The soft opening of Ascott Orchard Singapore on Dec 1, 2016 marked the return of the Ascott The Residence brand to Orchard Road after a decade-long hiatus. The 20-storey serviced residence comprises 220 luxury units ranging from 323 sq ft studios to 861 sq ft two-bedroom units. With a hotel licence, Ascott Orchard offers both short- and long-term stays.

The online rates for a studio unit for a one-night stay on May 6 start from S$352 a night, excluding taxes. Meanwhile, the two-bedroom penthouse suite is going for S$1,224 a night. The eight penthouse suites on the top floor are furnished and fitted out by Fendi Casa, the lifestyle living subsidiary of the Italian high fashion house. 

Ascott Orchard is currently running at about 50% occupancy, two months into operations, according to Norman Lim, country general manager for Singapore at The Ascott Ltd. “There is an equal mix of short- and long-term guests. With its proximity to Orchard Road and world-class medical facilities at Paragon Medical Singapore and Mount Elizabeth Orchard, all less than five minutes away, this serviced residence is ideal for business, leisure and medical travellers,” he says.

Facilities at Ascott Orchard include a gymnasium, swimming pool and residents’ lounge. Breakfast is served at Kith Café, a favourite haunt among foodies and brunch enthusiasts. 

Ascott The Residence ceased its Orchard Road operations about a decade ago. In 2004, The Ascott Group entered into a conditional agreement with Wheelock Properties, formerly known as Marco Polo Developments, to sell its Scotts Shopping Centre and The Ascott Singapore serviced residence located above the mall. The site is now occupied by Scotts Square, a luxury mixed-use development comprising a four-storey retail mall and 338-unit freehold apartments.

This article first appeared in The Edge Property Singapore, a pullout of The Edge Singapore, on Feb 27, 2017.

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