The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the pool and location but consistently whelmed by the small, sometimes dusty rooms.
Jen Singapore Orchardgateway By Shangri-La
$200-300/ night
Book this if You want the absolute best rooftop pool view in Singapore without paying Marina Bay Sands prices, and you value being directly on top of the subway over absolute silence.
Why People Love It
- The 47-meter rooftop infinity pool with direct views of Marina Bay Sands
- Zero-commute location: The elevator goes straight down to Somerset MRT and Orchardgateway mall
- Jeno and Jeni, the autonomous robot butlers that deliver amenities to your door
Quick Take: A hyper-convenient, Instagram-ready base camp for shoppers that trades room size and quiet for a killer pool and unbeatable subway access.
Reviewed by @niklas.niebiossa: I stayed here for the rooftop pool alone and it didn't disappoint. Swimming while looking at the Marina Bay Sands skyline felt surreal. Plus, having the mall right downstairs made grabbing food and hopping on the train super convenient. Definitely my go-to spot in Singapore now.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Club Lounge' food offerings have taken a nosedive post-pandemic (think fried snacks and instant noodles), making the upgrade questionable for foodies.
- Your Singapore itinerary revolves around shopping on Orchard Road
- You want a viral pool photo without the $600+ price tag
- You need excellent public transit access (Somerset MRT is literally downstairs)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention missed dust on high shelves and under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but specific recent complaints cite mold in grout and hair in drains in older rooms.
- Maintenance: Some wear and tear visible: scuffed furniture, slow drains, and the occasional peeling wallpaper.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and white, though towels can feel a bit thin/scratchy compared to 5-star standards.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (signature scent), but some rooms have reported a lingering 'damp' or 'sour' smell likely due to humidity.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thumping bass from Baywatch@Jen rooftop bar (affects high floors)
- Traffic noise from Orchard Road (affects low floors)
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel entrance is subtle; look for the small lobby on the ground floor, then take the lift to Level 10 for the main reception.
- You can order room service amenities via an app and a robot will deliver them.
- Parking is free for guests (one entry/exit coupon per day), which is rare for Orchard Road.
What to pack
- Hair conditioner (hotel provides 2-in-1 only)
- Earplugs (for the city buzz)
- Swimsuit (the pool is the main event)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Panorama Club Room (corner room with bathtub and epic views)
- Superior City View rooms on mid-levels (14-16) for a balance of view and distance from roof noise
Rooms to avoid
- Level 19 rooms (directly under the pool/bar noise)
- Rooms ending in '01' or near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a mid-to-high floor (levels 14-17) facing the city, specifically away from the elevators. Please ensure it is NOT on level 19 to avoid rooftop bar noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Singapore's 30°C (86°F) heat, you'll be grateful it isn't.
Can I get into the pool if I'm not a guest?
No, the pool is strictly for hotel guests. The rooftop bar is open to the public, but swimming is key-card access only.
Is the Club Lounge upgrade worth it?
Debatable. The views are great and alcohol is expensive in Singapore (so free evening drinks help), but the food spread is currently underwhelming.
How do I get to the MRT?
Take the hotel elevator to the basement levels; it connects directly to Somerset MRT station without stepping outside.
Is it family-friendly?
Moderately. There's a kids' pool section, but the vibe is definitely more 'young adult/couple' focused.
Does the room have a bathtub?
Only the Panorama Club Rooms have bathtubs. Superior and Deluxe rooms have standing showers only.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'secret' elevator near the restaurant to go straight to B2 for the MRT and a supermarket, bypassing the mall crowds.
- ✨
The rooftop bar 'Baywatch' has a happy hour, but you can bring your own drinks to your room and enjoy the same view from the window seat.
- ✨
Request a 'check-out' robot visit just for the video op—it's a hit on social media.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'conditioning shampoo' is a major complaint for anyone with long hair.
💡The glass bathroom doors in standard rooms don't go all the way to the ceiling, meaning zero acoustic privacy.
💡The elevators can take 5+ minutes during breakfast rush (8:30-9:30 AM).
💡There is a hidden 'bamboo garden' smoking area on Level 10 that is surprisingly peaceful.
💡You can hear the rooftop DJ's bass line clearly in room 1905 and neighbors.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Jen Singapore Orchardgateway By Shangri-La is located and what's nearby.