PUBLISHED April 9th, 2024 06:00 am
Mention Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, and memories of the long queues at Zouk (when it was at Jiak Kim) will come to mind. Returning to the recently refurbished hotel brings back fond memories while making new ones as we experience the hotel in a new light. Here’s what we love about the newly revamped Grand Copthorne Waterfront along Robertson Quay.
While the ex-Zouk building takes on a new life as Jiak Kim House, the newly revamped Grand Copthorne Waterfront along Robertson Quay focuses its redesign efforts on the inside, retaining its facade and spacious driveway, including its iconic golden ball fountain.
After nine months of upgrades, the five-star hotel unveils a new standard for sustainable luxury across its 573 guest rooms and suites, conference and events facilities, and public spaces, in line with the Singapore Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. As part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, this roadmap, laid out by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), sets goals for hotels to adopt sustainability, aiming for 60% of hotel rooms in Singapore to be certified sustainable by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
1. It’s Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Luxury
Many of their sustainable efforts can be found in the guest rooms, where, to be honest, a lot of wastage – from plastic bottles, one-time use amenities and non-stop aircon blasting – can be found. We had trouble locating the key slot for lights and aircon as we entered the room. But the moment we stepped in, the lights and aircon came on! We learnt that all rooms have motion sensors that turn on and off the electricity as needed. No wasted electricity! Worried about not having the aircon on while sleeping at night, we tested the sensors. It took about 30 minutes of silent doom scrolling on the lounge sofa before the blackout. But with just the slightest movement, it turned back on again. This meant that we’ll still have our aircon at night. Switching to sustainable in-room technology like this can save up to 25% of energy footprint per stay!
In their efforts to throw out plastic bottles, all the guest rooms and suites are fitted with a Filtered Drinking Water Dispenser. Free-flow water from the elevated water cooler beats limited bottled water anytime! Replacing single-use items in the bathroom, we loved the refillable bath amenities from Christian Lacroix, which are moisturising and lightly scented, just the way we like them. The hotel also encourages guests to reuse their bed linens and towels, changing only every alternate day.
2. It’s Designed with Touches of Wellness
Wellness is more than muscle-soothing massages or pampering spas; it’s the little thoughtful touches that add up. Here, we noticed the ergonomic table lamp, which comes in four different settings, designed to take care of our eyes. There’s low lighting for mood-setting and sleeping, warm lighting for reading, and bright white lights for working.
In addition to the well-equipped 24-hour gym and hidden pool, hotel guests can sign up for complimentary Yoga by the River every Sunday. With mats and towels provided, we just had to bring our sleepy selves to the pavilion by the river. And we were glad we did; the gentle session against the tranquil river left us with a sense of calm, ready to take on the day. After the session, a tray of bananas and cold water, thoughtfully prepared by the hotel, was waiting to refresh us.
3. It’s Offers Scenic Waterfront and City Views
The hotel, situated next to the storied Singapore River, offers plenty of rooms with scenic waterfront views. Some of these will even give you a clear and direct view of fireworks on National Day or New Year’s Eve; book fast because these rooms get sold out quickly! The view from our room spanned both views of the river and the city, which stretched all the way to Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. This is also the perfect facing to watch the sunrise, for we were treated to a glorious one during our stay. Together with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, we can’t ask for a better way to start the day!
Head up to the Executive Club Lounge for more immersive views! Spanning half of the 29th floor, the Executive Club Lounge, fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a panoramic view of the city skyline. On top of complimentary breakfast for two, the Club Lounge experience also includes complimentary all-day refreshments, afternoon snacks and evening cocktails to start your happy hour. With window seats and cosy booth seats, the Executive Club Lounge is a great place to kick back with a good read or spend intimate time with your partner against the striking city landscape. With all the privileges, booking a club room or suite for your stay might be a good deal.
4. It’s Cooking Up a Storm
With its wide selection and quality, breakfast at Food Capital didn’t disappoint. You’ll find everything you crave for breakfast and more. But if you desire a quiet breakfast, the Club Lounge serves a la carte breakfast with options from the East and the West. Expect small bites of dim sum, Teochew porridge, and the classic eggs, bacon, and toast.
Kick back with pre-dinner drinks at the Lobby Lounge that’ll let you get close to the glistening river at dusk. Imbibe on classic cocktails like Passionfruit Daiquiri (S$22++) or try their Signature cocktails such as the GCW G&T (S$25++), which sees infused orange dry gin mixed with Cointreau, wild honey, and torched bitters. Alternatively, take your drinks indoors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of live music.
Flow to SanSara for a gastronomic journey through North India. Celebrating authentic Awadhi cuisine, Head Chef Akhilesh Pathak fires up regional specialities with traditional cooking techniques such as dum (slow-cooking) in a tandoor. (You can spot the tandoor in the open kitchen). Familiar favourites like the Kukkad Butter Masala, a version of Butter Chicken, boasts delicate spice along with rich tomato gravy, and Sailana Jheenga, an aromatic coconut prawn dish with turmeric and tomato, is super moreish with garlic or butter naan. Lamb dishes here are done well, like the SanSara-E-Lazaaz Maas (North Indian Lamb Curry) and especially the Awadhi Gosht Biryani, with Basmati rice, saffron, lamb, and spices. We thoroughly enjoyed the gently spiced and tender lamb in both dishes without the gamey taste that usually comes with lamb dishes.
Come Sundays, the hotel becomes an epic food party with the Epicure Brunch, which spans three outlets – Food Capital, Riverside Terrace, and SanSara. Priced at S$128++ for adults and S$64++ for children, enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, with the option to top up S$30++ per adult for bottomless Prosecco, wine, and beer. Featuring 15 live stations, from the raw bar to the Josper grill station, tuck into artisanal pizzas, hearty soups, and Asian delights, but don’t leave without dipping into the strawberry chocolate fountain! It’s a grand feasting experience with all the food you love and more.
5. It’s Really Accessible
With the Thomson-East Coast Line in action, Grand Copthorne Waterfront is less than a five-minute walk to Havelock Station, just two stations away from Orchard Road. The hotel is also within walking distance of Great World City and Robertson Quay, where you can take a pleasant stroll along the Singapore River. This is one of the reasons why Grand Copthorne Waterfront is a popular spot for MICE and weddings; we saw two weddings during our stay. They have 33 professionally decked-out event venues, most offering natural lighting.
6. Bonus!
The hotel is filled with curios and hidden areas, such as a majestic white jaguar and an Insta-friendly spiral staircase, so take some time to explore them during your stay.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore is located at 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663, p.+65 6233 1338.
