While Singapore has a cosmopolitan charm, the multitude of cultures that thrive speaks volumes of its composite identity. My late-night journey from the airport, a barely 30-minute drive, took me past iconic attractions like Marina Bay, Straits View and Downtown Core. As the dawn cracked, the quiet city-state woke up into its element. Raincoat-clad kids, holding their mothers' hands, embraced the weather. A few waved as my taxi drove past them, and I smiled back, ruminating over the good old days.
As I stepped into this vibrant city on a morning shrouded in showers, finding comfortable accommodation became a priority. My driver educated me about the 'wet phase' in the city-state and how the prolonged rains only add to the allure of Orange Grove Road, where my stay for the next few days, The Standard, was located.
The appealing property is a perfect pick for anyone wanting to experience a mix of luxury and comfort. Emerging as Singapore's most coveted address for travellers, the boutique hotel is a spin on East and West, which comes through most clearly in its dining offerings. While the US-themed "Cafe Standard" is ideal for breakfast and brunch, the Japanese Izakaya-inspired "Kaya" offers signature cocktails like Niji Negroni (Ikigai) or Shizuka Martini (Wabi Sabi). The bar's compact space, with its suave interiors and a blend of green, impresses patrons with its warm vibe.
With 143 rooms and suites across eight floors, the property is ideal for business travellers, who can have corporate meetings without missing out on Singapore's vibe, especially at one of the in-house restaurants. For a leisure traveller like me, the rooms have all the amenities, promising a relaxing stay.
The rooms feature elegant interiors with a pop of yellow, adding a touch of fun. There's a well-stocked minibar, a coffee machine and an expansive window overlooking the pool. Between the Cosy Single Pool View and the Suite Spot Pool View, there are plenty of choices depending on the purpose of your visit. The outdoor swimming pool, semi-buffet breakfast and handpicked art installations enhance your experience further.
Even the food offerings at The Standard are sustainable and simple. Elements like pickling and fermentation are core to its cooking. Leftovers such as garlic peels are also repurposed into food, while most ingredients are sourced from the local markets.
The Standard may not be an ideal fit if you are looking for a high-end luxury experience. However, it certainly qualifies as a comfortable retreat, conveniently located from the airport and ensconced amidst the country's retail heart, Orchard Road. This beautiful boulevard houses premium malls, luxury boutiques, world cuisine and high-end hotels.
The meticulously planned urban infrastructure, frequent public transport and digitised route maps make the journey for solo travellers a little less daunting, as was my case. To commute, I opted for economical options like the bus and metro, which took me to practically every place of interest, thanks to their wider outreach. The friendly locals helped me manoeuvre into Singapore's nook and cranny with their guidance and warmth, sometimes by walking an extra mile to ensure I was safe and secure.
My encounters with people from multiple ethnicities intrigued me to delve into Singapore's history, which has paved the way for the nation-island to emerge as one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world. From an Arya Samaj Mandir to mosques, churches, and gurdwaras, the erstwhile kingdom has a diaspora representing people from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China, and Sri Lanka. Its origin, which dates back to the 14th century, has witnessed colonisers from Britain to Japan, making it transition from a maritime emporium (trading post) to a country with diverse ethnic roots.
Even after separating from Malaysia in 1965, the city-state has Malays as one of the largest ethnic groups. Take, for example, the Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, where you can get a gamut of Malay and Indian produce. Then there is Chinatown, where there is no dearth of tempting delicacies at its food street, replete with traditional favourites like Hainanese chicken rice, noodles and satay. With its Chandni Chowk-like vibe, Little India showcases wedding wear and a bustling food arena offering Indian meals ranging from dosa to biryani, a testament to communal harmony in Singapore.
While 3-days would be too little to explore this happening city, I learnt to be in the moment while breaking bread with strangers over a shared interest in trying new cuisines and "extra extra" hot coffee. From experiencing Delhi-like metro rides to walking tours, my itinerary was practically a set of recommendations from a friend who encouraged me to see Singapore like a local.
Address: The Standard, 12 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258353
Room Tariff: Cosy Single starts at SGD270++ (INR 17,480 onwards) while Standard Twin at SGD280++ (INR 18,120 onwards)
Getting There: The hotel is less than 30 minutes from the airport. Opting for a cab is more convenient as it will drop you to the hotel directly. However, one can also commute via a bus or MRT (Changi Airport MRT/metro service between Terminal 2&3).