A slew of trendy hotels have launched about town recently, like the fancy over-the-top boudoir Hotel Vagabond at Kampong Glam and of course, the much-anticipated opening of The South Beach at City Hall. Here’s where to plan your next staycation.
Hotel Vagabond
The place: Kampong Glam’s newest boutique hotel is unapologetically boudoir. Designed by renowned architect Jacques Garcia, the hotel has 41 suites inspired by turn-of-the-century Paris, with velvet ottomans, plush beds, mahogany desks and glittery gold light fixtures. Playing up its luxe, bohemian vibe, the hotel has an artist-in-residence program, which currently features Brooklyn-based gumbo funk musician Charlie B Wilder, also known as Captain Planet. His final dance party is this weekend.
The perks: There’s Fifth Quarter, a restaurant specializing cured meats and The Unlisted Collection, which serves up grilled and traditional cure meats like lardo and coppa. The bar’s cocktails were also created by the mixologists from Proof & Company and 28 HongKong Street.
The damage: It costs from $198 to $398 for a weekend stay in the classic and vagabond suites respectively—there’s a complimentary bottle of wine and a check out time at 3pm.
Park Hotel Alexandra
The place: Located beside Swedish furniture giant IKEA, this four-star hotel boasts a view of the Southern Ridges, with an infinity pool to boot. Rooms are spacious and modern, with the requisite floor-length windows and high ceilings. Guests can troop over to the adjoining Alexandra Mall, which has a variety of cafes and restaurants like The Bakehouse by Carpenter and Cook.
The perks: You can get away from the crowds heading to the Crystal Club Lounge, an outdoor garden terrace. Access is granted if you book the Crystal Club Deluxe, Executive Suite and Park Suite. There’s also the swanky Aqua Luna, which has 16 swim-up bar seats.
The damage: The Festive Staycation special from now until Dec 31 costs $220 and above (for either the Deluxe or Premier Rooms). There is $50 food and beverage credit per night, a complimentary spiced cappuccino with caramel sauce at The Coffee Belt and a late check-out till 3pm.
The South Beach
The place: Designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners with interiors by the well-known French designer Philippe Starck, the 654-room hotel is filled with quirky designs. While the rooms are mostly decked in white, Starck’s touches include some brightly colored cushions inspired by artist Joan Miro and a striking black and white carpet. The interiors are peppered with Moroccan-style lamps and other Middle Eastern-inspired furniture, as well as a colorful video mural. There are also two sky gardens, two infinity pools, which are among the 43 spots around the building with a view of the cityscape.
The perks: The hotel is located in-between City Hall and Bugis stations, near arts venues like The Substation or the Esplanade. The restaurant ADHD (All Day Hotel Dining) offers a spread of local and international cuisine. The place also houses three new and trendy bars— Prefix, Laugh and the Court Martial Bar.
The damage: The staycation package for two costs $485 before tax, and includes breakfast, champage or afternoon and check-out time at 4pm. Guests stay in Showcase (Me) Deluxe Rooms.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
The place: Overlooking Tanjong Beach, Sofitel Sentosa is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the eponymously-named club. The hotel is decked out in intimate red and maroon hues, and its suites are in a warm, earthy palette of mahogany and mauve. You might also catch a nice view of the sunset at the pool overlooking the sea and the hotel’s spa.
The perks: Relieve stress at the spa, which has a cascading waterfall and a mud pool. Treatments include the Gotu Kola and walnut body scrub ($100 for 60 minutes) and the Ultimate Anti-ageing Facial ($249 for one-and-a-half hours). Foodies can also head to Kwee Zeen, for its Magnifique Sunday Champagne Brunch from 12:30-3:30pm ($58-$168), serving Tattinger Champagne, caviar, sea urchin, fresh oysters and other live seafood.
The damage: Rooms start from $387 per night in the Luxury Room to $2,161 per night in the Villa du Jardin, which comes with two bedrooms and a private pool (Reservations can be made at 6708-8310).
