Orchard Hotel


revlis

Member
yee yong i have the 20 pac mega top on my wedding, and i have this referral program from Orchard hotel if u keen
happy.gif
 

Xiao boy

New Member
I heard that Orchard Hotel and many other hotels are going to have another show at Vivo City at this outcoming april. Hope you guys don't miss it. As i heard from my friends that all hotels is offering a lot of good perks for their show.
 

jeanzee

New Member
I have signed up for OH earlier on this year for my wedding in 2014. So far so good. A bit concerned abt how consistent things will be moving forward, since it's still more than a year away haha...

But would say OH gave me the best impression so far. Their inter-departments seem to speak to each other and they are well coordinated. Unlike other hotels we visited, for e.g. M Hotel...their coordinators were of low energy and not motivated at all, and couldn't answer some of the questions I have, just kept telling me that they do not have information yet, etc. Why would you go to a roadshow when your information is not updated? ...Ended up picking OH as they were the most prepared during the road show.
 

likeaprincess

New Member
I thought I'd share this for the benefit of all brides who have signed up / are thinking of signing up with Orchard Hotel.

To facilitate planning of my wedding, I decided to do book the biggest thing out of the wedding - the banquet - first. Thus, I started shopping for hotels/banquet venues in June 2012 for my 2013 wedding.

Orchard Hotel was one of hotel choices. We went down to look at the hotel, and when the coordinator met up with us, she was friendly and showed us all the ballrooms in the hotel. Having sampled their food from Hua Ting Restaurant before, i thought their food was fine. When we enquired about the rates for 2013, they said that the rates were not out yet and would contact us at a later date. Finally, the coordinator called us and said that for 2013, because my wedding was to be held in November, we would be charged an extra $88 nett per table because Nov - Dec was a popular period for weddings. We were hesitant upon hearing the $88 - however, the coordinator assured us following the trend of past years, wedding rates would rise in 2013, and this rate would most likely prevail in 2013. We then thought - oh well, since sooner or later we would be paying the same rates anyway, might as well sign the contract then.

That, proved to be a great mistake.

In Feb 2013, when I checked the hotel website again, I was shocked to find out that the the banquet rate for 2013, unlike what was mentioned when i signed the contract, did not include the extra $88/table increase at all as the coordinator mentioned - Orchard Hotel had charged me an extra whopping $3520 for the tables. Naturally, I was upset and called the coordinator. I was given the reply the rates were so as to "entice customers to book unpopular dates leftover in 2013". This was a unreasonable and lame excuse. I would understand the rates perfectly if these were released in September, when people had few dates left to choose. However, it was only February, and I would hardly call a Nov/Dec date a "leftover date in 2013" when the year had just begun. Basically, I was paying $3520 more than the people who signed up / are going to sign up with them this year, for the same number of tables on Nov/Dec a weekend night. The question is: I was told Nov/Dec is a popular season for weddings, thus I was charged the $88/table. Why does this charge not apply to the couples who signed up in Jan 2013 for Nov/Dec 2013 wedding dates, but only to the couples who signed in 2012? It makes the couples who signed up with OH in 2012 feel like idiots for paying a premium for choosing to put their trust in OH earlier.

I called the hotel and tried to reason with them. The misleading info - that the $88nett/table rates would prevail in 2013 - ended up with me and my husband-to-be having to pay $3520 more than the market rates. When told that, they have assiduously avoided the fact that I was misled and maintained that because I booked early, I had the liberty to choose a date I liked and thus have to pay more for the banquet. Somehow, OH forgot that because I booked early, I had a choice of dates AND HOTELS too. I could and would have booked with my first choice hotel, which had my date available for me, if not for the fact that I was misled that the $88nett/table rates would prevail in 2013 and that I was getting a better package with OH.

My point? CHECK, check and check again if you are going to sign up with Orchard Hotel. I am unhappy that the hotel was not upfront in telling me that the $88/table was a PREMIUM I had to pay for booking early in 2012 - instead, I was then fed with the reason Nov/Dec is a popular wedding season and thus the $88/table. Had I known that the $88/table was a premium over and above the market rate only applicable to couples who signed in 2012, I would not have signed with Orchard Hotel, and landed myself in this sorry and dire state, with an overpriced wedding banquet and having to face a penalty charge (which OH didn't fail to remind me of) should I decide to cancel the banquet with them.
 

