Singapore's Best Boutique Staycations
Vacations can sometimes prove as stressful as day-to-day life – what with managing itineraries, navigating increasingly complex airport security procedures, and battling with crowds at once little-known oases. It’s no wonder that many of us are often left feeling in need of a holiday after our holidays. #firstworldproblems
Cue the rise of the staycation: a getaway that consists of little more than packing a weekender, booking a room at a local hotel and chilling out. So next time you need a break, do yourself a favour, and escape from it all by staying put in these chic boutique hotels in Singapore.
THE WAREHOUSE
A former 19th century warehouse and one-time base for reputedly shady operations, this three-wing hotel— detailed with industrial fittings in tribute to the building’s glorious trading days — were designed by local design firm Asylum, who were also responsible for the look of Escentials’ boutiques. Besides its soaring ceilings, The Warehouse also boasts an infinity pool overlooks the Singapore River and an in-house restaurant, Po, which serves up a contemporary Singaporean menu from Wild Rocket founder Willin Low.
320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628, tel: 6828 0000
M SOCIAL
The proximity of this hotel to Robertson Quay’s dining scene is not its only attraction. Designed by Philippe Starck, M Social is achingly trendy and futuristic; somewhat unsurprising, Starck being the son of an aeronautical engineer and a former employee of Pierre Cardin, the godfather of space-age fashion. The space adroitly sidesteps the pitfalls of being clinical and uninviting, with plush carpets and comfy furnishings to complement the self-service booking kiosks and iPads embedded in the walls.
90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259, tel: 6206 1888
LLOYD’S INN
Just five minutes away from Somerset station on foot, Lloyd’s Inn is a refuge from Singapore’s bustling shopping district. Taking a bare-bones approach to décor, the hotel’s minimal rooms — all equipped with a desk, for those who can’t completely step away from work — and common areas are ideal for test-driving the Marie Kondo life, and temporarily basking in the moral superiority of owning next-to-nothing. If you also enjoy basking in natural light, you’ll love the outdoor showers and bathtubs.
2 Lloyd Rd, Singapore 239091, tel: 6737 7309
THE CLUB
This early 1900s heritage building houses four restaurants and bars, providing all-day dining in addition to its 20 rooms. Start your day with The Disgruntled Brasserie’s Green & Light breakfast, have a cuppa at Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s and then get a taste of Peru with some ceviche from Tiger’s Milk. A bonus for those who enjoy a drink or two: B28 at The Club stocks a 200-strong range of single-malt whiskies and over 30 varieties of rum.
28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708, tel: 6808 2188
HOTEL VAGABOND
Decorated in an over-the-top Chinoiserie style, hôtel vagabond is an art-filled, 1950s Art Deco establishment that thoughtfully provides its guests customised guides to surrounding areas like Kampong Glam, Little India and Rochor Canal. Vagabond’s red velvet-covered lounge turns into a film screening room every Saturday evening, and its bar — with its camera bait gilded animals — offers an ever-changing menu of drinks by Proof & Company.
39 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207630, tel: 6291 6677
HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG
Situated in heritage-rich Joo Chiat, the Katong Indigo has incorporated the area’s Peranakan traditions into its design — from colourful tiles to street-scene murals by artist Don Low, and its on-site Baba Chew Bar and Eatery, which features Straits Chinese-inspired fare like kaya toast and buah keluat burgers. Book a Premier View Room and enjoy looking out over the neighbouring shophouses and stalls, explore Katong’s small businesses and sample the offerings of local food hotspots nearby.
86 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428788, tel: 6723 7001
THE SULTAN
Occupying 10 traditional shophouses, whose open-air corridors and shuttered windows have been preserved, The Sultan in the culturally vibrant district of Kampong Glam combines the best of colonial architecture with a touch of Arabic flair. Its historically significant main lobby has even been commemorated with its own postage stamp.
101 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199002, tel: 6723 7101
THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
Surrounded by Club Street’s spas and galleries, The Scarlet Singapore is situated in an original 1924 Art Deco building. While its flamboyant interiors may be an acquired taste, we have to give the hotel props for committing 100% to its chosen aesthetic. If you’re an incurable gym rat you’ll enjoy spending time at in-house gym Flaunt, before cooling down at Soda, an open-air Jacuzzi. As for dining, guests will be spoilt for choice with Casa Tartufo’s Northern Italian fare, sashimi at Mei i Sushi, and tipples and Sicilian cuisine at rooftop bar ARIA.
33 Erskine Rd, Singapore 069333, tel: 6511 3333
KAM LENG HOTEL
Kam Leng Hotel was reopened in 2012 after being abandoned for almost two decades. Its decor is a reimagining of the building’s original 1920s interiors — but don’t panic, there’s still air-conditioning and wifi with a bit of Wes Anderson/In The Mood For Love quirk thrown into the mix. Expect no extras here: this establishment is without a gym, pool or bar — all the better to encourage you to head outdoors.
383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001, tel: 6239 9399
