s just the beginning. 

The spread also includes starters like fresh oysters, prawn cocktails, and salads; sides such as stir-fried vegetables; and indulgent desserts like profiteroles and sugar donuts. A food coma is 100 per cent guaranteed. The restaurant was also highly accommodating when it came to dietary restrictions, including seafood allergies and lactose intolerance.

Rest and relax

Wellness is another key focus at the refreshed Grand Hyatt Singapore. Damai Spa’s new Mind Body Wellness programme offers three signature treatments designed to restore balance and vitality: The Recovery (120 min), aimed at easing fatigue and jet lag; The Waves (120 min), a personalised detox that uses sound frequencies and therapeutic vibration to release tension and mental sluggishness; and The Awakening (60 min), a meditative reset using vibroacoustic therapy and calming soundscapes.

I tried The Recovery, which combines far-infrared heat, negative air ion therapy, and LED light therapy. The treatment begins with a session inside an MRI-like cabin, accompanied by an intense head and neck massage. Fair warning: the heat can feel overwhelming, but the duration can be adjusted based on your comfort level. 

This is followed by a helmet-like device that delivers negative air ion and LED light therapy. Despite the brightness, I found the experience deeply soothing and restorative – and left feeling noticeably more rejuvenated afterwards.

Good for b-leisure?

Hands down. Those seeking work-life balance will find no shortage of ways to achieve it at Grand Hyatt Singapore. From wellness treatments and fitness classes at Damai Spa to lush workspaces with sweeping city views on the rooftop garden, the hotel is designed with the modern workation in mind.

For corporate groups, stress relief comes in the form of Wellness Breaks for Groups – guided meditation and relaxation sessions tailored to help teams recharge and stay focused. For solo travellers, the hotel offers wellness support through the Headspace app, making it easy to practise mindfulness at your own pace.

Hilton Singapore Orchard

333 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238867

Hilton Singapore Orchard stands as the flagship hotel in Asia Pacific, boasting a massive 1,080 rooms and suites across 13 room categories. Sustainability is a core focus: The group recently introduced Meetings, Elevated – an initiative that features climate-conscious menus, collaborations with eco-driven brands, and tools to help organisations measure the environmental impact of their events.

Accessibility

The hotel is directly connected to Mandarin Gallery, offering easy access to upscale shopping and a range of dining options. Conveniently located between Orchard and Somerset MRT stations, it also guarantees seamless connectivity for guests exploring the city.

Room with a view

The King City Deluxe Room offers a stunning view of the city, with Marina Bay Sands visible in the distance. Although the hotel relocated to its current premises in 2022, it’s impeccably well maintained. The furnishings are sleek, and the green and grey tones create a calming, contemporary atmosphere. The chaise lounge by the window and the convertible sofa bed also double up as excellent work spots.

Service

It was a thoughtful touch to have the housekeeping staff check in to ensure the room was to my satisfaction, and I found the on-property messaging service incredibly handy and convenient. Expanded to over 7,000 Hilton properties worldwide at the end of 2024, the service allows guests to make requests – from late check-outs to extra pillows – via WhatsApp, SMS, and other messaging platforms.

In my case, I had a minor issue with the bathroom sink, which was promptly resolved while I was away for a work event – a seamless and efficient experience.

Wine and dine

There are four dining options: Californian-Italian restaurant Osteria Mozza, chicken rice specialist Chatterbox, buffet restaurant Estate, and cocktail lounge Ginger.Lily. 

I had dinner with a friend at Osteria Mozza, and despite the busy Friday night crowd, the wait staff were attentive and accommodating when we requested a change of seats. If you’re planning to catch up with a friend, the semi-outdoor area is a better bet – it’s more relaxed and noticeably quieter.

We had the Signature Tasting Menu by celebrity chef Nancy Silverton, a five-course meal ($100++ per person) available for dinner only. If you want a lowdown of her “greatest hits,” this is it. The smoked burrata and peas with crunchy, finely julienned snow pea pods, smoky and tender chargrilled porcini-rubbed short ribs, and the impeccably fresh sea bream – crispy on the skin and soft underneath – are instant hits.

