Singapore is a great place for architects to visit. Why not stay in an architecturally awesome hotel while you are here? Here are my top 10 recommendations:
#10 Marina Bay Sands
designed by Moshe Safdie
MBS (as Marina Bay Sands is locally known) is one of the most famous hotels in the world. People flock from around the world to take a shirtless selfie at the dramatic rooftop infinity pool with the Singapore skyline as a backdrop (only hotel guests can access the iconic pool). But large demand has led to high prices which are not really worth it as the rooms are fairly generic (which is why I ranked this last on this list). If you’re dying to see the view there is a public (paid) observation deck, but you’re better off buying a drink at the rooftop bar instead.
#9 Hotel Michael
designed by Michael Graves
If you’re into Postmodernism, this hotel will drive you nuts. Located within a massive integrated resort designed by Michael Graves, he designed everything from the architecture down to the furniture, textiles, hardware, artwork and even the fonts at his namesake hotel! The over-the-top style is not for everyone, but this hotel is heaven for PoMo lovers.
#8 an Archi-Airbnb
designed by Starchitects!
Singapore has tons of super cool apartment buildings designed by starchitects, but they are not usually accessible to visitors. To gain exclusive access, why not book a designer flat on Airbnb? The booking service is slightly hampered by government regulations but there are a few good finds if you know where to look. I’ve seen some units at d’Leedon (by Zaha Hadid) and The Interlace (by OMA), and there are quite a few units in the Reflections at Keppel Bay, a crazy condo designed by Daniel Libeskind. Try this at your own risk!
#7 Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
designed by WOHA Architects
This hotel is located at Singapore’s airport (which happens to be one of the best in the world) so it’s not an ideal location if you’re here to explore the city. But if you have a long layover at SIN, why not spend it in tropical paradise designed by WOHA Architects? This hotel has been ranked as the best airport hotel in the world basically since it was completed and it is easy to see why. The hotel rooms are arranged around a series of sheltered courtyards with lush tropical gardens and an incredible swimming pool.
#6 The Warehouse Hotel
designed by Zarch
If you’re looking for something hip and boutique, check out this new hotel housed in a historic warehouse along the bustling nightlife of the Singapore river. The conservation buildings have been beautifully restored and the rooms are hipster-chic.
#5 The Pod
designed by Formwerkz
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on design, check out The Pod. Designed by local architecture firm Formwerkz, this capsule hotel feels more like a boutique hotel and looks fantastic. Located in the hip Haji Lane area, you’ll be spoilt for choice on things to see and eat!
#4 Lloyd’s Inn
designed by FARM
Located near Singapore’s famous Orchard Road shopping street, Lloyds Inn is not your typical Singaporean hotel. Housed in a refurbished existing building and surrounded by tropical greenery, local design studio FARM has done an incredible job with minimalist yet hip interiors and graphics.
#3 Oasia Downtown Hotel
designed by WOHA Architects
This iconic green skyscraper is located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD with stunning city views and near to the hip Tanjong Pagar district. The tower is swathed in lush tropical greenery and hotel guests can enjoy stylish interiors by Patricia Urquiola and pools on multiple sky terrace levels.
#2 Capella Hotel
designed by Norman Foster
One of the most expensive on the list (way out of my budget) but this exclusive hotel just might be worth it. Located on a hilltop on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa, a beautifully conserved colonial era building is combined with a sleek modern addition by Norman Foster. The lushly landscaped complex includes an infinity pool with stunning sea views and a series of hill terrace villas. The hotel also played host to the historic Trump-Kim summit!
#1 PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
designed by WOHA Architects
I think that PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering might be the best hotel in the world. The location couldn’t be any better, right in the heart of the city between bustling Chinatown, the nightlife district of Clarke Quay, and the CBD. The building, by acclaimed local architecture firm WOHA Architects, has won a slew of awards including being listed as one of the world’s 50 Most Influential Tall Buildings. The interior design (also by WOHA) is minimal yet timeless- the rooms are fantastic with bespoke details and incredible views of the city and the tropical greenery throughout the building. The 5th floor has an Instagrammable infinity pool with ‘birdcage’ cabanas to relax in, and there’s even a secret ‘forest walk’ where you can explore and the tropical gardens, get unique city vistas and even walk behind a waterfall. Stay at this hotel.
P.S. there are so many architect designed hotels that they couldn’t all fit into a list of 10! Others include the Andaz (in a building designed by Ole Scheeren), JW Marriott South Beach (in a building designed by Norman Foster), and the new Yotelair at the Jewel Changi Airport (designed by Moshe Safdie).
Images by Jonathan Choe unless otherwise stated