laduree

New Member
Hi likeaprincess,

Thanks for your feedback! I'm new to the forum. Just signed with Orchard Hotel prior to seeing your post and now I'm even more worried whether I made the right choice in choosing OH. It feels so much like a gamble -_-

Any future OH brides want to chip in their thoughts? :)
 

tigerjos

New Member
Hi everyone,

I'm meeting up with Angie soon~ regarding your question, i'm not sure whether their methods of paying extra is right, but i do know that if the date is what you want badly and the rest of their packages fits your need, then if its me, i wouldn't mind. Because well~ i only have 1 date option available and i'll pay the price to secure it. haha else i cannot get married lol

With the increasing cost of a wedding~ thus i'm planning to hold a wedding lunch hehe
Currently deciding upon Orchard or Swissotel Merchant Court coz their dates are open hehe~ i'm a 2015 BTB hehe

I guess~ since you've already paid for it, might as well be happy and not check back on other offers and make yourself unhappy about it~ which is similar to a gym package that i signed up one week early, and the next week itself they are holding anniversary packages! but damn! i can't do nth about it~ Just stay happy =)
 

tigerjos

New Member
hiiiii~ just met up with both Swissotel Merchant Court (SMC) and Orchard Hotel (OH) !

Both went pretty well i would say~ each got their own pros and cons which i believe many of you already know.
Still here are my evaluations after meeting with them both. =))

Cost:

OH VS SMC (Currently OH has a wedding show coming up and thus have better perks)
  • Banquet: SMC has better base banquet cost in comparison to OH for 2015.
    • SMC - Base + $100 for auspicious date (But they waived it for me)
    • OH - Base + Extra a bit for 2015 (But they have promo of 688 nett for 25 tables min, which kinda waived off the extra bit of cost)
  • Beer: OH is better than SMC
    • SMC - 1 complimentary barrel of beer
    • OH - free flow beer for 4 hrs
  • Wine: OH is better than SMC
    • SMC - 12 bottles. But if get 30 table then 1 per table
    • OH - 1 bottle per table
  • Cockage Waiver - Both
  • Vegetarian & Muslim - Both same, add cost per head to current table cost
Service:
  • First Impression - OH is Great!, SMC is ok.
    • SMC - Had to call to confirm my appointment but yes, at least he remembers (after what i believe looking at his calendar).
    • OH - she called to remind me on my appt, and even forward me her contact directly so that we can contact her
  • During Session - Great again!
    • SMC - From my list of question, i had to ask most of them myself else i won't get no ans. But yes, he did ans them all. then again's he's suffering from flu, thus i guess its still ok.
    • OH - Since i'm pretty well-prepared in terms of questions (kiasu in another words haha) to ask, she actually answered most of the items from my list even before asking. She's always very kind and gives good service throughout the whole session too.
  • AD Service - Good for OH. Normal for SMC
    • SMC - Mentioned that during the wedding day, the banquet manager will take charge.
    • OH - She will be there on the day of the wedding to ensure everything goes right till the first march in
Food:
  • Menu - Both is pretty normal in fact but OH is from Chinese Restaurant while SMC is from internal banquet. Both is open for adjustment of the menu.
Location:
  • Shortest Distance - SMC is better in terms of distance.
    • SMC - Clarke Quay Exit B, few mins walk
    • OH - Around 10 mins walk, like the distance to walk to far east plaza
  • No. of ballroom - SMC is good as there is only 1 ballroom. OH will potentially be made up of 2.
Ballroom:
  • Height - OH has a taller ballroom
  • Pillar - Both is pillarless
  • Size - SMC is better, can fit 50 table, min 25. OH can fit 32, min 20 (Ballroom 3).
    • OH not as spacious as SMC
  • Furnishing - SMC looks better with the furnishing. OH looks better already after their reno, but its still incomplete (still lack carpet change and lighting change)
  • Reception Area - SMC is better as it is not shared.
  • Tea Room/Solemnization Room - Both is complimentary
Others:
  • Bridal Room - OH has a Suite Room for lunch packages (2 Nights)! SMC gives Bridal Studio (1 Night)
  • Coordinator Room - OH has a complimentary room for 1 N. SMC does not
  • Payment - Both needs deposit. SMC needs installment payment nearer the date. OH can pay one shot or pay installment.
  • Projector - OH has 2, SMC has 1
  • Wheelchair Friendly - Yes for both
I guess thats it for now. Currently i'm more keen towards OH~ well because it has more perks during the wedding show haha. And i really like the service from Angie~
Let me know if there are further topics that i did not cover above =)
 

laduree

New Member
Hello tigerjos!

