Review / Why Como Metropolitan Singapore is more than a hotel: part of the Como Orchard lifestyle destination, it’s a step away from a Cédric Grolet patisserie, and Thom Browne and Jacquemus stores at Club 21

Jan 7 , 2024

The Lobby Lounge at Como Metropolitan Singapore. The hotel is part of the Como Orchard complex that includes patissier Cédric Grolet, and a Club 21 multi-label store with Thom Browne, Jacquemus and Simone Rocha. Photos: Handout

With a presence spanning the globe and properties in Asia, Europe and Oceania, Como Hotels and Resorts has been a Singapore success story for more than 30 years. Its portfolio includes some of the most highly rated resorts in the world such as Como Shambhala Estate in Bali and Como Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, and city hotels such as the Como Metropolitan Bangkok and Como The Halkin in London.

It is surprising then that it was only in September 2023 that the company opened its first hotel in its hometown of Singapore. Tucked away on a side street off the country’s main shopping thoroughfare Orchard Road, Como Metropolitan Singapore is part of a larger Como Orchard complex that also includes a retail outpost of Club 21, the style emporium that is part of Como Group, the company behind Como Hotels and Resorts.

Como Metropolitan Singapore is located off Singapore’s main shopping street, Orchard Road

Bringing together hospitality, fashion, wellness and dining, the project is the brainchild of Christina Ong, the very private and also very stylish founder of Como Group.

Besides Club 21 – which carries established labels such as Thom Browne, Jacquemus and Simone Rocha mixed with a selection of hard-to-find Japanese and Korean brands – Como Orchard is also home to the first Asian outpost of Cédric Grolet, the French patissier with 9.3 million Instagram followers. His beautiful and delicious confections draw daily queues at his patisseries in Paris and now London, where he recently opened a branch within the hallowed grounds of The Berkeley. The same has been happening in Singapore since the unveiling of the pastry shop, with fans waiting in line every day.

The Vanilla Flower tart at Cédric Grolet, located on the ground floor of the Como Orchard complex

The other dining spot in the complex, Como Cuisine is a fun and informal eatery where you can indulge in Western dishes such as salade Niçoise, Indian curries and healthy fare courtesy of Como Shambhala, the wellness concept that has long been at the heart of Como Group.

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Como Shambhala takes up an entire floor devoted to well-being, with a fully equipped spa, daily yoga and Pilates classes, an infrared sauna, and a sprawling workout area that is a far cry from your average hotel gym. Even though it’s open to local members, the place feels like a calm sanctuary in the middle of Singapore.

Como Cuisine offers Singaporean specialities, classic dishes from Como’s properties around the world and healthy options from Como Shambhala Cuisine

Designed by Italian architect Paola Navone of Otto Studio, Como Metropolitan Singapore features a soothing and calming colour palette – think neutral tones and natural materials like wood. Rooms and suites are spacious and welcoming, with large bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, some providing views of the city’s skyline all the way to the landmark Marina Bay Sands. The best way to start the day is with an invigorating swim in the infinity pool on the 19th floor, which is also home to the Sky Bar, where you can grab a drink before heading to dinner.

A spacious bedroom at Como Metropolitan Singapore, in the hotel’s signature neutral tones

While Cédric Grolet, Club 21 and Como Cuisine tend to be quite busy with Singaporeans and tourists alike checking out the latest fashions or grabbing a bite, the rest of the property is all about privacy and discreet luxury. Even with high occupancy, you’re unlikely to run into too many fellow guests.

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The casual chic vibe of the hotel extends to the staff, who are clad in all-black uniforms paired with covetable Comme des Garçons Play Converse shoes, and are always ready to offer tips on where to go and what to do in the area.

The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooks the city’s Orchard Road and beyond

Club 21 offers a mix of established brands such as Thom Browne and smaller labels from Japan and Korea

With a branch of Korean-American steakhouse Cote and a floor devoted to medical health opening soon, Como Metropolitan Singapore is a lifestyle destination catering to both locals and travellers alike. It is yet another reason to visit a city that has seen great changes in the last few years and has finally shed its reputation as a sleepy town to become a fun place with plenty to do and explore.

Asia travel

Como Hotels and Resorts has come home, opening its first property in its native Singapore last September, with a floor for the Como Shambhala wellness concept and a rooftop infinity pool and bar
The hotel is part of the Como Orchard complex, which also includes the first Asian outpost of patissier Cédric Grolet, and a Club 21 multi-label store with Thom Browne, Jacquemus and Simone Rocha