The past 12 months have been my busiest ever in terms of traveling; 7 countries and 9 cities. Last Monday I was Singapore, today I’m in Sydney and later tonight I’ll be in Malaysia.
Noodlies, Sydney food and travel blog has stayed in so many hotels and have loved them all, each in their unique way – whether it’s a modest place like Golden Temple Villa in Siem Reap, a traditional Four Seasons Hotel five star in Macau, or the brand-spanking newly renovated Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa in Langkawi.
But with so much traveling, it’s hard for a hotel to stand out, after all they all have a lobby, hotel rooms, concierge… on a bad day, it’s easy to lapse into, “oh, it’s another bed in another hotel”.
But, the klapsons, the Boutique Hotel will stay in my mind for a very, very long time…
Even the most seasoned traveller would be gasping at the art gallery-like cavernous entrance which leads to the stunning front desk. It’s a sci-fie silver pod that seems to float over water. Everything about the reception is designed to shake guests from their cynical complacency. The lava-esque mood lighting changes with the hypnotic rhythm of the music; crimson red, ice blue, calming green, crisp white.
Check out the featured noodlies video above to appreciate the ambiance of klapsons, The Boutique Hotel’s marvellous reception. Neon orange tables, organic shaped chairs, slanted floor lamps, sleek silver columns that rise to the sky – it’s all intended to shake the travel weary visitors from their complacency.
And it is a business hotel, located along the southern fringe of the Central Business District, but this one has flair and design written all over it. Passionately crafted by William Sawaya of contemporary design forerunner Sawaya & Moroni, guests luxuriate in a practical yet innovative alternative to mainstream perceptions of a hotel stay.
klapsons only has 17 rooms and each has been individually characterised so that no two rooms are alike. At the large five stars, it’s understandable that a high standard of personal service can be hard to attain. With just 17 rooms you rarely bump into other guests (although you might here them come and go), noodlies felt like I was the only guest at the hotel. It’s a totally unique feeling even for this seasoned traveller. But trust me, it’s a wonderful feeling.
The quirkiness doesn’t stop at the reception. The room is something to behold.
Classy, comfortable decor and a huge king size bed that is just heavenly to sink in. But that’s probably not the first thing you’ll notice. Yes, that’s a clear shower cubical in the middle of the room (the crystal-look stool can be moved, just in case you’re wondering). At first it’s disconcerting, but this lone noodlies traveller soon found it has many advantages, being able to watch the large flat screen tv being one :). Take a tour of the room through the noodlies video below.
Room inclusions are generous including breakfast, daily newspapers, Chopard toiletteries, free local calls (including local mobiles), complimentary mini bar, iphone dock/charger, nespresso coffee machine and in room safe, just to name a few.
The Sleeping Rhino is the hotel’s bistro-styled restaurant that is also where guests take breakfast. The hot breakfast buffet is not extensive given the small number of guests but an a-la-carte menu is offered at no extra costs.
Noodlies sampled the evening dessert at The Sleeping Rhino. The tiramisu was a light and moist, the side orange macaron offered a cleaver taste and texture contrast. Much, much better than the usual hotel food.
Noodlies, didn’t get the chance to check out Fabrika, alfresco sky terrace bar perched on 17th floor, but apparently the klapsons design philosophy carries through to the bar which affords stunning city views.
Frequent travellers, especially those on business will appreciate everything about klapsons, The Boutique Hotel. You won’t feel like a sheep in a huge 600 room stock pen. Your senses will be shaken and awakened. I left, rested but excited, taking a little of the klapsons class with me.
I’d come back again and again.
klapsons The Boutique Hotel
15 Hoe Chiang Road, Singapore
Tel: (65) 6521 9000
Email: info@klapsons.com
klapsons is a member of design hotels.
This noodlies, Sydney food and travel blog Singapore experience is courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board. Noodlies stayed at the hotel as a guest of klapsons The Boutique Hotel.
