The cost of living in our little red dot has been the constant talk of the town, more so property prices across the island. Don’t even get us started on the jaw-dropping price tags in the central district. Living in town can sound like a distant dream to many Singaporeans, but we’ve managed to experience it over at Coliwoo Orchard.
One of Singapore’s largest co-living operators, Coliwoo, celebrates its 5th anniversary this year
As Coliwoo commemorates its fifth anniversary this year, its Orchard residence delivers exactly what they hope to represent – an affordable, fuss-free yet sophisticated co-living co-living environment. Coliwoo is one of Singapore’s largest co-living operators, with a range of properties in multiple neighbourhoods, capturing all of Singapore’s different charms.
Their apartments can be found in Western regions like Boon Lay and Pasir Panjang, or closer to central Singapore in Balestier and Keppel. These options offer answers to different needs- whether you’re a professional who needs a close commute to the CBD, or if you’re in Singapore with family and want to be a little closer to nature. Wherever you find yourself, Coliwoo creates a memorable communal living experience, with a variety of amenities in each property.
Tenants that book with Coliwoo often do so because of the option of flexibility, without the stress of committing to a traditional long-term lease period you may sometimes encounter. Across their properties, there are a range of lease durations for short-term and long-term stays, and the minimum stay period will vary, the shortest being just one night, while the longest is three months. For Coliwoo Orchard, you’ll book a room for a minimum of six nights.
Coliwoo Orchard sits behind Paragon Mall, a mere three to five minutes’ walk away, making it the perfect place for short-term visitors keen to get the best of the Orchard shopping belt or long-term stayers who want convenience with the vibrancy of the city. Getting there is simple; as mentioned, it’s a quick walk from the nearby Orchard MRT. If you’re driving, residents can utilise their spacious on-site parking facilities at a fee.
Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in their inviting lobby, where the staff is ready for your check-in. Instructions are provided to you via email prior to your arrival, so you would already know how to operate the various appliances around the place, and also have important contact numbers on hand.
Then, we were able to tour the premises and check out its offerings that tenants get to enjoy.
Work in quiet comfort in the 24h residents’ lounge
I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe of the 24-hour residents’ lounge – fully air conditioned and equipped with cosy seating areas. For work-from-home days, it’s a quiet and conducive environment to get work done. There’s free wi-fi, tables are plenty and spacious, and we did see a good number of power sockets too.
A thoughtful feature is the water dispenser and coffee machine, so you minimise work disruptions by not having to run back up to your room just for a drink. It also makes for an ideal place to bump into other guests and exchange some friendly smiles or a chat while grabbing your morning cuppa – because what would communal living be without building some friendships, right?
The lounge is fitted with a coffee machine for easy access to your caffeine fix
The idea of communal living may at first sound intimidating, but we think Coliwoo has managed to strike a healthy balance that showcases its perks for sure. While we occasionally encounter other residents as we go about our day, being in our own self-sufficient studio does award its privacy for sure. We can still wind down for the day within our own comforts – in other rental situations, having to share bathrooms or common rest areas may make that difficult. But when you’re feeling up for it, the vibrant Coliwoo community is made up of like-minded individuals, and you’ll have opportunities for networking and making new friends during events, that can enrich your experience in Singapore.
Have some friends over at your coveted Orchard address by utilising the BBQ pits
Just next to the lounge is the entry to the outdoor facilities. What better way to flex your address in Orchard Road than to have your friends over for a barbeque? There are two pits available for residents to book, and plenty of surrounding benches and seating for your cosy gatherings.
Cool off in the pool and jacuzzi while soaking in the immaculate vibes of town
Nearby you’ll find the inviting pool, where you can go for a soak in the adult pool or jacuzzi. Little ones do have a children’s pool as well, as there are families leasing apartments too.
