Polished yet playful
Singapore’s COMO Metropolitan is perfect for anyone looking for style and comfort with a side order of fun, writes Alexia Santamaria.
whatever mood or state you’re in – from full Singapore indulgence to trying to keep things on the lighter, healthier side.
Breakfast at the colourful COMO Cuisine is part self-service part à la carte, and options are well thought out and really tasty. Organic eggs, freshly baked bread, homemade yoghurt and vibrant fruit platters are all part of the offering.
When the hotel opened, its bakery caused a bit of a stir – Cédric Grolet Singapore on the first floor of COMO is the award-winning French pastry chef’s fourth shop after Paris and London – and the hyper-realistic cakes, patisserie and croissants you’d sell your granny for resulted in queues out the door and around the block. To be fair, the pastries are outrageously good.
The other huge drawcard if food is your thing is COTE Singapore By Simon Kim – a combination of all the best things about Korean barbecue and American steakhouse dining. Kim’s original COTE is in New York City and holds a Michelin star.
Worth stepping out for
For shopping enthusiasts, Orchard Road is definitely worth stepping out for – a retail paradise with its endless array of malls and designer stores.
Within walking distance, you’ll find iconic shopping centres like ION
Orchard, Paragon and Ngee Ann City, which house a plethora of international brands and local boutiques. The MRT system is so easy and efficient that nothing is particularly far by public transport.
Worth staying in for
Shambhala spas have a reputation for a reason, so staying in to get pampered in their incredibly personalised health environment is definitely a good call, but one of the nicest experiences here is much simpler; grab a drink and watch the sunset from the rooftop bar.
The blue surface of the water illuminated at night with the twinkling lights of Orchard Road in the distance is a beautiful Singapore moment. On a good day, you can even see Marina Bay on the other side.
The highlight
The highlight is the balance struck between wellness, rest, modern elegance and quirky fun.
Serene minimalist rooms and spa treatments contrast with Bruno the coffee robot, the gorgeous clothes at the multilabel fashion retail space (curated by Club 21), the next-level sweet treats at the bakery and the fun vibe at COTE, making for the perfectly rounded hotel experience. This place keeps it classy, but knows how to have fun too.
The lowlight
While the hotel’s location on Orchard Road is ideal for shopping and dining, it might not appeal to those looking for a more secluded or scenic stay.
The rooms are well sound-proofed, so it’s not noisy once you’re inside, but this isn’ttheplaceforyouifyouwanttobe somewhere totally away from the hustle and bustle.
The verdict
COMO Metropolitan is perfect for anyone looking for style and comfort with a side order of fun. A great homecoming for COMO to the Singapore market.