Maxwell Reserve

Singapore is home to some fantastically modern luxury hotels, but it’s home to some beautifully historic ones as well; Murray Terrace, a century-old British Colonial building on the south side of Chinatown, is the venue for Maxwell Reserve, a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Historical, yes, but not archaeological — rather than reconstruct its original interiors, Maxwell Reserve tasked designer Jacques Garcia with crafting an interior style that’s true to its European inspiration and perfectly tailored to the present day.

The rooms and suites are eclectic and colorful, dominated by aqua or crimson hues, and the art and décor are a mix of Asian and European elements. Every detail feels artfully composed, as is typical of Mr. Garcia’s work. Walk-in rain showers are universal, and some of the bedrooms come with cozy little balconies.

Multiple bars and restaurants serve Maxwell Reserve, from the vegan and gluten-free Cultivate Café and the classic Indian Shikar to Isabel, the cocktail bar and the Officers’ Mess Polo Bar, a steakhouse with an extensive wine list. And there’s much more to eat in the immediate neighborhood — nearby is one of Singapore’s legendary hawker centers, the Maxwell Food Centre.