The Orchard Garden Hotel

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? The contrast couldn’t be sharper: Outside the Orchard Garden Hotel, cars rumble along Bush Street while, nearby, legions of tourists and locals pour through Dragon’s Gate, the main entrance to Chinatown. Inside, the lobby is a serene oasis: Bamboo and orchids dot the space, and sunshine pours through the front window-wall. Bronze “vines” screen the front desk from the in-house restaurant; sleek sofas invite lounging; and a splashing fountain provides the soundtrack. Take this as your cue to unwind. What's the backstory? Opened in 2007 by the Huangs—a hotelier family out of Singapore, the property takes its name from its inspiration: the famously opulent Orchard Road. The family’s passion for sustainability is visible everywhere, from the organically sourced furnishings to the flowers and shrubs in the Rooftop Terrace garden, which the late founder, Mrs. S.C. Huang, used to tend every Sunday. Hotel GM Klaus Atzmueller now cares for those plants himself, a small tribute to her. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? With the soft Egyptian cotton bedding and the natural palette of eggshell, tan, and olive-green, the rooms feel cozy and calming. The oversized windows admit abundant natural light, while the well-appointed bathrooms feature bath products free of dyes and artificial perfumes. The hotel’s top-of-the-line room, the King Terrace, has a spacious private balcony, arrayed with planter boxes, lounge chairs, and its own breakfast table. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The hotel offers complimentary WiFi to all guests. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The on-site restaurant, Roots, serves breakfast daily (currently available for grab-and-go). The stand-out? The egg and cheese muffin sandwich, made fresh to order with your choice of locally sourced meat. And the service? GM Klaus Atzmueller cut his teeth at the five-star properties, and it shows in the hotel’s service. Atzmueller assigns every guest room himself, to ensure it’s a perfect fit for that guest’s needs. In addition, he and his team love to chat with travelers in advance of their visit, learn what they love, then create bespoke experiences for them: a day of wine-tasting in Napa, say, or an afternoon exploring an incredible, lesser-known part of the city. The hotel also has a chauffeured Tesla–X house car (available on a first-come, first-serve basis) that’s ready to whisk you anywhere in the city. What type of travelers will you find here? In case the flags flying above the entrance didn’t tip you off, this hotel is a favorite with the diplomatic. Wander through the lobby, and you might overhear conversations in French, Indonesian, German, or Mandarin. Is there anything you'd change? Even for an 86-room boutique hotel, the gym is small. I’d love to see a larger fitness area. Any other hotel features worth noting? Perched atop the eighth floor, the hotel’s hedge-lined Rooftop Terrace is tranquil and lovely. Tables and chairs invite guests to sit and soak in the sunshine—and the views. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes! It’s a relaxing spot in a great location, with superlative service." - Megan McCrea