Thanks for your update man :) yep, agree that Angie's really nice and prompt. What about the wedding favours and the selection of wedding invites by both hotels? Most importantly, have you decided on which hotel to sign up with? Haha.
 

tigerjos

New Member
hey! Wedding favors wise its a bit too early to discuss as my wedding is for 2015 lol. but angie mentioned that they're looking into newer suppliers for wedding favors. And currently for wedding cards selection, they have 2 supplier. Anddddd i have signed up with Orchard Hotel!!!! lol just signed it on friday during their wedding show @ Marina Square hehe~ she even gave us the option to just get the minimal 20 tables but also leave the 25 table rebate offer (688 Nett rebate) available. ^^ oh yes~ SMC offered 1 wine per table if we've gotten 30 tables but say that upon contract signing, we must confirm the minimal 30 tables~ so ya, not as flexible i guess.
 

BTB_2014

Member
hi,

i was thinking to sign for orchard hotel also.
but my friends commented that the food in Orchard hotel not nice. and also if we there is 2 event in the same time, the ballroom is not noise filtered. mean you will hear some noise from teh next door event.
anyone has encounter this before?

thanks for the advise.
 

Evonne Ow

New Member
Hello everyone,

Am thinking of Orchard Hotel for my wedding cos I like the grand ballroom very much though lobby don't look grand... Still can make do with it but my only concern is whether it will be noisy if there are 2 events happening at the same time. For me, I shld be given the ballroom 3 thus worry its not sound proof if there are events going on in Ballroom 1 & 2....

Can anyone pls feedback.
 

tigerjos

New Member
Y not ask them which are the dates where there are 2 ongoing weddings and request to pay a visit?

For the food wise~ my bro attended there 3 times and he said its ok~ I'm not expecting wonderful food so ya~
My conclusion on all the hotels is that there are always some people who liked them and some who don't due to different preference~
If I'm to go for the one people will love the food~ it will be totally out of my budget haha like mandarin oriental or amara sanctuary~ gosh their food is good!!
 

clarencefoo

New Member
Hi Evonne,

No worry, cos I had my dinner last nov in ballroom 3 and there was another dinner going on in ballroom 1 & 2. Hardly hear anything. No worry, OH didn't dissapoint me and my wife at all! Very happy with their service and definitely our coordinator.

Once again, congrats and good luck~~! ;-)

Hello everyone,

Am thinking of Orchard Hotel for my wedding cos I like the grand ballroom very much though lobby don't look grand... Still can make do with it but my only concern is whether it will be noisy if there are 2 events happening at the same time. For me, I shld be given the ballroom 3 thus worry its not sound proof if there are events going on in Ballroom 1 & 2....

Can anyone pls feedback.
 

Xiao boy

New Member
Wow Ladies and Gentlemen,

Coming out there is another Intimate Affairs that Orchard Hotel is Hosting, which falls on 18 August 2013, just got their package.

It comes with lots of perks and even Cash rebate if you hit on the minimum tables. Ballroom seem to be very well done up on Website and from the Newspapers i also realize that they are going for a 3billion face lift for their hotel.
Do anyone have any recommendation on which sales person is good at this hotel?
:)
 

clarinetmine

New Member
I met up with mon lim during the wedding show at vivo. He's quite Gd in the sense he noes his things very well. At least he is entu to the couple in offering u Gd perks. Orchard hotel is a little out of my budget if not their perks r Gd.
 

eileenq

Member
hi everyone, htb & i signed up with OH last month for our wedding banquet in 2014 after comparing OH and SMC. our coordinator has been very prompt and helpful & this was 1 of the deciding factors, a friend who held her wedding dinner @ OH last year also had good feedback, so i guess anyone who is interested should not have any worries :)
 

Questionsnmore

New Member
hi everyone, htb & i signed up with OH last month for our wedding banquet in 2014 after comparing OH and SMC. our coordinator has been very prompt and helpful & this was 1 of the deciding factors, a friend who held her wedding dinner @ OH last year also had good feedback, so i guess anyone who is interested should not have any worries :)

Hi Eileen,
I am also interested in OH.

Can you share what was offered in your package with me?

Thanks!
 

