For such a small island, Singapore has no shortage of hotels and it can be overwhelming to choose the one that will make for the perfect base for your visit. We’ve put together a list of the best boutique hotels in Singapore for when you’re looking for something that bit edgier than the mainstream chains.
The Vagabond Club, Singapore, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
One of Singapore’s coolest boutique hotels, the Hotel Vagabond is located in a stately post-art deco building. Stepping into the Hotel Vagabond feels like arriving on the set of a David Lynch film. The building has had a tumultuous past as both an illegal brothel and worker’s dormitory. The lobby is an assault on the senses, all red and gold trimmings and dramatic art installations.
We love The Scarlet Hotel for its legit vintage vibes. The two-storey shophouses were originally built nearly 150 years ago and were once the homes of prominent Chinese immigrants. Recently, the buildings underwent a massive restoration including refitting the rooms with modern amenities. The two rows of shophouses are connected in the middle by a stunning art deco building from 1924. With its super central location, The Scarlet Hotel makes a great location for both locals looking for a staycation or travellers to the Lion City.
Hotel G’s restaurant Ginett has been making waves for its impeccable European fare and the best value glass of wine in the city, but the hotel itself is no slouch. Located on Middle Road, the hotel is in the heart of Singapore’s Museum and Arts District. This place was designed with millennials in mind as evidenced by its instagrammable decor, whimsical touches in the rooms and a focus on communal spaces.
The building that houses the Warehouse Hotel was originally built in 1895 along the Singapore River at a time when the area was the scene of Singapore’s seedy underbelly, something that is hard to imagine now. Opened as a hotel at the beginning of this year, the building was carefully restored with a focus on heritage and local culture. The hotel is home to Po, a modSin restaurant helmed by local chef Willin Low.
The AMOY is a boutique hotel influenced by its location in Chinatown’s Far East Square. Here a row of shophouses that are over 150 years old once represented hope for Chinese immigrants looking for a better life. The hotel’s decor carries this Chinese influence making guests feel like they’ve stepped back into the past. Every room in the hotel is uniquely designed with one of a kind furniture and decoration.
Resist the urge to roll your eyes at the name of the Wanderlust Hotel because this boutique hotel is seriously cool. Designed by hotelier Loh Lik Peng, this place was built in the 1920s as the Hong Wen School. There are 29 unique rooms that were designed by a small collection of Singapore agencies following themes like ‘Industrial Glam’, ‘Eccentricity’ and more.
Lloyd’s Inn is immaculately minimalist with a focus on the relationship between cityscapes and nature. The clean lines of both the hotel’s interiors and exterior aim to encourage guests to reflect on the beauty of nature. With its location just off Orchard Road, guests have the best of both worlds at Lloyd’s Inn.
