The Naumi's location, hard by the legendary Raffles Hotel, may be no accident. This contemporary property has none of Raffles' old-school grandeur but, like its neighbour, it specialises in pampering its clientele. Guests enjoy luxuries ranging from the rooftop infinity pool to the free beer and wine during the daily happy hour. Smaller luxuries, such as the ready-to-use in-room phone charger and the super-helpful staff, are also welcome. Stay in at least one night to enjoy the excellent Indian food at Table by Rang Mahal.
Rates start from $305, see www.naumihotel.com
Talk about cheap and cheerful. The compact entry-level lodgings, the so-called Pantone rooms, are as brightly coloured as their name suggests, with a clever design that makes the most of every square metre. If you are planning a longer stay, go for one of the larger Mono rooms, which offer a playful take on a basic white colour scheme. There is also a handful of whimsical loft-style suites, depicting themes including Tree and Space. Each room comes with a free mobile phone to use during your stay, pre-loaded with useful maps and apps.
Rates start from $200, see www.wanderlusthotel.com
Plenty of boutique properties have tried their hands at converting old shophouses into boutique accommodations; few have done it as successfully as this elegant hotel. Although room sizes vary widely – a feature that is typical of shopfront conversions – clever design solutions make the most of every space. The hotel is punctuated by occasional courtyard gardens which bring light and air into the building. Its location, on the edge of the colourful Kampong Glam neighbourhood, is another bonus, with the bars and boutiques of Haji Lane just a short stroll away.
Rates start from $152, see www.thesultan.com.sg
What does your perfect hotel look like? In this designer den, where each of the 30 rooms has been decorated by a different artist, you can choose a room that matches your personal style. You may like the burgundy silk walls and lacquered furniture of Wayang, or the floating bed and aquarium-like feel of the room dubbed A Big Goldfish. Cat lovers should try One Day I Slowly Floated Away, which is also one of the rooms that rejoices in an outdoor bathtub.
Rates start from $243, see www.newmajestichotel.com
This character-filled hotel, the sister property of the more upscale Naumi, offers great value to those who don't mind missing out on a few creature comforts. Windows, for instance. Quite a few rooms in this shophouse conversion lack a lookout on to the outside world, although fresh air fans can always specify that they need a window. Given the hotel's location on Chinatown's Keong Saik Road, one of Singapore's best thoroughfares for bar and cafe hopping, the window-free option at least cuts down on ambient noise. A great option for those on a budget.
Rates start from $142, see www.naumiliora.com
In the early morning, the suits at the breakfast tables prove that business travellers have made this hotel their own. We reckon it is also a good choice for holidaymakers, who will enjoy its perch in the middle of the newly hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. The hotel's shuttle service makes regular runs to destinations including Chinatown and Marina Bay Sands, and guests also enjoy free soft drinks in the mini-bar. Before heading out for a night in the city's hot spots, enjoy a sundowner in the rooftop restaurant.
Rates from $258, see www.wangzhotel.com
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