There are a few reasons why The Standard might sound familiar. From London to New York and Bangkok, the brand has expanded its reach since its inception in 1999. First making its mark on Sunset Boulevard, the hotel quickly became a magnet for celebrities and trendsetters who sought something different from traditional five-star hotels that cater to a more polished clientele. With its rebellious spirit, creative energy, and a knack for blending nightlife with hospitality, it redefined what a hotel could be. This ability to resonate with a younger crowd helped set the stage for the hotel to become the backdrop for shows like Sex and The City, Ocean’s Twelve, and Gossip Girl.

Twenty-six years on, and the original Hollywood outpost may be defunct, but its legacy continues—now finding a home in the humid embrace of Singapore. Quietly nestled somewhere between Orchard Road and the Botanic Gardens, the Standard Singapore stands eight stories high, with a façade of askew and angled window panels reflecting light in dynamic ways; foreshadowing the creativity within.

Inside, the lobby eschews the overt glamour of its predecessors, instead embracing a more organic warmth. At its heart, the front desk sits atop a terrarium crafted by Eric Tobua, who spent days cross-legged, assembling a whimsical dreamscape of orchids, exotic flora, and quirky props like glass unicorns and vanadinite crystals. The space blends fluted wood panels, mosaic tiles resembling diamond-shaped gravel, and homely décor, creating a modern rustic vibe with a touch of Mediterranean warmth. This design philosophy extends to Café Standard, which doubles as a bar, residing just across the front desk.

It wasn’t until evening, however, that The Standard’s signature aesthetic revealed itself.  As darkness fell, warm, golden lighting illuminated leather sofas, bar stools, and an impressive collection of spirits. Suddenly, the idea of Chuck Bass pouring himself a single malt at the counter didn’t seem so far-fetched.

Just out back, a garden unfolds across three levels—lined with art installations and lush landscaping scattered throughout. Exploring the place with a book in hand might be a good idea, as there are plenty of hidden nooks to sink into. If the garden isn’t your scene, there’s the pool—an almost Olympic-sized expanse on the third level equipped with plush daybeds and parasols. And for those who prefer to float under the stars, there’s even a giant hammock off to the side, though dismounting it requires a certain grace I can’t claim to possess.

Before I was shown to my room, I stopped for lunch at Kaya, the hotel’s signature restaurant. While Café Standard on the ground floor offers its own charms, Kaya is where you’ll want to be to experience a more complete culinary experience. Located on the second floor, it’s accessible via a red neon-lit elevator or through the garden—a choice that feels symbolic of the hotel itself, a bridge between urbanisation and nature. The space is a tangle of warm lightbulbs, vines, and snake-like booth couches wrapped around a central wooden pillar. The restaurant takes on the informality of an Izakaya and combines it with an artful presentation using regional ingredients. Look out for dishes like the refreshing somen in tomato kombu consommé and char-grilled 30-hour sous-vide beef tongue.

Finally, it was time to check in to my room. Stepping into the elevator engulfed in a red neon hue felt like a transitory gateway of sorts as it departed rather dramatically from the hotel’s design thus far. When the lift opened, I was met with a corridor of deep blue—geometric-speckled carpets and walls lined with blue panels connecting each baby-blue door. Upon entering my room, a bright yellow bathroom to my right captured my attention before I could even explore the main area. Floor-to-ceiling tiles alternated between yellow and white, creating a space that felt almost cartoonish, but it never crossed the line of being overstimulating.

Punchy, zappy, and in-your-face—red, blue, then yellow. For a moment, I thought of Wes Anderson, of Blade Runner, of those old-school cinemas you’d see in the 90s. The whole experience felt like an homage to Hollywood. Of course, this is all just interpretation, but considering the hotel’s history, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched.

This theme of bold, solid colours fades as you step deeper into the room. The room itself was quieter, with its neutral tones manifested through grey carpets and wooden accents, crisp white sheets and beige sofas. It was a nice change of pace.

I stayed in the Standard King Pool View, which, as expected, provided a clear view of the shimmering pool, with Shangri-La looming in the distance. No landmarks, no skyscrapers—just this small, self-contained world. During the night, I’d lie in bed flicking through channels like Arirang and NHK on the television. In those moments, it was easy to pretend I was somewhere else; anywhere but Singapore.

Aside from a relatively long wait time, room service was near impeccable. For my patience, I was rewarded with dishes like blackened karaage marinated in shoyu koji and a frenched lamb rack fermented for a month (seriously, don’t skip the lamb rack)—all served piping hot by the friendly staff, whose slight inexperience only added to their charm.

From the playful use of colours to the garden oasis and striking lobby centrepiece, every detail at The Standard Singapore seems curated to create a sensory experience that blends culture, design, and comfort in a way that feels effortless. In a city already teeming with luxury hotels, the Standard has a way of making the cinematic feel real—it’s a refreshing take on urban hospitality.

The Standard, Singapore is located at 12 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258353