REVIEW: EDITION Singapore - stylish but overpriced?

Lobby of the EDITION Singapore (Source)

In September 2023, Singapore welcomed a new luxury hotel to its vibrant landscape—the EDITION Hotel. Nestled close to the upscale Orchard Road, this hotel promises a unique blend of elegance and simplicity, reminiscent of high-end brands like Loro Piana. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Singapore, the EDITION Hotel offers an exquisite experience, albeit with a few teething issues typical of a newly opened establishment.

Location and Accessibility

The EDITION Hotel boasts a prime location near the upper section of Orchard Road, a bustling area known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The proximity to ION Orchard, one of Singapore's premier shopping malls, makes it an ideal base for those looking to indulge in retail therapy. Despite its central location, the hotel manages to provide a serene environment, particularly in its suites facing Cascade Road. These rooms, though considered the cheapest suites, offer a brighter and quieter atmosphere compared to the garden view rooms, with no intrusive noise from the road.

Room at the EDITION Singapore (Source)

Accommodations and Pricing

Booking a night at the EDITION can be an investment. A base room is priced at approximately 600 USD, but for those looking to splurge, using a combination of cash and points can secure a suite upgrade. The hotel's simplistic yet luxurious design is evident in its seven floors, offering an intimate but not overly small setting. This balance allows for a personalized guest experience without the impersonality of larger hotels.

Design and Amenities

The design of the EDITION Hotel is a testament to modern luxury. The interiors are beautifully crafted, exuding a minimalist yet opulent vibe. One of the highlights is the rooftop swimming pool, ingeniously placed between a residential building and the hotel. This pool area features a Glassdoor section allowing guests to peer down seven floors, adding an element of thrill to their swim. The inner garden is another gem, offering a lush, green space perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Dine in the jungle at the EDITION Singapore (Source)

Dining Experience

Dining at the EDITION comes with its highs and lows. The breakfast, though not complimentary (a policy that applies regardless of your Bonvoy status), costs around 50 SGD per person. This includes a small buffet and a la carte options, providing a satisfactory start to the day. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant, however, was marred by an uncomfortably cold atmosphere, detracting from the overall dining experience.

Room service for lunch was notably disappointing. A simple sandwich order took 75 minutes and was ultimately canceled after multiple inquiries and no follow-up from the staff. This incident highlights the hotel's growing pains, as it appears the operational team is still fine-tuning their service protocols.

Service and Hospitality

While the physical aspects of the hotel are impressive, the service reflects the hotel's nascent stage. Despite the luxurious setting, some elements of hospitality fell short. For instance, the Bonvoy program, known for offering welcome amenities or complimentary breakfasts at many of its brands, only provides 1,000 points at EDITION, with no additional perks regardless of the guest's loyalty status. This could be a point of contention for frequent Bonvoy members who expect a certain level of recognition and reward.

Lounge in the contrast of white, pink and green at the EDITION Singapore (Source)

Conclusion

The EDITION Hotel in Singapore is a splendid addition to the city's luxury hotel scene. Its beautiful design, prime location, and thoughtful room layouts make it a desirable choice for discerning travelers. However, the hotel is still in the process of refining its operations and service standards. Guests might experience some hiccups, particularly with room service and dining efficiency, but these are likely to improve as the hotel matures.

Overall, the EDITION Hotel offers a luxurious stay that balances simplicity with elegance, making it a worthwhile choice for those visiting Singapore. With time, as the service kinks are ironed out, it has the potential to become one of the city's top luxury accommodations.

How to book:

Book the EDITION Singapore either via the Marriott website, or via an OTA like Booking.com, Trivago.com or Trip.com.