While located in the heart of Marina Bay, the Conrad Centennial Singapore's Millenia Walk neighbourhood and tucked-away entrance bring back memories of quiet getaways rather than big-city trips.

At first glance, the hotel - which celebrates its quarter-centennial this year - seems frozen in time. The lobby and mezzanine are as they looked when I attended a wedding here in 2014. The mix of dark wood panelling, granite columns and objets d'art that dot the space imparts an old-world charm.