The Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore has been a landmark hotel in Singapore for over 125 years. Its beautiful architecture, often featured in films, exudes the dignity of a classic hotel while simultaneously serving as a special presence that conveys the history and culture of Singapore, a city that continues to innovate remarkably.
This prestigious hotel, while cherishing its inherited traditions, has been updated to create a more comfortable and sophisticated space. In 2026, the "Mayfair Wing" was renovated, starting a new chapter where classical charm and modern "quiet luxury" resonate together. Through this one hotel, we took a journey through the charm of a city where old and new coexist beautifully.
The story of a heritage hotel that has walked hand in hand with Singapore's history.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, just a short distance from Orchard Road, lies the Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore. Its history began in 1900 when it was originally built as the Teutonia Club, a social club for the German community living in Singapore.
In 1918, the three Manasseh brothers acquired the building and named it "Goodwood Hall," after the famous Goodwood Racecourse in England. In 1922, it became a social venue offering restaurants, cafes, and entertainment, and in the same year, it hosted a spectacular performance by the world-renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova.
Then, in 1929, it began a new chapter in its history as the "Goodwood Park Hotel." Initially, it catered to business travelers from Malaya (the British colony of the Malay Peninsula), and by the late 1930s, it had grown into a widely known hotel. Notable guests at the time included the Prince of Wales, who would later become the Duke of Windsor.
Subsequently, the hotel would witness Singapore's turbulent history. During World War II, under Japanese occupation, it was used as accommodation for high-ranking Japanese military officers, and after the war, it served as a courtroom for British war crimes trials. In 1947, it was returned to Vivian Bass, a descendant of the Manasseh family.
From this point on, the hotel began a series of groundbreaking challenges, becoming the first hotel in Singapore to install a swimming pool on its premises. In the 1960s, it introduced air-conditioned taxis exclusively for hotel guests, and added innovative services and facilities such as what was then the longest bar in Southeast Asia and a climate-controlled wine cellar.
Furthermore, in 1989, the historic Grand Tower, a symbol of the hotel, was designated a National Historic Site, demonstrating how the hotel's history of over 125 years has mirrored the transformation of the city of Singapore itself.
The Rosemary Suite resembles a noble's mansion. It is a place where royalty, internationally renowned figures, and heads of state from around the world have stayed.
A lobby where time seems to flow at a leisurely pace.
The comfort of the "Mayfair Wing" has become a new attraction.
In recent years, a number of modern and stylish hotels have sprung up around Orchard Road, significantly evolving Singapore's hotel scene. Meanwhile, the historic Goodwood Park Hotel has also kept pace with the times, renovating its Mayfair Wing in 2026.
The newly renovated Mayfair Wing features 76 guest rooms. The design was overseen by architect Ernesto Bedmar, who has previously worked on renovations for the hotel. While inheriting the dignity that the hotel has cultivated over many years, it has been reborn as a more modern and timeless space.
The guest rooms feature a calming design based on bright earth tones, incorporating natural materials such as natural wood, leather, and sisal rugs. Without excessive ornamentation, the space highlights the texture of the materials and the beauty of the details, making it a perfect example of "quiet luxury."
All guest rooms in the Mayfair Wing feature private balconies overlooking a tranquil pool and lush gardens. Open the doors and let the tropical breeze flow into the room, allowing you to relax in comfort thanks to the ceiling fan and natural ventilation.
There are two types of guest rooms. The "Deluxe Mayfair Room" features a balcony overlooking the pool or garden, accommodating a wide range of guests from couples to families. The "Deluxe Poolside Room" is located on the first floor and offers a special design with direct access to the Mayfair Pool from the room. In the morning, you can open the balcony door, feel the breeze while gazing at the greenery, and simply enjoy some time doing nothing.
The Deluxe Mayfair Room has a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere.
The bathroom in the Deluxe Mayfair Room is functional and luxurious.
Visiting this hotel "just to eat" is also one of its pleasures.
And when talking about the Goodwood Park Hotel, "food" is an indispensable element.
Even if they've never stayed overnight, many people have likely visited the hotel for afternoon tea, Chinese cuisine, or durian sweets. The dining experience, nurtured over a long history, is itself a reason to visit this hotel.
The signature dish at the hotel's flagship restaurant, "Gordon Grill," is the classic meat trolley service. The style of selecting meat brought right to the guest's table exudes the elegance befitting a historic hotel dining experience.
Gordon's Grill is one of Singapore's top restaurants, offering excellent steaks and continental cuisine.
For Chinese cuisine, head to "Min Jiang." You can enjoy Sichuan and Cantonese dishes, and at "Min Jiang Dempsey," you can savor authentic Peking duck. In the afternoon, you might enjoy an English afternoon tea buffet at "L'Espresso." Also, the Taiwanese congee at "Coffee Lounge" is a long-loved favorite.
Minjiang offers authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine.
And one of the things that makes this hotel widely known in Singapore is durian. Many fans visit the hotel specifically for its hotel-made durian offerings, including the durian parfait at "The Deli," as well as seasonal sweets and mooncakes.
After enjoying breakfast, head to the pool. In the afternoon, have afternoon tea, and in the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner. You can encounter a variety of gourmet delights throughout the day without even having to go into town.
The main pool is located in the center of the hotel.
Don't miss the afternoon tea available at the coffee lounge, Le Espresso, and the deli.
Make the time spent at the hotel itself the purpose of the trip.
The Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore is located close to Orchard Road, one of Singapore's most iconic shopping areas. It's also just a 10-minute drive from the central business district, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
However, if you're staying at this hotel, it would be a shame to use it solely as a base for sightseeing. The hotel boasts two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and beauty and spa services, providing an environment where you can relax and unwind without leaving the premises.
Walking through historic buildings, sipping tea while gazing at the greenery, or simply relaxing by the poolside, letting time slowly pass by—while we often want to cram our schedules together when traveling, it's these moments of quiet reflection that might enrich our journeys.
A visit to the Goodwood Park Hotel offers a truly unique experience, allowing you to feel both the present-day Singapore and the 125 years of history that lie beneath it.
22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Text by Yuko Taniguchi
Stories
Premium X
Japan's premium hotels
Premium X
