Hotels

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel review: Singapore has multiple hotels with an atrium (a rarity in new-builds these days), from an interesting era of hotel architecture – forming a cluster of hotels (under different brands) that must be seen as timeless classics. They ought to be listed buildings where there can only be done minimal changes, such as beautifying the interiors. And, admittedly, we can see many great examples of a ‘modern classic’ hotel design inspired by the era of hotels from yesteryear also in new-builds, as well as great refurbishments with utmost consideration of the hotel’s original design and interior.

As indicated in its name – one such hotel in is Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, a property that boasts a refurbished and good-looking hotel bar, as well as a top floor Executive Lounge. Both its architecture and choice of interiors represent a certain era within Singapore’s hospitality.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium in vibrant Robertson Quay area

In 2023, the hotel’s location has also turned more accessible, gifted with a brand new MRT station/line, Havelock, at its doorstep. In a way it was good that the place was previously more “off the radar” as the hotel could then enjoy the hidden gem status and yet be very close to the action – not least Orchard Road, and the CBD. But things keep changing, as every little corner of Singapore is increasingly getting connected to public transportation.

The nearby area is also more vibrant than in earlier days, with more hotels in the Robertson Quay precinct nearby – which is also a residential area with lots of interesting eateries by the river.

And nearby Holiday Inn, which involves a minimum of walking, guests can find the three-storey Great World mall – a cosy neighbourhood shopping centre, where one can relax both indoors and outdoors over wine, food, or coffee. This mall is by Singapore standards ‘boutique’ in size but with great wine shops, grocery stores, fashion etc.

The four-star hotel consists in a wide and black-tinted, round high-rise tower. And as an advantage, this Holiday Inn sits on its own spot in the Tiong Bahru District, where it is surrounded by roads going in different directions. This means that guests can get some unobstructed views in an otherwise densely built downtown Singapore full of high-rise buildings. Therefore, in particular guests who opt for top-floor Executive Lounge access get to enjoy a sweeping vista of the city towards the river.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

The discreet dark interior of the hotel does not reveal much of what’s inside – so it turns into a pleasant surprise, where the fascinating round and curved atrium contributes the hotel’s wow factor big time! It is particularly impressive after dark.

The six glass-encased lift cabins moves up and down along the interior wall and seemingly up into the dark space out there, while the atrium itself is nicely lit, including the lifts and around each level. As a distinct feature of its architecture semi-circled shields protrude from the wall where the lifts start and stop on the ground and first floors.

Looking up at the six lifts out in the open atrium going up and down is quite a sight actually. Above, it feels like infinite darkness, where the supporting pillars ends in the darkness.

At its centre the ground floor, the mood lobby has a lounge area, where high back sofas built-in with blonde wood and have leather padding in pastel green, mustard, and a dark pattern. There are also padded armchairs to sink into, surrounded by large ferns that add a tropical feel.

Dazzling Atrium Bar 317

Other than this, the centre of attention on the ground floor is Atrium Bar 317, which brings a vibrant style to the hotel with its dazzling colours. Besides bar stools, there are designer egg chairs – sort of – in white and orange, and carpets; either in striking blue with white, blue and orange stripes, or in dark blue with yellow and orange stripes. Add to that stylish purple-hued sofas and pillows, round white floor lamps and square black tinted glass tables.

By day, the venue is excellent for discreet business meetings – or social encounters over High Tea (on weekends at the time of writing). At night it transforms into a low-lit, buzzy spot, also with live band entertainment Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30 pm. Premier League screenings are also hosted.

Aside ‘Wines of the month’ special deals Happy Hour is a generous three hours from 4.00 pm daily, with wine at $10++ per house pour (or beer and spirits). The white is a nice Italian Pinot Grigio delle Venezie.

And from the ‘Fancy-Schmancy’ wine list let’s highlight also the Piccini Prosecco Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV; Marqués de Cáceres, Rioja; Famille Perrin Ventoux Rouge, Rhone; Outback Jack Cabernet Merlot; and Lawson’s Dry Hill Pinot Noir – that are all available by the glass.

There are also vibrant ‘Bartender’s Blend Cocktails’ to match the overall bar vibe, including – among others – The English Garden (gin, elderflower liquor, freshly squeezed lime juice, apple juice), Spicy Basil Gin Gin Mule (gin, lemon juice, pepper syrup, ginger beer), Grapefruit Ginger Margarita (tequila, cointreau, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, ginger syrup), and Lillet’s Punch (lillet rouge, golden rum, absinthe, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, amaretto).

As a light lunch or bar snacks one can choose from pizza, various light bites and even dim sum! Check out the bar’s food menu for light bites, such as Wagyu beef sliders, Fried spiced potato wedges served with guacamole dip, Grilled jumbo satay, Cheese platter and more.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium’s timeless design

Going up to the accommodation floors there are six fast lifts, and with glass windows to admire the atrium. It’s a special feeling to glide up and down the atrium, especially at night.