Residents can stay active with 24h gym access
Keeping active is definitely an important part of our lives, and while its location provides great proximity to nearby fitness studios, residents can also make use of the 24-hour gym that is compact and fitted with all your workout essentials. These facilities are accessible only with a valid guest card, so safety is guaranteed.
Coliwoo is surely experienced in creating a home outside of home, and I noticed their little touches that made life around the building easier. Vending machines in the basement, bicycle racks for your 2-wheel rides to work, and even a dedicated area for food or parcel deliveries. Additionally, they even have a mobile app so you can report problems, request maintenance or make payments and bookings at your convenience. It’s also a place where community continues to be fostered- member events are posted, and there’s a marketplace feature too!
Their flagship Orchard apartments have a total of 22 floors, with residential units starting from the second floor. Our room was on the 19th floor, and we were treated to a pleasant view of the iconic Orchard Road district just from the corridor.
Fully-furnished and comfortable living studios ready for move in, with minimal hassle
Various studio types are available with different configurations, all elegantly designed for your maximum comfort. Regardless of size, each room comes with its own en-suite bathroom and workstation. Housekeeping service is also available once a week during the stay, to lighten some of the cleaning load off your shoulders.
Sleek and modern design elements all around the room, with weekly housekeeping services
Two of us shared a premier studio, fitted with a comfortable queen-sized bed. We liked that everything was clean and user-friendly, and the furnishing definitely modern and up-to-date. There’s space beneath the bed for your luggage storage, along with a cupboard and safe. The wall sockets are compatible with your USB-C and USB-A chargers, and the Smart TV pairs seamlessly with our Spotify or Netflix accounts, which allowed me to immediately transform the room into my own cosy oasis.
Never go hungry when you have an in-room mini kitchenette for use.
For meals, you can utilise your in-room microwave and mini fridge. Our studio also included a kitchenette within the room, with an induction hob and hood. We tested it out by making a midday ramen, and found the entire process simple and hassle-free. While the area is admittedly compact, it’s not unlike what you’d come across in other cities – the space is also well utilised, and basic cutlery and plates, cooking knives and dishwashing soap are provided.
With the humidity in Singapore, laundry is ever so important, and if you’re here for a week, it’ll definitely need to be done. In Coliwoo, you’ll find that doing laundry is a fuss-free process at Coliwoo. Some units are well-equipped with their own mini washer-cum-dryer. Otherwise, there are communal washers within the estate for you to utilise at your own time.
With all these features, Coliwoo ensures that you’re well taken care of, whether you’re just on an extended vacation here, or if you’re working or studying full-time. The fully equipped rental ensures you’re self-sufficient and always ready for to take on the day.
Experience daily life as a resident in the Orchard district at budget-friendly prices
Most importantly, the best part for us was being able to live, work and play right in the prime Orchard region. Yes, we’ve been on staycations to other nearby hotels, but it’s not quite the same as experiencing it as a resident. Being able to do day-to-day monotonies like running errands or going for a workout class just by walking straight into town honestly felt surreal and we did relish that sense of luxury, no matter how brief. Being so strategically placed, we had public transport, groceries, exercise studios, F&B and shopping all at our fingertips. The same goes for their other Coliwoo properties.
Workstation in the room, well equipped for travellers or long-staying professionals or students alike
At all all-inclusive rate that factors in utilities, wi-fi, fully furnished studios with housekeeping, you can stretch your dollar and focus your energy on getting the most out of your time in Singapore. If you ever find yourself in need of a comfortable stay with unbeatable convenience, let Coliwoo Orchard introduce you to city living without breaking your budget.
In conjunction with their fifth anniversary celebrations, Coliwoo is offering the following promotions for the month of July (1 – 31 July 2024):
• Enjoy 55% off daily rate when you book and move in by 31 July 2024
• Enjoy $550 off per month when you book and move in by 31 July 2024
Find out more from them today at https://coliwoo.com/, or catch more footage of the place from our reel, up on their Instagram page (@coliwoosg).
