by Coleen Leong
At the mention of luxury train travel, what often comes to mind are scenic and romantic rail journeys on the likes of the Eastern & Oriental Express, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer and The Ghan.
But true comfort and luxury would have eluded overnight train passengers if not for the Pullman sleeping car, designed and manufactured in 1864 by American engineer and industrialist George Pullman. In 1929, the Pullman Company introduced air conditioning and opulent private cars with marble showers in the train, developing premier services for rail travellers.
Upholding the innovative approach of the man who revolutionised railroad travel through his luxurious sleeping carriages, Accor’s Pullman Hotels & Resorts prides itself in delivering inspiring, energising and enriching experiences to travellers looking for a new take on luxury.
Pulling inspiration from Pullman’s 19th-century roots in luxury rail travel is Pullman Singapore Hill Street which opened in October last year. A brand-new property built on the site of the former Telephone House, the 350-room hotel is the first Pullman in the world to pay homage to the brand’s roots through its railway junction theme design, as envisioned by award-winning architectural industrial design firm DP Architects.
The train theme is cleverly woven into the fabric of the hotel – from its smartly dressed Pullman Porters, repro Pullman Sleeping Cabin which serves as a luggage holding area, installation of vintage carriers and antique-style elevators, to rooms fashioned after private train cabins and meeting rooms named after iconic train stations around the world.
The hotel currently has an Opening Special Stay Package for Accor members for stays till 31 March that comes with breakfast for two plus $28 nett daily F&B dining credit, and a Valentine’s Romantic Escape Stay Package, available throughout February, which includes an aromatic Love Affair with Maison 21G Afternoon Tea session and in-room sweet treats.
We spotlight ways to enjoy an inspiring and invigorating stay that celebrates the golden age of rail travel at the five-star hotel.
Luxuriate in stylish railroad cabin-inspired rooms & suites
Spread over levels four to 10, rooms and suites are dotted across the hotel’s U-shaped building, offering captivating views of Fort Canning Park, Marina Bay or the swimming pool.
On the way to your room, check out the cool grey carpets in the hallway that depict the Singapore map and the rounded edges of the corridors that mimic a train carriage.
Rooms sport open-concept wardrobes, warm wood flooring, polished fixtures and brass linings, and are clad in soothing tones of cream, brown and grey with pops of orange hues that are inspired by the terracotta roof tiles in the hotel’s vicinity.
Rooms are equipped with smart technology to customise functions from lighting to temperature, and Nespresso machines. In the bathrooms, there are Grohe faucets for filtered water and toiletries from America’s oldest apothecary C.O. Bigelow.
Some Executive and Deluxe Rooms feature Murphy beds, which fold up into walls and offer a flexible space that can transform a living area into a bedroom. Families can opt for an Executive Suite that combines a Studio Suite with a connecting Murphy bedroom.
Dig into New York City deli favourites at Madison’s
Named after New York City’s iconic Madison Avenue, this all-day dining restaurant on the ground floor is a modern take on the New York City deli.
Settle down in a cosy nook and dig into American comfort food classics like hearty burgers and sandwiches, and mains like Mac & Cheese and Shrimps & Shrooms Grit. A sweet finish is guaranteed with the Signature NYC Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Chocolate Passion Delight or Southern Pecan Tart with Fresh Cream. There are also milkshakes, smoothies and freshly roasted coffee from local purveyor Sarnies.
In the middle of Madison’s is the Porter Lounge, which stands out with its golden brass cabin. Designed as a semi-private dining and meeting space, the lounge is flanked by an open cabinet of vintage curiosities and barware that’s perfect for a caffeine fix or casual catch-ups.
The train travel theme also shows up in another space at Madison’s. Inspired by New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, the space sports a hydraulic table which doubles as a buffet table during breakfast and a dining table when the space is transformed into a private dining room for up to 10 persons.
If you’re having breakfast at Madison’s, look out for the game-changing electronic Nutella Dispenser at the waffle station. Press one button for 15g of Nutella and the other for lots more!