I couldn’t resist ordering the pizza – after all, Osteria Mozza is known for its wood-fired pies. I went with the tomato-based Meat Lover ($45), topped with salami, bacon, mozzarella, and Fresno chiles. Unfortunately, it was a little disappointing; the crust was tough and hard to chew, and the pizza overall leaned too heavily on the salty side.

Good for b-leisure?

There are 16 event venues across 2,400 sqm, including two ballrooms and the largest Executive Lounge in Singapore at 790 sqm, which seats over 200 guests. The Executive Lounge provides a quiet, well-equipped space for remote work, complete with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a complimentary boardroom for executive guests.

I took a quick midday break at the lounge before a work event and found it well-stocked with mini sandwiches, pastries, and a selection of coffee and tea. It’s also a great spot to ease into the day – a calm alternative to the busy breakfast crowd if you prefer a quieter start.

For MICE events, there is the Smart Oasis on level 5, which features interlinked meeting rooms with a zen-like indoor courtyard, a communal lounge, and an open pantry, and the Smart Studio on level 8, which has five meeting rooms and can seat up to 40 guests. 

Pan Pacific Orchard

10 Claymore Road, Singapore 229540

Named “the world’s best new skyscraper” in 2024 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Pan Pacific Orchard was inspired by the concept of a “garden hotel”. 

Tucked away in this 23-storey building are three lush sky terraces – a beach terrace, garden terrace, cloud terrace. Located on the 19th floor, the Cloud terrace resembles the iconic Supertree Grove at Gardens By The Bay, and is an extension of a 400-seat ballroom and event lawn.

Accessibility

It’s a 16-minute walk to Orchard MRT, which cuts through various malls and underground passes.

Room with a view

Perched on the 10th floor, the Beach Terrace Balcony King has a cosy, glass-to-ceiling balcony that overlooks the beach terrace. It’s large enough to fit a sofa and coffee table, making it a comfy temporary workspace should you choose to spend the workday in the room. Bonus: The room is scented with a refreshing mango Thai lime scent by Jo Loves, a fragrance brand by Jo Malone.

Personally, I’d park myself at the Pacific Club lounge on level 11, which serves breakfast from 7am to 10.30am ($38++), afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm ($50++), and cocktails and canapes from 6pm to 8pm ($80++). 

You’ll be getting your money’s worth, because the selection includes a delectable spread of cakes, cheeses and charcuterie, and breakfast staples like waffles, bacon and sausages, scrambled eggs, and more.

Service

The Pan Pacific Orchard team is unfailingly polite and ready to assist anyone who is wandering around the lobby. Need a quick break in between meetings? Have a refreshing mocktail at Pacific Breeze. We recommend the virgin mojito ($12), which reminds us of jamu, a traditional Javanese health drink. Feeling stressed? The head bartender will put you at ease with his affable personality.

Wine and dine

Besides Pacific Breeze and the Pacific Club Lounge, the property also houses restaurants and bars such as Mosella and Florette. I had both lunch and dinner at Mosella, and it didn’t disappoint. 

If you’re after a work lunch that won’t leave you in a food coma, try the hamachi tiradito ($26) – a ceviche-style dish that whets the appetite – or the tempura-style zucchini flowers ($32), served with cheese and truffle honey. For mains, you can’t go wrong with the black cod ($48), perfectly seared and paired with asparagus and green peas. 

Come dinnertime, I opted for the indulgent beef rossini ($58): tender Black Angus beef tenderloin, cooked medium rare, topped with a generous portion of foie gras, and finished with a rich port wine sauce.

Rest and relax

A dip at the beach terrace pool, designed to resemble a verdant lagoon, is a nice respite from the monotony of the work day. Otherwise, you could pop into St. Gregory Spa for a quick massage. There are 30- and 60 minute neck-and-shoulder massages for a lunchtime quickie. But if you have time to spare, the 70-min jet lag relief, which includes a back, foot and scalp massage, will do the trick.

For an after-work treat, the Relaxing Aromatic Body Bliss – a one-hour Swedish massage infused with essential oils – is perfect for easing the tension of a day spent at your desk.

Good for b-leisure?

Centrally located on Orchard Road and equipped with all the essentials for a short work trip – including complimentary laundry for two pieces of clothing per room per day for Pacific Club guests – it’s hard to ask for more.