When Marriott’s hyper cool, luxurious EDITION hotels brand has made its long-awaited debut in South East Asia in late 2023, The Singapore EDITION was born and since then it has continued to be one of the city’s best properties.

Masterminded and conceived by the legendary Ian Schrager, in collaboration with interior design firm Cap Atelier, the 204-room hotel is located just off the west end of Singapore’s iconic upper Orchard Road and to find out what makes the property stand out, Wayfarer’s JAMES WILKINSON spoke to The Singapore EDITION General Manager, ROBERT PATTENDEN.

Robert, The Singapore EDITION is popular on so many levels, from the location to the lobby, gardens, design, pool, rooms and food and beverage on offer. Tell us about your favourite things of the property.

What I find most compelling about the property is how it moves with the day. In the morning, natural light floods through the conservatory, catching the fern spheres that hang from the ceiling. It is a space that quietly invites you to settle in, whether you are reading, working or catching up with someone.

The music is original, curated specifically for The Singapore EDITION, and it sets a tone that feels considered rather than plug-and-play.

As the afternoon shifts, so does the atmosphere. The mood lighting comes on, the tempo lifts and the energy in the Lobby Bar becomes something else entirely. Guests gathering around our custom rose-hued pool table, cocktails in hand, the evening taking shape naturally. By the time night falls, it is a full transformation.

What The Singapore EDITION does well, I think, is create a sense of place that works for everyone. Whether you are here on business, on holiday, or simply looking for somewhere to reconnect. The space does the work without you noticing it.

Tell us about the stylish rooms and suites on offer.

Our rooms and suites were designed with a clear philosophy in mind: minimal in aesthetic but deeply intentional in every detail. The palette is calm with warm neutrals, natural wood and soft whites.

Bathrooms are generously proportioned, each with a separate bathtub and shower area, and double-sink vanity. It is the kind of room that does not announce itself, but it just feels quietly right.

For families, we have been particularly thoughtful. Our double-double rooms feature queen-sized beds, comfortably accommodating up to four guests which is quite rare in the market.

For families who want a little more room to spread out, our Cuscaden Suite offers a separate living area with a connecting door to a double-double configuration, giving parents their own retreat while keeping everyone close. It is a setup that works beautifully for multi-generational travel.

Robert, tell us about the fantastic food and beverage on offer, which is some of the best in Singapore.

What I am most proud of is the breadth and character of our food and beverage offering. I genuinely believe it is one of the most robust in Singapore and each venue has its own distinct identity.

At our signature restaurant, we host a monthly Disco Brunch, a proper celebration that pairs the energy of disco with live grill stations rotating through different cuisines: Asian, Mexican, Spanish and more.

Every Sunday, we also offer our Sunday Roast, which has become a gathering point for families and friends over shared plates in a setting that brings Singapore’s garden city spirit indoors.

At the heart of the hotel sits the Lobby Bar, the pink backlit bar, the custom rose-hued pool table and on the last Thursday of each month, our Thursday ICONS activation, where we bring together a local DJ with a local creative, a visual artist, photographer, musician or even performance artist. It is our way of keeping the hotel connected to Singapore’s creative community.

Up on the ninth floor, The ROOF is something of a hidden gem. Guests often stumble upon it and never want to leave, the views over Orchard Road and the sunsets make for a very special evening.

Punch Room is our rare spirits bar, dressed in a deep shade of blue with a speakeasy sensibility. It opens at 8PM and draws the after-dinner crowd looking to wind down properly. Once a month we bring in live entertainment, upbeat jazz or a downtempo hip hop DJ, depending on the mood.

For those who love late nights, Wonder Room opens every Friday from 9PM to 2AM with a DJ playing house and disco beats, and a Champagne Hour to start the evening on a generous note.

And tying it all together, Social Days runs Monday to Wednesday, an all-day offering of signature cocktails and selected wines at a special price. It is our way of giving the week a reason to look forward to itself.

What’s your x-factor at The Singapore EDITION?

From the moment you turn into the driveway, The Singapore EDITION begins to work on you. The signature Le Labo scent, crafted specifically for EDITION, is the first thing you notice.

Then the doors open and you step into a space filled with lush greenery and natural light that feels less like a hotel lobby and more like walking into someone’s beautifully considered home.

Every turn holds something, an art piece, a sculpture, a moment of unexpected delight. And always, a warm smile from one of our associates that reminds you there are real people behind everything you experience here.

At the end of the day, what we are really in the business of is feeling. How our guests feel on arrival, during their stay and in the days after they leave.

That is the thing no hardware or product specification can manufacture. It comes from within; from the culture we have built and the people who carry it every single day.

How important is the loyalty, particularly given the global popularity of Bonvoy?

Loyalty is at the heart of everything we do here. Without our members, none of this exists and that is something we never take for granted.

My recommendation to anyone is to have a Marriott Bonvoy account. Whether you are staying with us or dining at one of our restaurants, every experience earns you points. And with over 9,300 hotels worldwide within the Marriott portfolio, the opportunities to redeem them are extraordinary.

A complimentary night at a property you have been dreaming of visiting, that is a meaningful reward and one that is more attainable than people often realise.

What are some of your favourite things to do in the local area?

For those who enjoy starting the day with some fresh air, an early morning jog or walk to the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens is a wonderful option. There are charming cafés within the grounds, and the stroll back to the hotel is always a pleasant one.

And if you happen to be visiting during the Christmas season, a walk along Orchard Road is quite something. The entire 3.1-kilometre stretch is lined with lights and festive decorations, a display that never fails to impress even for those who have seen it before.

ESSENTIALS: GETTING TO SINGAPORE

The best way of getting to Singapore in comfort and style.

FLY SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Wayfarer recommends flying to Singapore in Business Class on Singapore Airlines, which offers daily flights to city from over 130 destinations around the globe.

Singapore Airlines operates several aircraft types to Singapore, including the Boeing 777-300ER, the Airbus A350-900 and the Airbus A380-800.

On the B777 and A350, the signature Business Class seats offer two new seating positions, the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures your weight is centered and balanced when you’re sitting down, and the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of your seat so you can stretch and rest your legs on the ottoman.