Xiao boy

New Member
Hi Eileen,

I recently signed uo with OH too. My coordinator was fantastic too and funny. Maybe you could drop me your email details and I can get him to drop you their promotional package. Be quick as mention by numbers of hotel pricing might be increasing for next year due to food cost reasons.

Boy:)
 

wt

New Member
Hi ppl! Im interested in OH's package for next year end. For those who have signed for next year, can pm me the details? Thanks!!
 

sharontlc82

New Member
I have met up with Oliver Tey last week. The perks he offer r very good. Still making the final decision n very high chance will sign with OH. He did mention the carpet in all ballroom will change in this sep. And they have tis dish quite interesting- chilli crab gravy with mantou. And he also mention the card invitation will be 2mths before
 

sharontlc82

New Member
And he did mention abt the card have over 50 design to choose fm n can choose fm 2mths before your AD including the favours. For the theme there will be 5 types but he does not photo to show me yet. But they hv this wedding show on 15 oct for 2014 wedding. The deposit is abt 5K.
 

char-char

New Member
Hi Sharontlc82,
Care to share the perks and Oliver's contact.:)
I missed the wedding show and would like to go down to have a look. beeen there a few years ago and it looks old. hope that after renovation it will look nice!
Thank you!
 

aboon2

New Member
Hi, anyone tasted Orchard Hotel banquet food before? I'm holding my wedding there in Sep 14. Thinking of replacing the crispy roast chicken with their pork ribs instead as i heard that their pork ribs are good. Can someone who tried their food before comment? Thanks!!
 

purlip33

Member
hi attended weddg there twice, indeed the food is consider not bad.. i dont eat pork but did hrd comment the pork ribs is nice. but the wasabi prawns was nice the first time. on d second time it doesnt taste as good. but overall i think its quite a gd choice.
 

zrhs

Member
hey! Wedding favors wise its a bit too early to discuss as my wedding is for 2015 lol. but angie mentioned that they're looking into newer suppliers for wedding favors. And currently for wedding cards selection, they have 2 supplier. Anddddd i have signed up with Orchard Hotel!!!! lol just signed it on friday during their wedding show @ Marina Square hehe~ she even gave us the option to just get the minimal 20 tables but also leave the 25 table rebate offer (688 Nett rebate) available. ^^ oh yes~ SMC offered 1 wine per table if we've gotten 30 tables but say that upon contract signing, we must confirm the minimal 30 tables~ so ya, not as flexible i guess.
how much per table you signed ? I saw the current rate for 2015 like very exp!? ermmm
 

laduree

New Member
Hi zrhs, I signed at $1058++ per table for this Dec Saturday wedding dinner, which albeit not cheap but worth it for the number of perks given. Is the 2015 rate very expensive?
 

hi8487

New Member
Hi clarencefoo,

Heard you had your dinner in ballroom 3 lasr year. How was it?
The ballroom size is it very small? Tables arranged very squeezy?
 

laduree

New Member
hahaha basically to ask for more of everything if possible (to ask if a complimentary solemnisation room can be provided if you're planning to do it there)! it also depends on what you require :) hope this helps!
 

Belinda003

New Member
I had my solemnization & wedding banquet at Orchard Hotel in June recently. So far, received many compliments about food... mostly had praised about the food. I had praises for my banquet Coordinator, Mon... who really helpful, prompt in replying every emails / sms from the first day since I signed my package with.. And to the actual day, his team had been a great help, in solving such issue us like when to come in the chorus of march in song... Never regret taking to hold my wedding at Orchard Hotel
 

kiki-lala

New Member
Hi, anyone has any photos of the latest theme available for the banquet? I have tried to asked from my coordinator but they said that choosing of themes can only be done 3 weeks before the AD. My wedding is just next month! So weird..
As they dont provide much decors to the reception area, I want to bring in some of my own decors and want to make sure it fits in with the theme... Anyone has it can share with me? my email is [email protected].
thanks in advance!
 

Janixe

New Member
Hi all! Does anyone have any recent feedback on Orchard Hotel? Am interested to find out more as I am shortlisting it!
 

es91

New Member
Hi, I am concern with orchard's hotel shared reception area. Will it be too squeezy? I am going for ballroom 3. The smaller one near the escalator.
 


sesamemee

Member
Hi, I am concern with orchard's hotel shared reception area. Will it be too squeezy? I am going for ballroom 3. The smaller one near the escalator.

Hi! I had my wedding there last month! Don't worry on the reception area, they have staffs at the escalator there to direct your guest. Food n service is good!
 

Top