JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La – Hotel Review

Marina Bay Sands isn’t the only hotel in Singapore where you can swim and sip cocktails with a postcard-perfect view. Jen Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La also has a sky-high bar, rooftop infinity pool and panoramic views of the city. Read on for the full review. 

Everything about JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La feels as though it’s made for the modern traveller. The prevalence of comfy places to work – including ergonomic chairs in rooms – nods to the digital nomad, while the Italian linen-sheathed beds give a wink to the design-savvy. Throw in a 47-metre pool that practically hangs over the city, three on-site eateries, a small but serviceable gym and you’ve got a true little gem of a hotel, right amongst the action of the city. If it wasn’t for its Orchard Road location, you might never venture further than the rooftop. With a lively bar serving poolside cocktails, who could blame you?

Where is JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La?

Towering over Orchard Road, JEN Singapore is right in the heart of the city, approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the main international airport, Changi. It’s also a few steps from Somerset station, a stop on the city’s MRT (subway) network.

What’s near JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La?

Shopping, and lots of it. Orchard Road is packed with the grand malls the city is famous for, with a cluster no more than a few hundred metres away from JEN Singapore by foot. Culture buffs will enjoy the National Museum of Singapore, just over a kilometre away. The nearby MRT station, Somerset, is the real key to the city, with quick access to highlights such as Gardens by the Bay – from Somerset, it’s just five stops to Marina South Pier where a quick walk to the edge of the gardens awaits.

Room types

There are four key room types: Superior, Deluxe, Club and Panorama (there are just 13 of the latter and that’s not the only reason they’re special). All room types include satellite TV, wi-fi, tea and coffee stations and bay window seats to take in the view. In all room categories, 24-hour room service is attended to by Jeno, the hotel’s resident robot (no, really) but once you hit Club and above, additional privileges are unlocked. Complimentary evening cocktails at the on-site Club Lounge come standard and if you choose the Panorama Club Room – which feels more like an apartment thanks to its 55 square metre-size – you’ll also be treated to a windowside soaking tub that takes in views of the city.

Restaurants and bars

JEN Singapore has one restaurant and two bars on-site (Lounge@Jen is closed until further notice at the time of writing). Makan@JEN is a bright and casual eatery that serves both a la carte and buffet options from there and abroad: think beef rendang and salads. Baywatch@JEN is the bar attached to the rooftop pool and a cocktail is a must. If you’re keen to skip the super sweet Singapore Sling, a glass of Veuve goes great with a sunset.

Travel for work

Mixing business with pleasure seems to be a JEN Singapore mantra. Home to JEN Society, a co-working space and hub for community networking and events, the hotel has remote working in its veins. Even the Superior rooms include full-size desks and comfy office chairs and of course, the requisite wi-fi. The hotel also houses hot desks amid its co-working spaces, as well as a number of hireable meeting rooms for more focused work.

Pool and gym

The jewel in JEN Singapore’s crown is the almost-50-metre-long, hydro-jet dotted infinity pool, which stretches across one edge of the hotel’s rooftop. It’s open from 8am to 10pm daily, with the adjoining bar mirroring these hours. The hotel’s gym, which has treadmills, weight and elliptical machines, is located on level 19 and overlooks the city.

What you need to know

Don’t forget to reserve a space at Baywatch@JEN – especially around sunset. Also, while rooftop closing hours say 10pm, orders for drinks cut off a half hour earlier.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels to Book Near Singapore’s Orchard Road