Have you seen the documentary “Life After People”, where humanity vanishes overnight and the Earth slowly returns to its natural, pristine state by reconquering the concrete jungle and its skyscrapers? Looking like this vision of an alternate reality or a polygonal version of the Super Tree at Gardens by the Bay, Oasia Hotel Downtown is covered in a haleful carpet of lush greenery – making it glow with vibrant verts, reds and oranges. It is a literal oasis of greenery in a concrete jungle located in Tanjong Pagar – right at the beating heart of the country’s commercial center. However, once you step through the doors, you are immediately transported into an entirely different world. One that I would almost describe as jumping right out of the movie, Avatar. This is, truly, one green hotel.
The Lobby
Oasia Hotel Downtown reminds me of a tree house. A tree-house for adults to retreat from the oppressive weight of everyday life. It is an escape. Upon reaching the 12th floor, where the reception is located, you are in a different world. The four walls disappear and the space opens up in a dazzling display of verdant greens and blue hues. Behind the front desk, wall tiles in emerald green glimmer the way summer foliage glistens in the morning dew. The open air foyer is extends across the lobby, carpeted in astroturf and ringed by covered deck chairs.
The Club Room
Where do I begin? The bed, the mini bar or the bath tub? I can’t pick my favourite part of the large, 28sqm room! That’s because the bed is large, plush and perfect for sinking into and spending the night with the television. It’s because the mini bar is fully stocked and everything inside is part of the room price, and the bath tub because the glass walls that surround it slide open so you can soak in a bubble bath AND watch TV. Now, that’s not something that we see very often. Take a peek outside and you will be rewarded by views of our lovely city. Even from here, you can see what a green hotel, the hotel is. Tendrils and vines of green intertwine with the grating fixtures right at your window.
The Breakfast Buffet
Spend a night at the club room and you get to dine in the clouds. You can choose to tuck into breakfast on the 21st story club level dining room that over looks the city scape, by the pool. The infinity pool extends to the edge of this level – a tempting invitation to wade in its clear blue waters. All other guests can dig into the buffet laid out at the dining area on the first floor, at the same space occupied by the Marmalade Pantry. The spread is similar, with only a marginally better pastry selection downstairs.
Surrounding Attractions & In-house Activities
It’s all office buildings in the vicinity. Not quite the sight that I would think I’d want to see on a weekend but, walking leisurely between the office blocks with out a suit and tie is surprisingly refreshing. Far from the harried rush of the week day, I was able to appreciate the colourful temples, markets and trendy eateries. If you feel staying in to appreciate the tranquility of this green hotel, no one can fault you for that. Although I would say a good 80% of the space is outfitted for guests to while away lazy afternoons, nights AND mornings, there is also a 24-hour gym and lap pool for those that need to expend some energy.
Don’t just hear me rave about the place, to find out more, log onto Oasia Hotel Downtown.
Review Rating: 7.5/10
Oasia Hotel Downtown (Map)
100 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079333
Phone: 6812 6900
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
Website: http://www.stayfareast.com/en/hotels/oasia-hotel-downtown-singapore
