For those in the know, “pullman” conjures a sense of luxury and adventure. The brainchild of American industrialist George Pullman, the word brings to mind the Orient-Express, sleeping cars decorated by Lalique, and well-worn Louis Vuitton trunks on the platforms of steam locomotives. An ode to the man who designed and manufactured the Pullman sleeping car, the hospitality brand by AccorHotels evokes the excitement of travel.
At the newly opened Pullman Singapore Hill Street, my curiosity around rail travel grew. The friendly Pullman Porters readily regale me with fun facts, such as how the iconic pullman luggage was named because it was originally designed to fit under the seats of the Pullman railroad cars, or how New York’s Grand Central station inspired the curved golden beams within the hotel.
The second Pullman hotel to open in Singapore, the Hill Street property was built from the ground up and designed by Singapore’s DP Architects. This allowed them to have free play to translate the history of the George Pullman sleeping car and fit them to our modern society. The attention to detail is stunning. At the hotel entrance stands a reproduction of a classic Pullman sleeping cabin, functioning as a luggage holding area.
Inside the lobby, a floor-to-ceiling installation of vintage carriers flanks the marble- and wood-clad walkway. The perfect backdrop for a photo, this decorative element calls to mind Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter. Throughout the hotel, artefacts like rotary phones, film cameras, binoculars, globes, and other exploration-related memorabilia celebrates the old-world charm of travel. Little nooks, such as curved wall seats for its phone booth, encourage guests to linger and stay a little longer.
To complement the modern-retro vibe, the hotel uses antique-style elevators featuring semi-circular level indicators. Faux train windows inside the elevator reimagine a guest’s journey to their room. Even the corridors are inspired by the look and feel of adjoining carriages, with curved details at certain sections and custom carpets that depict the Lion City’s map.
While the hotel has its roots in rail travel, smart technology ensures a convenient stay for guests. For instance, guests can check in seamlessly through automatic kiosks. The rooms, modelled after private railroad cabins with brass linings and polished fixtures, are equipped with customisable lighting and temperature. I stayed in the executive room with a bay view, which as its name suggests, accorded me a splendid view of Singapore’s skyline. A plush bed, an open-concept wardrobe, and a Nespresso machine, kept me comfortable during my sojourn.
Like most hotels nowadays, Pullman takes sustainability seriously. Each room comes with a Grohe faucet for filtered water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. Refillable bathroom amenities are made from eco-friendly wood; even the toothpaste came in a paper sachet. Upon detecting guest exits, in-room sensors automatically reverse into energy-saving mode that switches off lights and the television, and activates air-con temperature control. What surprised me the most was how the room card was made of wood too.
When staying at Hill Street, one needn’t worry about going hungry. On the ground floor, American-style deli Madison’s offers a repertoire of New York bagels, burgers, and sandwiches. Guests craving a quick bite will appreciate coffee sourced from the homegrown Sarnies and sandwiches made with naturally leavened breads by the local Starter Lab Bakery at the grab-and-go counter. Great for sharing between two, the generously portioned Reuben! Reuben! is a hearty sandwich featuring sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Emmenthal, dill relish, and the house made Reuben dressing.
The centrepiece of Madison’s is the Porter Lounge, a semi-private dining space. Here, diners can enjoy the Signature Dilmah afternoon tea. I picked the festive edition, which came in an elegant leather trunk with drawers. Inside each drawer lies sweet and savoury bites, including moreish blini pancakes topped with caviar. Adorable snowman and Christmas tree cookies, along with the fruity signature Pullman tea, completes the experience.
For a midday tipple or a nightcap, there’s MOGA, a modern Japanese izakaya. Tucked away behind a nondescript door by the grab-and-go counter, the space serves sharing plates, sake, and cocktails. Among the few drinks I tried, the “fuyo no kaze” or breeze of winter by bartender Shin Jae Min stood out. With Impact rice sho-chu gin as its base, the concoction features sake kau, Taittinger Brut Shrub bubbly, and a whiff of wasabi beneath a cloud of vegan foam. It was well-balanced, with refreshingly citrus and savoury notes.
To cool off on a hot day, head to the outdoor swimming pool, along with its stylish cabanas and jacuzzi. Alternatively, there’s a Power Fitness gym on the same floor, with an impressive selection of both indoor and outdoor exercise equipment. Guests can book a personal training or physiotherapy session with experts from Strength Clinic Academy.
Pullman Singapore Hill Street is also home to a rooftop bar and a second pool that’s open to the public. Guests can fuel up with Mexican snacks like tacos, guacamole, and sliders, alongside craft cocktails, mezcals, and tequilas, created in collaboration with bartender Dario Knox.
My one-night stay passed by blissfully and I felt incredibly well rested. Meal service was sometimes slow but the earnest waitstaff made it bearable. I’m convinced that once the hotel has its teething issues sorted out, it’d be a memorable stay for its guests.