For a little mid-day splendour, the Grand Voyage: Unboxing The World’s Favours Afternoon Tea is guaranteed to hit the spot. Served in three-tiered box with a chest of drawers, the afternoon tea is available from Monday to Saturday, 2pm to 5pm.
Nibble on sweet and savoury treats like Raisin Scones, Kueh Lapis, Red Velvet Cake, Passion Mousse, Chocolate Opera, Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Tea Bag Cookies, Lobster roll, Norwegian Salmon Tartare in pie tee shell, Oscietra caviar on blinis, Turkey Ham focaccia and Quiche. Wash it all down with your tea of choice from Dilmah’s premium Silver Jubilee Tea Selection. For a little extra indulgence, splash out extra for unlimited champagne for two hours.
Savour inventive concoctions & izakaya classics at MOGĀ
Hidden behind an unmarked sliding door next to Madison’s Grab-and-Go counter is sleek Japanese izakaya meets vibrant cocktail bar MOGĀ (Japanese slang for “Modern Girls”).
Step in and be transported to an opulent yet grungy space that resembles a secret joint in the alleyways of Tokyo. Decked in lush mahogany leathers, MOGĀ has three seating zones, with one featuring mesmerising LED graphics and larger-than-life artwork on the walls.
Behind the bar counter, Head Mixologist Marcus Liow and his talented team of drink masters craft exquisite cocktails with precision and flair.
Standout cocktails include Liow’s creation of Haru No Shinju (Pearls of Spring), a delicate balance of Tanqueray No. 10 with lychee, Genmaicha-infused sake, citrus, sea salt and raspberry foam to harken cherry blossoms in full bloom; Koji Old Fashioned which stars Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, miso, Munin-roasted hazelnut and bitters; Hana Sour, a refreshing blend of Mute Muka Junmai Ginjo sake, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, citrus and egg white; and Wasabi Smash, an eclectic mix of Bulldog gin, wasabi, green shiso, basil, lemongrass and citrus.
Food-wise, MOGĀ serves up a menu of luxed up, modern interpretations of izakaya classics – from handrolls and sashimi to hot dishes and sandos.
Must-orders include crowd-favourite Chicken Tsukune, Moga Samurai Roll, Chicken Karaage, Gindara Saikyo Miso, Hokkaido Scallop, Moga Katsu Sando and Black Sesame Gelato.
Lounge, eat, drink, soak up cool Mexican vibes plus rooftop views at El Chido
Taking its name from the Mexican word for “cool”, El Chido’s idea of cool is a rooftop infinity pool with a swim-up bar; cabanas and sofas for sunbathing and chilling; tipples reconstructed with Mexican flair; Mexican staples of tacos, tortillas and tostadas; and stunning views of Marina Bay and the cityscape.
Watch the sun set on Marina Bay as you sip on Mexican-inspired cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologist Dario Knox.
For gin lovers there’s Sombrero Smash, a breezy adaptation of Basil Smash with its muddle of fresh basil, jasmine gin, cucumber and citrus. For a refreshing quencher with earthy undertones, get the Cactus Mojito which revisits the classic with a balanced twist incorporating bits of nopales or cactus paddles. A spicy take on the classic, Mariachi Margarita is spiked with jalapeño which harmonises peppery notes of Blanco Tequila and smoky mezcal with the freshness of pineapple and celery.
Pair your drinks with house specialities like Nacho Man, topped with minced beef or Impossible Beef plus a generous smattering of classic toppings; White Fish Ceviche, cured seasonal fish in a calamansi marinade tossed with pickled sweet potatoes, capers and avocados, and finished with a drizzle of black garlic crema; Shrimp & Chorizo tacos with poblano peppers, crisp capers, shallots, garlic crema and avocados; Thai Style Angus Beef Flank Steak tostada island with a pile of refried beans, salsa, guacamole, jalapeño and queso fresco.
Churros fans will want to try El Chido’s version which is served with a shot of tequila chocolate.
Other cool offerings include Mexican Happy Hour daily from noon to 6pm, 1-for-1 Taco Tuesdays and Chill Out Slushy Sundays from noon to 4pm for two hours of free-flow frozen margarita.
