Hilton’s move from one end of Singapore’s Orchard Road lifestyle district to a more central location has gifted the brand a “bigger, better and stronger” property that will support the return of large-scale business events to the city-state.
General manager Cedric Nubul said the new 1,080-key Hilton Singapore Orchard, which opened on February 24, ahead of its initial schedule on March 1, will be a “brand-defining Hilton property”.
Recognised as Hilton’s largest hotel in Asia-Pacific, Hilton Singapore Orchard takes over what was once Mandarin Orchard Singapore. A S$150 million (US$110.2 million) comprehensive renovation has given the property a new look and hardware, where the hotel’s interior design pays homage to Singapore’s rich colonial history and the area’s agricultural heritage.
“This hotel was known for offering one of Singapore’s largest meeting spaces, and we’ve gone beyond that,” said Nubul, adding that Hilton Singapore Orchard’s portfolio of event spaces is more extensive than the former Hilton hotel.
While existing event facilities were upgraded and refurbished, a section of the carpark was transformed into a new cluster of seven meeting rooms that are equipped with functional features, such as multiple whiteboards and electrical outlets on every desk to power multiple devices. The expansive foyer shared by the meeting rooms feature a botanical garden centrepiece, and the complete space can double up as a dining reception area with live cooking stations.
Altogether, the hotel offers 16 venues, including two pillarless ballrooms fitted with LED walls, and 12 function rooms with natural light. The Grand Ballroom takes 1,000 guests for receptions or 160 pax in a conference setting.
In addition, the hotel’s five F&B destinations promise varied social dining opportunities for corporate groups. The 360-pax Estate all-day restaurant, in particular, allows event planners to arrange for private dining spaces, as beautifully-furnished seating sections stretch across a large part of the lobby.
Nubul said the hotel is opening with “a very positive outlook”, stemming from Singapore’s expanded Vaccinated Travel Lanes and progressive reopening of many other countries.
“Opening a hotel with 1,080 rooms sends a very strong message about the confidence we have in Singapore’s tourism,” he said, adding that his team is working very closely with the Singapore Tourism Board, local industry associations and inbound agents to rebuild inbound travel to Singapore.
“Hilton’s reputation in service and hospitality excellence as well as this amazing product that we have here, come together to create a significant demand generator for Singapore,” he said.
While he refrained from quantifying corporate bookings, he let on that the hotel is seeing “great interest” from international corporate clients. He expects some of these events to materialise in May or June.
He noted that event decisions are dependent on event restrictions, which are still evolving. Despite uncertainty in event planning, the hotel has been able to welcome some local business gatherings.
“We have residential meetings booked by local customers. People have been working so much from home that they want to meet and connect in a different place,” Nubul shared.
Nubul believes that the domestic market will continue to be “a key focus” even as Hilton’s “strong network of sales offices around the world” is pulling business events demand to the hotel.
