Island-state Singapore is a multiculturally rich blend of old and new, with a forever-growing hotel offering. From budget to baronial, boutique to behemoth, there are many gems to be found in the city’s bountiful offering of bolt-holes. The Vagabond Club is one such gem sandwiched between the vibrant tapestry of Little India and the historic allure of Kampong Glam, the heart of Singapore’s Malay and Muslim heritage.
The hotel features on our list of the best boutique hotels in Singapore, too.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
We Review The Vagabond Club Singapore
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: The Vagabond Club, Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 39 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207630, Singapore
Neighbourhood: Located between the vibrant districts of Kampong Glam and Little India, with easy access to Marina Bay, Bugis and Singapore’s Central Business District
Style: Luxury boutique hotel housed within a restored 1950s Art Deco heritage building, featuring dramatic interiors by renowned French designer Jacques Garcia.
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts, whisky lovers, creative travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members seeking a character-filled boutique stay
Number of rooms: 41 individually designed rooms and suites.
Dining: Home to The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club, featuring more than 1,000 whiskies, live jazz performances and an Indian-inspired menu.
Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge service, daily housekeeping, mobile check-in, meeting space and curated cultural experiences
Airport distance: Approximately 21km from Singapore Changi Airport
Prices from: SGD $220 per night, depending on room and season.
The vibe
The 41-room and suites Vagabond Club occupies a 1950s heritage Art Deco building featuring interiors by the celebrated French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia. His opulent styling creates enchanting spaces full of bold and vibrant colours, yet always elegant and comfortable. This is luxury with character.
The striking facade sets the scene for a truly unique stay
It starts with the gleaming brass life-sized Rhino sculpture that serves as the hotel’s reception desk. Sculpted in India, the Rhino took eight months to create and weighs more than an actual rhinoceros. Crafted metallic Banyan Trees artistically hide six load-bearing pillars across the ground floor. Hand-hammered by Rajasthani artisans, the hundreds of gleaming leaves branch out across the ceiling spaces. The Banyan tree leaf motif continues on the pavement outside the hotel and the corridor carpets on the accommodation floors.
The Vagabond Salon, which houses the Whiskey Library Jazz Club and Sexy Indian restaurant, is inspired by the old Parisian salons, with interiors drawing additional influence from Asian and African art. French artist Franck Le Ray, a favourite of Jacques Garcia, created the golden elephants bookending the lift shaft and the nearly 1.5-metre gleaming monkey named ‘La Mona’, featuring behind the Vagabond bar.
UK-based art curators Peter Millard and Partners filled the spaces from the lobby level Salons to guest rooms and suites with a diverse and eclectic mix of art, including a three-minute and 40-second video installation in the guest elevator. New York-based Italian video artist Marco Brambilla created the piece titled Evolution, depicting the history of human conflicts across time through the lens of cinema.
The rooms
All bathed in natural light, each elegantly designed room showcases Garcia’s signature Parisian-chic ethos with a mix of texture and colour, setting plush fabrics against dark woods. Classic rooms offer 22 sqm of space, while Deluxe Executive Club and Courtyard Club rooms range from 24 to 28 sq-m. The king-sized bed, 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and goose-down pillows made for luxurious sleep.
We highly recommend a stay in one of the club rooms
The Italian marble and glass mosaic bathroom comes complete with Turkish towels and Philosykos Collection bathroom amenities from the French perfumer Diptyque. The hardwood mahogany writing desk was a great working space. At the same time, the Bluetooth-enabled Roberts Radio, complimentary in-room Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, thoughtfully curated mini-bar, LED TV with cable channels, and free in-room movies and music rounded out the creature comforts.
Club Rooms, which I recommend, provide guests with complimentary a la carte breakfast daily from 7-10:30 am, hors d’oeuvres, and selected free-flow beverages from 5-7 pm.
Food and drink
The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club boasts a choice of 1,000 rare and unique whiskeys available via a menu. Whiskey devotees can sign up for an annual membership that provides distinct benefits, including discounts on hotel accommodations and discounted pricing on all whiskey bottles. Hungry guests will also find a selection of Indian-inspired eats to go alongside their drinks.
Hand in hand with the whiskey and other crafted cocktails is Jazz. During my visit, a crooning jazz trio made for a very pleasurable evening of Sexy Indian, refined tipples and improvisational, expressive, intimate and vibrant musical vibes.
Other stuff
With Little India and Kampong Glam on The Vagabond Club’s doorstep, there are exciting neighbourhoods to discover, and the hotel’s Pocket Guides proved an excellent aid for my wayfaring. And with the Central Business District and other major attractions like Marina Bay just 15 minutes away, all you need is easily accessible. Jalan Besar station on the Downtown Line of Singapore’s highly efficient MRT (mass transport) is also just 500 meters from the hotel.
Frequently asked questions: The Vagabond Club, Singapore
The hotel is located at 39 Syed Alwi Road in Singapore’s heritage district, between Little India and Kampong Glam. It’s within walking distance of Bugis, Haji Lane and several MRT stations.
Yes. The hotel is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection and offers a boutique luxury experience with designer interiors, personalised service and upscale dining and drinking experiences.
The hotel is particularly popular with couples, solo travellers, art lovers, whisky enthusiasts and guests looking for a unique alternative to Singapore’s larger luxury hotels.
No. The Vagabond Club focuses on its boutique atmosphere, design-led interiors and cultural experiences rather than resort-style facilities.
The hotel was the first in Asia designed by acclaimed French interior designer Jacques Garcia. Its striking décor includes velvet furnishings, curated artwork, dramatic red-and-gold interiors and the famous brass rhinoceros at reception.
The hotel is approximately 21 kilometres from Changi Airport, with journeys typically taking 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
While families are welcome, the intimate atmosphere, compact room sizes and focus on art, whisky and jazz make it more appealing to adults and couples.
Yes. The hotel is a member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand, allowing guests to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.
No, pets are not permitted at the hotel.
There is off-site parking available nearby on Syed Alwi Road.
Final thoughts
In short, The Vagabond Club was an ideal base for my Singapore stay and a welcome alternative to some of the city’s traditional accommodation offerings. Its immediate neighbourhood sights, sounds, tastes and smells provided joyful roamings. The Vagabond Club is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio – a collection of independent boutique hotels bound by their Indie spirit and heart for connecting people and places.
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