A green gateway in the heart of the Lion City

Times of Oman

14 hours ago

There are hotels you stay in, and then there are those that stay with you. voco Orchard Singapore, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium collection, is firmly the latter.
Tucked along the storied boulevard of Orchard Road — Singapore's glittering epicentre of commerce, fashion, and culture — this stylish hotel offers far more than just location. It's a refined experience that fuses sustainability, smart design, culinary flair, and cultural inclusivity into a memorable stay for travellers from around the world — particularly guests from the Middle East.
I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at this vibrant property, and what stood out was how effortlessly it balanced comfort with consciousness. In a city known for its forward-thinking spirit, voco Orchard Singapore manages to feel both intimate and innovative in Lion City's most iconic shopping and lifestyle belt.
A warm welcome with a green soul
Singapore is a city of contrasts — lush greenery and towering skyscrapers, heritage shop houses and gleaming malls. voco Orchard Singapore fits right in.
From the moment I stepped into the lobby, greeted by the scent of citrus grapefruit and pink peppercorn — a tribute to the area's historic orchards — I sensed this wasn't your typical business hotel.
voco Orchard Singapore is designed with intention: filtered water taps in every room replace plastic bottles; stylish non-smoking signage are crafted from reused chopsticks; bedding is plush yet sustainable. These aren't gimmicks. They're thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions that create a lighter footprint without sacrificing comfort.
'Sustainability is not a marketing slogan for us — it's our DNA,' explains Vikram Mujumdar, General Manager of voco Orchard Singapore 'We want our guests to experience a sense of responsibility woven into a unique experience they've come for.'
That intention comes through in subtle ways: biodegradable straws at the bar, bulk-size amenities from Apotheke in the bathrooms, and the conscious selection of MSC graded seafood that is served in their restaurants. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose.
Designed for business, perfect for leisure
While the hotel has a clear green conscience, it doesn't forget the needs of modern travellers —especially those from the Middle East looking for both comfort and cultural connection.
voco Orchard Singapore's 423 rooms and suites offer sleek, spacious accommodation with intuitive design. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Orchard MRT station, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure guests. Singapore's financial district is easily accessible, as are major event venues and embassies.
For corporate travellers, there's over 1,914 square metres of meeting and event space equipped with the latest technology. But what I appreciated most was the ease with which the hotel blends work and play. After long days of sightseeing, I could unwind at the rooftop pool or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens.
A culinary playground above the city
Dining at voco Orchard Singapore is not just about meals — it's an experience of flavours, culture, and creativity. The hotel's dining venues are exceptional in both quality and diversity, each offering a distinct identity.
The newly refreshed Opus Bar & Grill is a highlight. Known as one of Singapore's top steakhouses, it has recently unveiled an inspired dinner menu curated by Executive Chef Dean Bush and Chef de Cuisine Edwin Tan — both alumni of Singapore's most respected kitchens. Their ingredient-first philosophy is evident in every dish: from crab cakes enriched with caramelised miso aioli to the fork-tender octopus with mojo verde and golden baby potatoes.
The main attraction, though, is the grill. With prime cuts like Stockyard Angus 200-day grain-fed ribeye and Sanchoku Wagyu ribeye, every bite is smoky, juicy perfection. For sharing, the Longhorn Bone-in Dry-aged Beef is a showstopper — robust in flavour and grilled to excellence.
Yet the menu doesn't forget vegetarian diners either, offering delights like smoked napa cabbage with burnt onion purée and Josper-grilled aubergine with herb pesto. This kind of inclusive attention to detail is what elevates the dining experience.
Beyond Opus, there's il Cielo, an elegant rooftop Italian restaurant that pairs authentic dishes with breathtaking skyline views, and D9 Cakery, famed for its artisanal patisserie (don't miss the D9 American cheesecake).
The exclusive Club Lounge offers a more intimate setting for cocktails, canapés, and conversation.
A home away from home for Middle Eastern guests
For travellers from the Middle East — especially Oman — voco Orchard Singapore offers a welcoming space that understands and respects cultural nuances. The hotel provides halal dining options, prayer facilities on request, and a team trained in cultural sensitivity, ensuring guests feel seen, respected, and comfortable.
This hospitality is more than surface-deep. It's rooted in Singapore's historical ties with Oman.
Muscat Street, named after Oman's capital, lies not far away from the hotel and is a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities — now sister cities in a formal partnership.
'We have a deep appreciation for our Middle Eastern guests,' says Mujumdar. 'From Muscat to Singapore, there's a bond that runs through both countries. We hope guests from the region feel that connection during their stay with us.'
This genuine warmth is what transforms voco OrchardSingapore from an indulgent stay into a cultural experience. It's also why the hotel is seeing increasing numbers of Middle Eastern guests — both business travellers and families — who are drawn not only by the comfort but by the thoughtful hospitality that makes them feel at home.
Explore the best of Singapore from one central address
Location is everything in a city like Singapore, and voco Orchard Singapore delivers. It places you within easy reach of the island's most iconic landmarks: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and of course, Orchard Road's dazzling stretch of luxury boutiques and flagship stores.
For nature lovers, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are just 3km away — a tranquil escape perfect for a morning walk or an afternoon picnic. For cultural enthusiasts, neighbourhoods like Little India and Haji Lane offer immersive encounters with Singapore's multiethnic heritage.
And when you return to the hotel after a day of discovery, you're greeted with a smile and a scent — reminders that this is more than just a place to rest your head.
The final word: A stay that stays with you
voco Orchard Singapore doesn't try to be everything to everyone — but what it does, it does with style, sincerity, and sustainability. It's a hotel that doesn't just check the boxes of modern luxury but redefines them through an experience that's deeply rooted in place, people, and purpose.
Whether you're traveling from Muscat or Dubai, whether you're here to shop, sightsee, or sign deals, voco OrchardSingapore offers more than a room. It offers a story — one of comfort, care, and cultural connection.
As Mujumdar aptly puts it, 'We're not just offering a hotel stay — we're offering a sense of belonging.'