Remote work is the norm these days as more companies in Singapore offer flexible work arrangements to their employees. If you’re looking to switch up your #WFH routine, YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road has refreshed its facilities to entice hybrid and remote working professionals to grind, dine and unwind — all in one space. Curious about what it’s like to spend a workday at this hotel? What are the perks of this experience? Read on for my review.
*This experience was hosted by YOTEL Singapore. The views and opinions of the reviewer are independent and purely editorial.
A glance at YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road’s in-room amenities
I checked into YOTEL Singapore’s Corporate Plus Room for a two-day, one-night stay. The hotel's rooms are intentionally designed to be compact, stylish and ‘smart’ as they are inspired by first-class air travel cabins. The 14-square-metre room accommodates up to two persons and offers a cosy space with a city view. It also exudes a modern, sleek, and minimalistic feel.
Despite its cabin-inspired design, I didn’t experience ‘cabin fever’ or feel claustrophobic, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light. I didn’t mind the room’s compact space either as I was impressed with the room’s cleanliness and the great quality of its amenities.
The room’s queen-sized, adjustable SmartBed™ — a memory gel foam mattress that reclines from a couch to a fully flat bed at the touch of a button — was a huge plus in my books. It also came with a rainshower, “super-fast” WiFi, a smart TV, a hair dryer, a kettle, complimentary coffee and tea sachets, and bodycare amenities from Australian-born beauty brand Urban Jungle.
What was it like working from the hotel’s Corporate Plus room?
I set up my ‘office’ on the workdesk-cum-fridge situated next to the bed. Although the desk could only accommodate my 13-inch laptop, an iced coffee tumbler, and an A5-sized notebook, I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a wireless charging pad and a variety of charging ports to keep my devices powered up.
Despite the compact size of the desk, I had a very pleasant, ‘no frills’ working experience. The room provided a quiet, distraction-free environment for me to write, edit, and conduct virtual meetings.
My co-working experience at the hotel’s Komyuniti bar and restaurant
If working in the comfort of your hotel room tempts you to nap rather than tackle your to-do list, Yotel Singapore Orchard Road offers a pretty ingenious solution with its Grind & Dine package. With prices starting from SGD40 nett, the package grants you access to various productive work zones within Komyuniti, the hotel’s multi-functional bar and restaurant, including its main dining area, terrace and private co-working studio.
Komyuniti’s private co-working studio features a large conference table with plenty of sockets to charge your devices. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the outdoor swimming pool.
Choose from three package options — four hours, a full day or a week — based on your needs. All packages come with food and beverage credits, allowing you to work and dine seamlessly. Available from 12PM to 6PM, the package also offers free-flow coffee, tea, soft drinks and juice, 1GB high-speed WiFi, and unlimited device connection capability. You are welcome to make your booking in groups of no more than eight persons too.
I had the opportunity to experience the Grind & Dine full-day package and found it to be pretty satisfactory. I often miss meals when working from home as I get too engrossed in meeting deadlines. I was happy to utilise my dining credits for snacks and a variety of beverages, which helped keep my creative energy flowing. I went with my comfort foods — a plate of Pasta Agolio Olio and an iced tea.
Experiencing the hotel’s dining and entertainment options
Checking yourself in for a ‘workation’ at YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road comes with plenty of perks. As your hustle and grind from the week concludes on Friday night, it’s incredibly convenient for you to let your hair down by exploring Singapore’s shopping district on foot for endless shopping and dining options.
Late-night experiences are within easy reach as well, with Shaw Theatres located right next door for night owls looking to make the most out of their weekend. I enjoyed dinner back at Komyuniti and took advantage of its ‘KOMYUNI-TGIF’, which offers one-for-one cocktails, wines and spirits every Friday night from 6PM to 9PM.
I ordered a selection of bar bites and dessert, including Spicy Korean Fried Chicken and Dark Chocolate Lava Cake. A ‘live’ band added to the relaxing atmosphere as well with their repertoire of pop song covers.
My overall remote working experience at YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
Working remotely at YOTEL Singapore offered me a welcome change in scenery. I enjoyed the hotel’s in-room facilities, found a quiet and conducive environment for work, and had the opportunity to treat myself to their delicious food and beverages. My only regret was not making time to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.
Nevertheless, the hotel’s central location made it easy to explore Orchard Road, which was a fantastic perk. I recommend this experience to anyone who’s looking to switch up their workation, whether with a work buddy or partner.
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road is located at 366 Orchard Rd, S 238904. YOTEL Singapore's Corporate Plus Rooms are exclusively available to companies. For more information, get in touch with the team at [email protected]. For bookings and inquiries about the Grind & Dine package, email [email protected].
Don’t forget to make time for self-care as you hustle and grind. Why not sign yourself up for one of these meditation classes?
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