Hilton Singapore Orchard hits the right touchpoints for MICE groups

From hotel and room check-in to business discussions and events in the ballrooms, the newly launched Hilton Singapore Orchard has transformed into an experience-specific hotel for MICE planners and delegates. It occupies the premises of the former Mandarin Orchard. 

Its transformation comes with a couple of superlatives. It is the largest flagship property in Asia Pacific (APAC) with 1,080 rooms. Its Executive Lounge is also the largest for an APAC property, spanning 790 sqm with a capacity of 206 pax. The spacious venue with various seating options and configurations will easily provide a cosy corner for a 1-to-1 CEO chat or a comfortable planning meeting for a group of six. 

MICE groups arriving at the hotel will now be able to check-in quickly at the dedicated lobby on level 1 before heading up to their rooms via lifts just a few steps away. Key considerations have been given to the delegate’s journey within the hotel, with a spatial flow that directs a delegate from room to event venue conveniently with little distraction. From the lift lobby on level 5, planners now find their meetings haven on the left behind closed doors. This ensures there isn’t much crossover traffic of regular visitors to the general lobby, bar and lounge, and restaurants on the right. 

The dedicated events enclave comprises 16 configurable rooms bathed in natural light and dressed in greenery for meetings, break-out sessions and receptions. Within this space, there are lounge areas and kitchen amenities for coffee breaks to be served. Much thought has been given to the conducive and relaxing experience provided for delegates in its creation. After all, it’s important enough to hack away a big section of the old carpark for it.

The new Grand Ballroom now accommodates up to 900 pax and is fitted with the latest LED walls and audiovisual technology for immersive screenings. Together with the distinctive multi-tiered amphitheatre-style Imperial Ballroom and the new events enclave, Hilton Singapore Orchard offers 2,400 sqm of versatile spaces for MICE groups. 

Helmed by General Manager Cedric Nubul, who has more than 20 years’ experience with the Hilton brand, the hotel sees a positive pipeline of events, particularly in the sports sector. He shared that it was very timely and significant to have launched the hotel by welcoming the HSBC Women’s World Championship in March.

“Hilton has always upheld a strong sustainability agenda, and we believe in carrying out our 2030 goal to ‘travel with purpose’ and to redefine sustainable travel. Together with HSBC’s green agenda, it was a partnership very much aligned in values and vision. The organiser was interested in how we practised sustainability; from our use of wooden key cards and glass bottles to our ingredients sourcing efforts for F&B and how we go about recycling,” shared Nubul. 

For the event, the hotel’s F&B team headed by Culinary Director Vijay Shanmugam, previously with Waldorf Astoria Maldives, worked with the organiser to create a menu that was sustainably sourced. “We are also working more with local food suppliers, and with Nordaq as well to have our own water bottling plant at the hotel,” said Nubul.

Following that, Singapore’s calendar of sports events such as April’s HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens and the Ultimate Fighting Championship in June will keep the hotel busy. 

Nubul said, “We are seeing very positive overseas demand – mainly for in-person events – from the US, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. We have had RFPs for groups ranging from 200 to 250, and we are bidding for them.

“We have been focusing on the local market, and we will continue to do so. Globally, we are hoping for the Europe market to stabilise, and of course, we are waiting for Japan and China to open up. From a marketing standpoint, our plans and strategies are ready to be activated whenever respective markets open up. So, we are ready,” added Nubul.

Hilton Singapore Orchard enjoys the prestige of its prime location in Orchard Road, with the adjoined Mandarin Gallery providing much foot traffic from visitors looking for epicurean dining or a leisurely tête-à-tête after shopping. F&B highlights include two-Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro, Osteria Mozza by famed American chef Nancy Silverton, and award-winning Chatterbox for local delights. All-day dining restaurant Estate and bar and lounge Ginger.Lily complete the culinary experience.

The hotel has about 600 rooms currently ready for bookings, with the full inventory of 1,080 rooms completed by January 2023.