SINGAPORE — If you are staying in the East Coast and Joo Chiat areas, chances are you would have noticed that the old Joo Chiat police station is looking shiny and spiffy again, and a new complex has been built behind it.
Welcome to the Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, the boutique lifestyle brand by the InterContinental Hotels Group. It opened its doors last Thursday, marking the first hotel under the Indigo brand here.
Like every Hotel Indigo, it incorporates the spirit and culture of the surrounding neighbourhood in its decor and style. For example, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong in Wanchai has elements such as posters of old Wanchai and Suzy Wong cushions adorning the property.
Naturally, the Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong oozes an eclectic Peranakan and local vibe — where batik prints and specially-commissioned photographs of Joo Chiat co-exist happily with murals of local scenes. And in true, nosy Peranakan makcik style, the neighbourhood was immensely interested in the development of this 131-room property.
"Even before we opened, we had many curious passers-by and residents come up to ask what was happening, whether this is a restaurant and when will it be ready," shared Rae Tang, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong's director of marketing communications. "We haven't done advertising of any sort, but people are already dropping in to eat at our in-house restaurant Baba Chews." Tang also revealed the restaurant has had to turn some diners away for now as the kitchen is not running at full capacity yet.
There have also been visitors popping by the hotel just to "ooh" and "ahh" the decor of the lobby and pavilion, with its dramatic rosewood table for checking, centrepiece lantern chandelier and the corner set up as a cornershop, stocked with books curated by BooksActually.
The rooms are another highlight for those thinking of a staycation. Designed to evoke the feel of a shophouse, every room is 30sqm and sports retro furnishings and touches: A carrom board doubles up as a coffee table, the minibar provides complimentary snacks such as White Rabbit candies; and sewing machine bases upcycled into vanity tables. Some rooms face the Sports Hub (Hint hint: Fireworks display for your National Day staycation?)
Even if a stay is not on the cards, a meal at Baba Chews ought to give you a sense of the hotel's cheekiness. For one, its name is a playful take on "King of Katong" Chew Joo Chiat. There's even a moveable grilled gate installed to reference the building's history as a police station. A combination of the cuisines of Straits of Malacca and international food is served here, and there is a heavier emphasis on Peranakan food in the evening with dishes such as Beef Short Ribs Rendang and Barramundi Goreng Chilli on the dinner menu.
Closer to the city, another new hotel opened up on July 1. Like Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview marks the debut of the Four Points brand here. It took over the former Riverview Hotel in the Robertson Quay area and underwent a S$25 million facelift in March last year. The hotel now looks refreshed, with revamped rooms either facing the city or the Singapore River.
"Being at Robertson Quay, an idyllic and quaint part of the iconic Singapore River, the hotel is an ideal location for a staycation to unwind (in)," suggested Vincent Ong, senior director of brand management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. "There's easy access to the countless hip cafes, alfresco dining and entertainment by the waterfront, including The Eatery at the hotel."
That said, The Four Points Eatery's weekend Sunday brunch should please anyone's palate. It incorporates an international spread with an oyster bar and free-flow prosecco going for a wallet-friendly S$52++. Starting from Aug 1, it will be changed to a seafood buffet with an array of dishes such as grilled salmon with weed seed crust served with lobster cream sauce.
Since the hotel is in the Robertson Quay neighbourhood, it is definitely catering to those who love their tipples at its Brew Bar, where happy hour starts from 3pm, from Monday to Saturdays, and 11am from Sunday. An extensive selection of craft beer will also be launched in August. Now, aren't all these good reasons to mosey on down to these hotels for a lazy weekend?
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is located at 86 East Coast Road. Rates start from SGD 171++ per night for bookings until September 30. Log on to http://www.hotelindigo.com for more info.
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview is at 382 Havelock Road. Rates start from S$180++ after 20 percent opening discount. Visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints for details.
Source: More staycation and food options at Hotel Indigo Katong and Four Points by Sheraton Riverview
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