The Little Red Dot is big on conserving buildings that hark back to a bygone era. Proudly preserving their historical or cultural heritage, they breathe new life into the city and suburbs.
Swanky towers of steel and glass may signal a city’s success (we’re looking at you Hong Kong!), but in Singapore, many heritage buildings have been repurposed as hotels, showing that old-world design, sophistication and charm can co-exist with the latest high-tech systems and gadgets. Imagine living it up in a former godown by the Singapore River, or making old army barracks, a printing press, or even a former police station your temporary digs? These Singapore heritage hotels have a little something for everyone who craves some charm with their check-in. (Psst… design lovers will want to check out our top picks for hotels in heritage buildings across the world too.)
A rundown, 1895 godown by the Singapore River has become one of the most fashionable boutique hotels in Singapore since its restoration and resuscitation in 2017. The Warehouse Hotel infuses modern-day pizazz into industrial-commercial heritage across its 37 rooms (main image) and public spaces. Many of the original trusses and beams were retained. Steep pitched roofs make for sleek loft rooms and closet-bathrooms with uncluttered lines. Test the locally sourced and eco-certified accessories, and for a fun splash, dip in the protruding, salmon-pink tiled swimming pool – typical blue is so passé!
It’s so gorgeous it also makes our list of world’s trendiest design hotels in heritage buildings.
Explore The Warehouse Hotel
The grand old dame is resplendent once more. Raffles Singapore re-opened in August 2019 after a massive, two-year renovation that saw interiors sensitively restored to deliver the luxury and polish that have been its hallmark since 1887. This national monument of 115 suites revels in its rich traditions – from period furniture, fixtures and fittings to fine-dining restaurants and butlers on call. If the spirits of Kipling and Maugham grab you, head to the bars for a tipple. And yes, you may still flick peanut shells on the floor as you sip Singapore Sling in the refreshed Long Bar.
Read our review on Raffles Singapore.
Find out more about Raffles Singapore
As the name suggests, this hotel was previously plain British army barracks. But the two-storey heritage building was painstakingly converted into a homely hotel in 2019 with all 40 rooms and suites having either a patio or balcony. Conserved vintage elements include moulded columns and timber louvered windows and doors. Extra benefits include a private lounge serving all-day refreshments and evening cocktails, complimentary minibar refreshments, and heritage walking tours. For recreation, Resorts World Sentosa is just a short walk away, and Sentosa’s best beaches also beckon.
Read our full review of The Barracks Hotel Sentosa here.
Discover more about The Barracks Hotel Sentosa
Fullerton Building, built in 1928, once served as the General Post Office. But in 2001, it was reincarnated as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. While the grand façade, Doric columns and porte cocheres typify the remaining Palladian architecture of the city-state, the interior décor is stylishly contemporary. Enjoy the city skyline, Singapore River or Marina Bay views from the 400 rooms and suites. Declared a national monument in 2015, the hotel offers guests complimentary tours to affiliated heritage attractions, each telling its own fascinating story. Alternatively, wander through The Fullerton Heritage Gallery to appreciate the rich legacy.
Read our full review of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
Learn more about The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Formerly SO/Singapore, Hotel Telegraph is home to 134 rooms all housed in the almost century-old former Cable & Wireless building on Robinson Road. Designed by F.G. Lundon of Swan and Maclaren the property was originally opened in 1927 and afforded heritage status in 2000.
Exuding French chic, including décor with Karl Lagerfeld touches, rooms have high ceilings with light boxes. Sample local goodies in the complimentary mini-bar. A rare, five-star hotel smack in the centre of the CBD, the hotel is flanked by Singapore’s “Wall Street” and heritage landmark, Lau Pa Sat food centre.
Find out more about Hotel Telegraph
The two adjacent shophouse blocks look starkly different: one elaborately ornate, the other rather plain. But step inside and you’ll be amazed at how the dilapidated Malay printing press from a century ago and its hotch-potch neighbours have been transformed into a single hotel of 64 rooms in different layouts. The Sultan revives the spirit of old Kampong Glam. Marvel at the eclectic architectural mix, from French windows to traditional Malay-style floor tiles. You even have to climb onto the attic room bed, as the mattress is on a raised platform – rather like the dais at a Malay wedding ceremony.
Find out more about The Sultan
Capturing the colour and character of its Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese) neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong integrates the former Joo Chiat Police Station, built in 1928, with the 131-room tower block completed in 2016.
The Peranakan theme permeates from reception, through Baba Chews restaurant and all guestrooms. One highlight is that unlike most hotels, as you enter your room, the bathroom is not to your left or right – it is up front by the window, complete with bathtub and beautiful view to boot! The hotel’s heritage-precinct location affords interesting walks to experience the vibrancy of local life.
Discover more about Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Set amid 12 hectares of vegetation, this resort on Sentosa Island comprises colonial heritage buildings ringed by ultra-modern hotel wings. Perhaps etched in global media memory as the venue of the first Trump-Kim summit in 2018, the hotel actually has other standout features, such as the assortment of accommodation – just 112 keys, but they range from premier rooms to suites, villas and even two colonial manors.
Another talking point – some 900 pieces of art works scattered around the resort. Luxury includes a variety of F&B, lunar-inspired spa, and several complimentary amenities and services.
Learn more about Capella Singapore
Once part of the British Far East Command HQ, this three-storey, neo-classical style mid-1920s building sits atop the historic Fort Canning Hill. The 86 spacious and lavishly furnished rooms and suites complement the authenticity of the original structures that were retained and restored, such as the grand stairway. Premium room bathrooms are to die for, while deluxe garden rooms have private sun-decks.
History buffs – do scrutinise the four glass-topped archaeological pits embedded in the hotel lobby floor. They contain 14th- and 19th-century artefacts excavated nearby on this fabled “Forbidden Hill”.
Check out Hotel Fort Canning
But wait, there’s more…
