When it comes to luxury hotels, most people envision five-star amenities, lavish interiors, and an atmosphere that commands sophistication. Yet, The Standard brand has always been anything but, well, “standard.” Since its debut on the Sunset Strip in 1999, The Standard has redefined hospitality with a blend of irreverent design and quirky charm that attracts a creative, young, and cool clientele. Now, 25 years later, the spirit of The Standard thrives at its latest iteration in Singapore—a high-rise tucked along the city’s lush Orange Grove Road.
The Origins
The first Standard hotel opened in 1999 on the Sunset Strip, steps away from the historic Chateau Marmont. But where the latter catered to the Hollywood elite with its old-world glamour, The Standard offered something new: an artsy, rebellious vibe that embraced modern creativity.
With its minimalist guest rooms and common spaces that doubled as avant-garde art galleries and impromptu party venues, The Standard quickly became a hotspot for up-and-coming artists, musicians, and celebrities looking for an alternative to stuffy luxury. The brand’s ethos was clear—this wasn’t a hotel designed for formality, but rather a place to unwind, explore, and engage with culture.
Even after the original Hollywood location closed, The Standard’s reputation continued to grow with new openings around the world. Each new property infused the brand’s trademark playfulness and boundary-pushing design into its surroundings. And now, with its third Asian property in Singapore, The Standard has once again proven its ability to blend local influences with global coolness, offering a unique experience tailored to its environment.
A Tropical Wonderland
The Standard, Singapore, isn’t just another high-end hotel in the city’s bustling Orchard district; it’s a celebration of Singapore’s status as a garden city. Partnering with local design studio Ministry of Design (MOD), The Standard’s in-house team transformed the building’s exterior into a sleek modernist façade, while the interior plays with lush tropicality. The moment you step into the hotel, you’re greeted by a reception desk disguised as an oversized terrarium—an art installation by Thai artist Eric Tobua, complete with miniature animals peeking out from tropical plants. It’s playful, unexpected, and quintessentially Standard.
Throughout the property, you’ll find cheeky details, like the chrome puppy figurines in the lobby, that create a sense of whimsy. The guest rooms continue this vibe with compact yet thoughtfully designed spaces. Quirky wall hooks replace traditional closets, leather pouches offer smart storage solutions, and the beds are framed by cozy ribbed wooden canopies. Everything from the color palette to the furnishings evokes a tropical, mid-century aesthetic, blending Singapore’s nature with The Standard’s signature playfulness.
A Social Hub for Locals and Guests Alike
The Standard’s mission has always been about more than just providing a place to sleep; it’s about creating a social experience. In Singapore, this philosophy extends to the hotel’s public spaces, which are designed to invite locals to come and hang out.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Kaya, serves creative Japanese-inspired dishes in a visually stunning setting. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling, while creepers drape down, creating a garden-like atmosphere indoors. The design playfully mixes an eclectic wallpaper print of ’80s glassware with 3D brocade florals, adding a dash of retro charm.
Outside, the lush garden courtyard offers a variety of nooks and spaces for socializing, whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends, enjoying a cocktail from Café Standard, or lounging by the pool. The garden also serves as a hub for future events—think dance parties, DJ sets, and more. With every corner offering something new to discover, The Standard, Singapore is set to become a lively gathering spot for both hotel guests and the community.
In all its details, The Standard, Singapore captures the unique blend of irreverence, comfort, and creativity that the brand is known for. Whether you’re in town for a quick stay or a longer visit, it’s a place where you can relax, be inspired, and take part in a fresh, energetic take on luxury.
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