A relaxing family stay at Grand Hyatt Singapore - review

• The half century-old hotel has recently emerged from a full renovation, including new look public areas, guest rooms and restaurants

• The hotel has opened a brand new wellness hub with two pools, spa and fitness centre

• The phased opening is now complete; we flew down for a full review

Read more: These are Singapore's best luxury family hotels

Grand Hyatt Singapore review - comfortably-sized rooms include sofa nooks and dining tables

Read more: Where to stay on Sentosa with the kids

Accommodation

Grand Hyatt’s two accommodation wings offer very different experiences. The Grand Wing at the front of the hotel is very much the urban luxe half of the property. Our comfortably-sized King Bed Deluxe room overlooked Scotts Road.

Designed by Tokyo-based studio Strickland, the rooms feature walnut flooring and Peranakan design influences. Burnt orange hues which combined with the dark floor tones nod to the Hyatt’s ‘70s heritage (the hotel first opened in 1971). The space includes a dining table, snowy-white king bed, sofa nook and generous bathroom with Balmain amenities.

The Terrace Wing, however, incorporates a more natural vibe. This wing opens onto the gardens and wellness areas to the rear of the hotel (reaching the pools and spa from the Grand Wing involves a slightly tedious journey via the lobby to access the Terrace Wing lift).

Wellness hub

Grand Hyatt Singapore review - kids will have a blast in the hotel's two pools

The new wellness hub is located amongst the lush landscaping to the rear of the property. The creative planting is the work of international landscape architects Grant Associates and draws on the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Pathways meander through the tropical plants, butterfly-attracting flowers and water features until the greenery opens onto the Wellness Pool with jacuzzi, jet sprays and hydromassage areas. 

Continue on a little further to the second swimming pool. Hidden amongst the foliage are shady daybeds and Dedon pods. Relaxing amognst the greenery is incredibly relaxing, although the surrounding skyscrapers serve as a reminder that you’re very much still in one of Asia’s busiest cities.

Later, we headed to Damai Spa for a tension-relieving massage. The Recovery fits the bill perfectly; 120-minutes of head-to-toe pressure with heat and light therapy. As well as treatment rooms, the brand new Damai Spa boasts a Halo steam room, air lounge and hydro pool and dual-therapy sauna. The spa has also unveiled a Mind-Body Therapy Wall, the only one of its kind in a Singapore hotel. Designed for recovery and strength-building, the wall supports movement to enhance flexibility and alignment awareness. 

Dining

Grand Hyatt Singapore review - StraitsKitchen is a fun Asian buffet experience

Seven dining spots will see you well catered for. Our family-friendly recommendations include Oasis for poolside drinks and snacks. 

In the evening, StraitsKitchen is impressive - and fun! This relaxed, buffet-style restaurant serves every Asian curry imaginable, along with favourite dishes from across the region. The space was packed during our visit on a weekday evening, proving it’s a real hit with locals and tourists alike. From satay sticks to Singapore chicken rice, creamy Indian curries and Chinese noodle dishes, there really is something for everyone. 

Alternatively, Pete’s Place offers great Italian classics - and don’t miss its famous creamy tiramisu. Established in 1973, the cosy trattoria is also renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.

Why it's great for kids

Interconnecting rooms are available, including one king and twin beds. Youngsters will love a cooling splash in the two pools - snacks are available at the poolside Oasis dining spot. In terms of dining, we highly recommend the buzzy and relaxed StraitsKitchen and pasta-tastic Pete's Place.

Asia Family Traveller was a guest of Grand Hyatt Singapore.