Exploring Singapore’s Heritage: Hotels with Stories to Tell About Our Lion City

PUBLISHED January 23rd, 2024 06:00 am

Journey with us through hotels in Singapore that carry captivating tales of our rich heritage. From immigrant shophouses, to sites of political and economic importance and cultural heritage, discover the rich history that shapes each room and corridor as we dive into Singapore’s heritage hotels.

AMOY Hotel by Far East Hospitality

AMOY Hotel by Far East Hospitality is a pioneer in Singapore when it comes to integrating a museum experience with its boutique hotel concept. Nestled amidst the heritage shophouses of Far East Square in the heart of the Central Business District, step into the historical narrative of the early Zhangzhou immigrants travelling from Fujian, China. The hotel’s entrance through Fuk Tak Chi Museum, a former temple dating back to the 1800s, sets the tone for a journey into the past. You’ll find traces of the past well-integrated into the modern hotel, including in its 37 uniquely designed rooms featuring the likes of porcelain basins, Oriental porcelain stools and olden-days opium beds in select guestrooms.

For an unforgettable experience, sign up for curated workshops on Chinese arts and traditions like the Chinese Embroidery, Linocut Printing by Little Art Connoisseur and Tea Appreciation showcasing four types of premium teas. AMOY Hotel is strategically located within walking distance to three train stations – Telok Ayer, Raffles Place and Chinatown MRTs.

AMOY Hotel by Far East Hospitality is located at 76 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048464. For bookings and more information, please visit the website, call +65 6580 2888 or email [email protected]. Rates start from S$255 nett.

Raffles Singapore

If there’s any hotel that maps the Singapore story, it has to be Raffles Singapore. Opened in 1887, the luxury hotel stood by the country in World War 2 as Syonan Ryokan, “hosted” the last tiger in Singapore, and gave us our “national drink” – the Singapore Sling. Its storied rooms have seen world leaders, celebrities, and literary luminaries, and one even took inspiration from his stay to pen the classic children’s story, The Jungle Book.

The 155-suite hotel is a throwback to the golden age of travel with its colonial-era architecture – think high ceilings, lofty double-glazed windows with floors made of polished teakwood and adorned with antiques. Relive the heyday of local cinema in Residence Suites, or soak in the vibes and memorabilia of icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Rudyard Kipling, and more in the Personality Suites. History is found at every corner. Take a good look at the silverware because some of it was hidden and saved from the occupying soldiers in World War 2. 

Raffles Singapore is located at 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673. For bookings and more information, please visit the website, call +65 6337 1886 or email [email protected]. Rates start from S$1,500.

 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel 

Its iconic green-tiled Chinese pagoda roof is so prominent that the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel stands as the grand entrance to Singapore’s bustling shopping district, Orchard Road. Imbued with feng shui elements – green roof tiles for growth, red colons for joy, and octagonal motifs for auspiciousness – the building embodies strength and formidableness. Often, the hotel is credited for transforming Orchard Road, an “unlucky” Chinese cemetery area, into the famous shopping district it is today.

Business or leisure, the 403-room hotel makes for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city, with its comfortable and contemporary rooms, outdoor pool, and range of award-winning dining options. Choose from nine types of rooms and suites that offer spacious accommodations and thoughtful amenities, boasting views of Orchard Road. Then, indulge in lavish buffet spreads at Crossroads Buffet or enjoy Cantonese delicacies at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. 

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is located at 320 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238865. For bookings and more information, please visit the website, call +65 6735 5800 or email [email protected]. Rates start from S$360.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore 

“A monument worthy of the city”- the palladian-style building with fluted Doric colonnades standing majestically beside the Singapore River now offers award-winning getaways, with a plethora of dining options as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Built-in 1928, this architectural gem witnessed the Singapore story unfolding as Singapore’s General Post Office. It etched itself into history as the backdrop for pivotal political moments like the invasion in 1942 and post-World War II independence rallies. One of Singapore’s most famous national treasures, the “Singapore Stone”, was also unearthed here.

Designated as a national monument in 2015, the luxury hotel provides guests with complimentary tours to connected heritage attractions and also runs The Fullerton Heritage Gallery for a deeper appreciation of its legacy.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is located at 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178. For bookings and more information, please visit the website, call +65 6533 8388 or email [email protected]. Rates start from S$458.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

As a crossroads of the world, Singapore has long been home to intercultural unions, and one of the most vibrant cultures in Singapore and Malaysia is the Peranakan culture. Seamlessly fused with the 1928-built Joo Chiat Police Station, Hotel Indigo translates the essence of the Peranakan culture with a soothing colour palette and quintessential Peranakan motifs throughout their 131-room property. In addition to the floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bathrooms, the rooms are adorned with Peranakan-inspired furnishings such as the rattan chair, a carrom board table, as well as a wash area with stands reminiscent of the traditional sewing machine.

Look over the Katong area as you dip in the bathtub right in front of the lofty window. Experience more Peranakan culture at Baba Chews, which serves contemporary Peranakan cuisine. Head to Rooftop 88 for the infinity pool and alfresco dining with panoramic views of the area. Looking for a staycation with furkids? The pet-friendly hotel welcomes the “smol” ones weighing 8kg or less.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is located at 86 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428788. For bookings and more information, please visit the website, call +65 6723 7001 or email [email protected]. Rates start from S$350.