Pan Pacific Orchard

Blending into the surrounding high-rise apartment blocks, the Pan Pacific Orchard occupies a smart, modern yet unremarkable, building typical of the area. Inside, though, the lobby is a dazzlingly sleek blend of shimmering marble floors, striking lights, and contemporary styling that is a cut above the norm. Formerly the Negara on Claymore, the hotel was taken over by the Pan Pacific hotel chain in 2008, which has done a fine job of maintaining a 21st-century vibe throughout the property. The lobby lounge provides a particularly chic and pleasant place to relax, while a club lounge offers a more exclusive area in which to unwind. The hotel appeals mostly to business travelers, but it also draws couples and, to a lesser extent, families.

The hotel is tucked away on the relatively quiet Claymore Road situated around the corner from the Orchard Road shopping belt -- Singapore's main high-end retail enclave. The surrounding area is full of restaurants and bars, however, it's also right behind the "red light" area -- the infamous Orchard Towers. The nearest MRT station is on Orchard Road, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and trains connect to the Central Business District in 15 minutes and Marina Bay in 20 minutes. Changi International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive, and the trip is about an hour on public transportation.

The hotel has 206 rooms, all of which are decorated in fresh neutral tones with smart contemporary furnishings and carpeted floors. In most rooms, flat-screen TVs are integrated into backlit wall panels, glass-top desks have ergonomic office-style chairs, and bedside tables have clever pull-out temperature control and alarm clock drawers. Minibars are well-stocked with free water, while Nespresso machines and tea-making facilities come standard. Fast Wi-Fi is also free of charge, and all rooms come with comfortable waffle-towel robes and slippers. Bathrooms are sleek and functional with walk-in showers and high-end toiletries -- higher-end rooms also include sunken tubs. While most rooms are fairly spacious -- especially the studios -- some of the standard level rooms are on the small side. 

The hotel houses one of the most popular restaurants in the city -- 10 at Claymore -- which offers innovative cuisine involving unlimited tapas-style dishes, and is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. There's also another good restaurant serving Sardinian fare, with live entertainment, as well as a lobby lounge serving high tea. The second-floor outdoor pool is filled with chlorine-free mineral water and surrounded by loungers, and poolside drink service is available. The on-site St. Gregory spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments -- and caters to couples. It has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool tub.