Anyone who has visited Singapore knows that beneath its glittering skyscrapers and modern façade lies a profound commitment to preserving heritage. The city’s oldest buildings and time-honoured hawker recipes are testaments to this dedication. Here are eight remarkable MICHELIN Guide hotels that not only celebrate fascinating legacies but also offer a refreshingly modern experience.
21 Carpenter seamlessly bridges past and present by repurposing original materials, emblems, and inscriptions from its previous life.
21 Carpenter
Originally launched in 1936 as a remittance house where Singapore’s early immigrants sent money and messages back home, 21 Carpenter has been transformed into a hotel that honours its rich history. Crafted by the award-winning architectural firm WOHA Architects, the hotel seamlessly bridges past and present by repurposing original materials, emblems, and inscriptions from its previous life. The building’s structure retains much of its historic character, including the original Shanghai plaster exterior, while the Heritage rooms exude a timeless charm, blending historical elements with modern comfort to create a uniquely evocative stay.
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At Duxton Reserve, acclaimed British designer Anouska Hempel has blended Chinese, Malay, and European styles into a harmonious design that’s as eclectic as it is elegant.
Duxton Reserve
Duxton Reserve is nestled within five impeccably preserved 19th-century shophouses in the lively Tanjong Pagar district, right at the heart of Chinatown. Acclaimed British designer Anouska Hempel has sprinkled her magic, blending Chinese, Malay, and European styles into a harmonious design that’s as eclectic as it is elegant. This French-accented gem has earned awards for its restoration and boasts Oriental screens and calligraphy wallpaper straight from Hempel’s personal trove. The rooms, with their theatrical flair and intimate charm, make you feel as though you’ve been whisked away to a bygone era.
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Adorned with family heirlooms that date back to 1709, Maxwell Reserve offers a stylish salute to Singapore’s storied past.
Maxwell Reserve
Nestled in downtown Singapore’s Murray Terrace, a century-old British colonial gem, Maxwell Reserve is the embodiment of European opulence with a cosmopolitan twist. Dreamt up by owner Satinder Garcha and realised by the legendary French designer Jacques Garcia, the hotel’s rooms burst with vibrant colours and flair. Adorned with family heirlooms that date back to 1709, this property offers a stylish salute to Singapore’s storied past and the splendour of Royal India, all while ensuring you feel as pampered as a royal guest.
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Raffles Hotel, Singapore, has witnessed its share of historical moments.
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
History and heritage practically ooze from the walls of Raffles Hotel, Singapore, which first opened its doors in 1887 and remains one of the world’s few surviving 19th-century hotels. Named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the British diplomat and pioneering botanist who founded modern Singapore, this iconic establishment has witnessed its share of historical moments. From the last tiger being shot under the Bar and Billiards Room in 1902 to the debut of the legendary Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in 1915, and the esteemed guest lists featuring luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Rudyard Kipling, Raffles has seen it all. Its design exudes grand colonial elegance, while the lush tropical gardens and inviting swimming pool offer a refreshing embrace of the great outdoors.
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Capella Singapore offers a unique experience steeped in heritage.
Capella Singapore
Blending the old with the new, Capella Singapore’s Living Room is housed in a classic white-washed colonial bungalow dating back to the 1880s, once serving as a grand venue for British Royal Artillery officers and their extravagant balls. Yet, it’s the modern twist that truly sets the Sentosa Island hotel apart. Designed by Foster + Partners, the futuristic exterior of the new building contrasts strikingly with its historical roots, seamlessly integrating the futuristic vibe of modern Singapore. Inside, the rooms — especially the stunning villas — radiate contemporary chic, while the two restored Tanah Merah colonial bungalows offer a unique experience steeped in heritage.
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Checking in at The Warehouse Hotel is like staying in a gloriously revamped relic from the The Lion City's rebellious days.
The Warehouse Hotel
With a history that dates back to 1895, The Warehouse Hotel was once at the heart of Singapore’s secret society scene, underground shenanigans, and illicit liquor trade along the Singapore River. Fast forward to today, and it’s transformed into a 37-room boutique gem that's anything but shady. Thanks to the meticulous restoration by Zarch Collaboratives and Asylum, the hotel now offers a stylish nod to its storied past while preserving its local charm. It’s like staying in a gloriously revamped relic from the city's rebellious days— minus the hush-hush societies and illicit activities, of course.
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The Serangoon House offers a chic nod to Indian colonial design and interior flair right in the heart of Singapore's Little India.
The Serangoon House
As one of Singapore’s newer boutique arrivals, The Serangoon House offers a chic nod to Indian colonial design and interior flair right in the heart of Little India. Stepping into this hotel, you’re greeted by custom-made porcelain chandeliers, striking green and white mosaic floors, and exclusive De Gournay wallpaper depicting colonial India scenes. Velvet banquette seats add a touch of luxury, while the 90 rooms boast bespoke double-tiered handmade canopy beds. With its dazzlingly opulent and eccentric style, The Serangoon House effortlessly whisks you back in time while keeping pace with modern comforts and innovations.
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Each room in The Vagabond Club, Singapore, is a unique creation, reflecting the hotel’s eclectic spirit.
The Vagabond Club, Singapore
Also brought to life by the acclaimed French designer Jacques Garcia, The Vagabond Club, Singapore, infuses a 1950s Art Deco heritage building with Parisian charm. Each room is a unique creation, reflecting the hotel’s eclectic spirit. Nestled just a stone’s throw from Kampong Glam and Little India, the hotel’s 41 sun-soaked rooms and suites offer more than just a place to rest your head. Guests who book a Club Room can slip into the swanky Executive Club Lounge, where hours can be blissfully wiled away with a good book in one hand and a whisky in the other.
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If you're in search of a stay that artfully blends historical charm with modern sophistication, these MICHELIN Guide hotels are sure to exceed your expectations and offer a truly immersive experience.
All images are from the respective hotels. Header image is from The Serangoon House.
