True to the word Intercontinental, my three-night experience at InterContinental Singapore felt like traveling across continents—all within the heart of the city’s heritage district. From the newly upgraded international buffet at LUCE to after-hours cigar evenings in a secret garden, this landmark property moved me through time, taste, and culture with the ease of a well-told story.
Located in the arts and cultural precinct of Bugis and Bras Basah, InterContinental Singapore is more than just a hotel. It’s a living reflection of Singapore’s layered identity. The shophouse-inspired Heritage Wing, where I stayed, is the only Peranakan-style luxury hotel wing in the country. Timber floors, ornate furnishings, and carefully preserved architectural details bring the spirit of the Straits Chinese to life, offering a rare sense of intimacy and tradition in modern hospitality.
“I believe luxury should feel intuitive, never imposed,” General Manager Andreas Kraemer told me over coffee in the sunlit Club InterContinental Lounge. “There are two pillars here: personalization and storytelling. In the luxury segment, guests want something tailored—something memorable.”
And memorable it was. From the moment I stepped into my room, framed by Peranakan touches and warm timber finishes, I knew this stay would be something different. At LUCE, the international buffet impressed with both range and quality. I couldn’t resist eating more than my share of Japanese oysters, and the chef even prepared a special margarita pizza just for me after I mentioned my love for an authentic marinara sauce—and it truly was.
What stood out most were the contrasts and variety. On my second night, I joined locals and expatriates from various industries for German beer and rum in the hotel’s secret garden – a lush hideaway where Kraemer hosts curated cigar evenings. The setting felt intimate, almost cinematic, as we swapped stories and laughed over favorite films. As Kraemer noted, “We now host the annual Rum & Roll Festival. Guests can enjoy rums from different makers over three days, paired with cigars and conversation under the stars.”
It’s this kind of programming—creative, elevated, but never overbearing—that makes InterContinental Singapore stand apart. Their wine and spirits offerings are exceptional. Under Kraemer’s leadership, the hotel recently attained Official Caveau status from the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or. With nearly 200 labels, it boasts the largest champagne collection of any hotel in Singapore. Sabrage ceremonies take place regularly in The Lobby Lounge, and guests can even arrange private sabrage experiences in-room or as part of weddings.
For those on the move, the hotel launched the world’s first Champagne Express Lane—a drive-thru concept offering curated bottles, caviar, and glassware to-go. “It’s a playful twist on luxury,” Kraemer said. “We want to spark joy in unexpected ways.”
Back inside, The Lobby Lounge is gorgeous. Beneath its soaring ceilings and Peranakan tile motifs, I indulged in my favorite local hawker dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice (without the skin), personally presented by the chef. The staff—from lounge hosts to butlers—delivered a level of service that was truly personal.
I was also impressed by the Club InterContinental Lounge, a tranquil enclave where guests enjoy à la carte breakfast, afternoon tea, sparkling wines, and evening cocktails amidst elegant Peranakan décor.
Heritage, however, extends beyond the hotel walls. Thanks to the hotel’s thoughtful arrangements, I visited The Intan, a private Peranakan home museum curated by Alvin Yapp. Alvin’s passion for his heritage shines through every bead, antique, and anecdote he shares. The experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the multicultural weave that is Singapore.
I believe luxury should feel intuitive, never imposed. There are two pillars here: personalization and storytelling. In the luxury segment, guests want something tailored—something memorable.
Andreas Kraemer, General Manager of InterContinental Singapore
“Luxury guests today seek experiences that resonate emotionally and culturally,” Kraemer told me. “They want to connect with a place. That might mean high tea in a heritage lobby or street food at Lau Pa Sat.”
This philosophy runs through every detail at InterContinental Singapore—from wellness tech partnerships to heritage trail walks. It’s no surprise the hotel consistently ranks among the best in the region, having won top honors from Condé Nast Traveller, DestinAsian, and TripAdvisor.
Leaving InterContinental Singapore, I felt as if I had traveled not just between continents, but across history, imagination, and cultures. This wasn’t just a luxury stay. It was a bridge between past and present, East and West, indulgence and meaning.