The guest floors all have open walkways facing the atrium with tropical wood frames, white walls and light brown wooden railing tops. And along the curvy corridors miniature warm lights line the ceiling, shining up the whole atrium, contrasted by the dark sky above through the glass ceiling.

During the stay Happy Hour Asia is boarded in a Skyline View room category, which is a 30sqm room with a view of the cityscape, no matter on which side of the circle hotel. The room includes a plush bed with superb mattress, spacious bathroom with beige tiles and bathtub, digital concierge, bathroom amenities and of course a choice of soft or firm pillow.

The room channels the period of the hotel architecture, being of the timeless kind, dominated by earthy tones; yes a bit dated but with solid design, in comparison with trends that come and go. Once it is time for renovation this direction of design can be replicated, but it would be wise to keep the wonderful and rather unique headboard pattern that consists in many pieces of cut, polished tropical wood that form a pattern.

The room has a round floor lampshade with yellow light, of the same type as in the lobby bar, a light grey carpet with an abstract pattern, grey and beige wallpaper, and a brownish patterned armchair. Curtains are transparent white and grey for the blackout one, where the wide window wall is curved, following the contour of the round building. The foyer has a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and the room a black counter. Door frames and built-in furniture are made of dark wood.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium: dining and drinking

Aside impressive Atrium Bar 317, within the confines of the hotel enjoyable time can be spent at the outdoor pool (with food and drinks from the poolside menu), in the gym, and elsewhere in the other dining and drinking attractions.

The Executive Lounge offers two hours of happy hour, including a decent mini-buffet of hot dishes, cold cuts, cheese and hors d’oeuvres; such as Air-flown mesclun salad & green lettuces with condiments and dressing, Quinoa salad, Skewers with tomatoes and mozzarella, Spinach hummus, Tuna tataki, Pumpkin hummus, and Chicken char siew pao.

To go with the food: Noblesse Sauvignon Blanc, Markview Chardonnay, plus red wine, and of course starting off with sparkling wine: Botega! Pellegrini water to go with it. There is also a selection of spirits for cocktails.

The service is prompt and friendly.

High bar tables with stools along the windows offer great views of the cityscape and the evening rush hour below, and later the Singapore night sky. At one end there is also a semi-private room, furnished with a two-seater sofa, poufs, a mustard-hued carpet and more.

Then there’s the dining where aside Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant, the halal-certified Atrium Restaurant serves an impressive buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner (5:30pm to 9:30pm. Atrium serves an extensive selection of International flavours and local favourites, which not only looks appealing; it is tasty, varied and includes the Asian flavours – such as Indian Delights – one expects to get in Singapore (here based on halal). Summer quinoa salad with walnut (and many more salads on rotation, such as Tuna niçoise and Roast duck lychee), Mutton satay, Mutton Keema (a minced meat curry), Roasted beef ribeye, Morocan Lamb stew with apricot, a flavourful Chicken Cacciatore (usually with onions, herbs, usually tomatoes and bell peppers), Beef Rendang, Creamy potato salad, Shahi Paneer curry, Chef’s signature plain roti prata and curry with chicken are among the dishes on the menu during this visit, along with ‘Ocean’s Catch on Ice’: Poached tiger prawn, Australia black mussel, Sea whelk, Sweet clam, Stone crab claw, Cold whole-baked seabass or salmon, Baby rock lobster, Salmon sashimi and Half shell scallop (with condiments).

The latest buffet also includes the following ‘Western Feasters’ – on rotation: Pan-fried fish with fennel and orange, Seafood shepherd’s Pie, Fish piccata, Seafood mornay, Lamb shepherd’s pie, Grilled lamb chop with mint sauce, Beef Pot-au-feu, Beef bourguignon, Cajun chicken, Roasted spring chicken with thyme jus, Chicken pepitoria, and Chicken jambalaya!

On the Asian front there is also Wok-fried prawn with Coconut, Wok-fried prawn with fragrant soya sauce, and Chef’s signature laksa are among many other Asian dishes.

The breakfast buffet is equally impressive with all standard breakfast dishes having great taste, such as an awesome miso soup, hash browns and sautéed mushrooms. The bakery is very fresh and the cheese tasty: Monterey jack cheese among others. And try Vadas – south Indian deep-fried fritters!

Tea is the quality Dilmah brand, with a variety of flavours to choose from.

Atrium restaurant also faces the Atrium and have mega-size white-yellow lampshades hung from the ceiling adding to the circular feel of the hotel.

With a delicious breakfast another day begins, perhaps entailing both work and play – which can perfectly be combined at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium – undeniably a great base while doing business in – or exploring as a visitor – the Lion City.