While cabs in Singapore are relatively cheap, I decided to take the subway to the city. Singapore must have one of the most efficient subway systems in the world. Despite needing to transfer twice, I made it to the Grand Hyatt about 30 minutes after leaving the Crowne Plaza, for a mere $1.80SGD, or about $1.30USD.
The hotel is only two blocks from the Orchard Road subway station, which is quite convenient. The exterior of the hotel is rather rundown.
Hotel exterior
The lobby made a much nicer impression, and did indeed feel more “grand.”
Lobby
The reception desk is located towards the elevators, where I was immediately helped.
Reception
The agent explained that the room they had reserved for me wasn’t available yet, but they could put me in a different room on the 8th floor with a pool view instead. He mentioned it was far from the elevators. Given that I just wanted to check in and explore Singapore, I went with that option. The agent informed me I would have access to the Grand Club, which is on the 15th floor. It’s worth noting that I redeemed a Hyatt “Big Welcome Back” night for my stay, which is a great value at this property, as the revenue rate was around $450SGD.
My room was in the back tower, so I proceeded down the long hallway to the elevators.
Hallway
Tropical elevator area
I had to enter my key to access the 8th floor, as seemed to be the case for all floors. Once on the 8th floor the hallways were fresh and I headed towards my room, 892. As it turns out it was indeed the last room on the floor, so it was quite a hike.
Elevator area
Hallway
The room itself was somewhat unique in that it had wood floors. You don’t see that very often in hotels. The room was a decent size, with a king bed, desk overlooking the pool, and good sized bathroom with tub and shower. The room had a bit of an odor, though.
Room entrance
Floor plan
Room
TV
Desk overlooking pool
View from desk area
View of bathroom
Sink
Shower and tub
Toilet
As a Diamond I get free internet, and both the wireless and wired internet are free. Unfortunately the wireless is extremely slow, so I had to use the wired internet.
As you can see from the view from my room, the pool is quite nice with plenty of lounge chairs. And the gym was really nice as well (proud to say I visited it once).
The Grand Club is located on the 15th floor, and I visited one evening for evening cocktails, which are served from 6PM to 8PM, and for breakfast, which is served from 6:3AM to 10:30AM. The club itself is quite large, though it doesn’t really boast any views, which is often one of the nicest things about lounges.
Grand Club
Evening spread
In the evening beverages are served by the wait staff, while there’s a buffet set up with cheese, vegetables, a couple of two hot dishes, shrimp, salad, sushi, etc. Overall it was a decent spread by Hyatt standards, though a bit sub-par to most of the international InterContinental club lounges I’ve used.
Evening snacks
Dessert
The morning spread was a bit more disappointing, with breads, pastries, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and scrambled eggs. Overall it was sufficient but nothing spectacular.
Breakfast spread
Breakfast
The Diamond welcome amenity was a box of chocolates and a couple of apples (which I had to follow up on to receive). Now maybe I’m confused, but I was under the impression that as a Diamond you get a food AND beverage amenity at international Hyatt properties, not a food OR beverage amenity. Ultimately I probably wouldn’t have consumed the bottle of wine, but it just seems to be very inconsistent at international properties. At least a bottle of water would be nice.
Diamond welcome amenity
Would I return to the hotel? Using a free night certificate, absolutely, but otherwise I’d go back to the InterContinental, which I stayed at last time. It’s nicer and typically priced cheaper than the Grand Hyatt.
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.