Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong – Pattern Play Interior Design

I have not visited Singapore for almost 10 years, so when in the region I decided to make my return. Singapore for me is the cleanest most organised Asian destinations and probably also in the world. From the moment I landed, I noticed that this city-state country is so pristine and full of luxury lifestyle gems. My first stay in Singapore was at the Hotel Indigo in the Katong area of Singapore, which is not a common area for most tourists visiting Singapore. The Katong area is characterised by low buildings and traditional Peranakan shophouses.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is less than two years old and is housed on the site of the former Joo Chiat Police Station. This boutique hotel is interesting because it is a fusion of modern architecture whilst holding onto the conservation of the historical building. From the moment I stepped into this quirky hotel, I was drawn into the unique design inspired by the Peranakan culture, the culture of Singapore’s settlers. The Peranakan theme runs throughout the hotel in everything that you see, from the art murals to the Singaporean style tiles.

The entrance of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Boasting many colourful tiled features the reception area is a lovely way to be welcomed as a guest. I liked how iced coffee was their welcome drink, not common at all. The seating area known as the Pavilion is a nice introduction to modern architecture mixed with cultural pieces. Near the elevator there the beautifully decorated water storage pots.

The Peranakan theme is also reflected in all the 131 guestrooms, which are paying homage to the neighbourhood, something that all Indigo hotels around the world do. To appreciate this Hotel Indigo, I decided to walk around the local Katong area and clearly began to understand where their inspiration came from.

These are replicas of the water bottles that were used in the past. Beautiful to look at whilst waiting for the elevator.

Joo Chiat

There are plenty of cool restaurants, bars and hairdressers around here, trending the latest in food, drinks and hairstyles. Do take the time to explore the Katong area alongside the little alleyways, it’s truly a very edgy area. Make you taste the local dishes Singapore is famous for, chicken rice, chilli crab and Laksa. The Katong neighbourhood of Joo Chiat was the first designated Heritage Town of Singapore. The area retains its colourful charm and its strong Peranakan cultural roots. Amidst modern high-rises, the two-storey shophouses that have lined the streets of Joo Chiat since the 1920s teem with life.

Restaurant – Breakfast

What a fabulous way to start the day in the cafe called Baba Chews. This cafe-restaurant is located in the former Joo Chiat Police Station, a conservation building along East Coast Road. Cafe Baba Chews serves up a range of modern and traditional cuisines from the Straits of Malacca alongside a quality selection of beverages.

The interior of the cafe is again designed to reflect Katong neighbourhood’s colonial history and Peranakan heritage. It is a very welcoming and relaxing environment to eat and dine. The breakfast buffet options are healthy and cater to international clients. The a la carte menu offers a nice variety of dishes to choose by which is great. I liked how I could choose more than one option. On this occasion the roti bread with chicken was too good to knock back, I ordered two plates. The staff were very attentive and they made great coffee too. All in all, it was a wonderful breakfast experience.

Double/ Twin Rooms

I was staying in an interconnecting room one with a double bed and one with twin beds. The modern Peranakan interior design of these rooms was just so quirky and stylish. These rooms are a perfect example of patterns being successfully combined, it raises the design level to a harmonious symphony. The hotel has made it look so easy by mixing patterns with plenty of colours. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong has used large patterns on large areas such as walls, medium scale patterns on furniture and smaller ones on accessories such as throw pillows, and bowls.

There are so many hidden practical gems within the rooms. The first being the sliding doors overlooking the spacious spa-inspired bathroom. I was overlooking another hotel. Caution to anyone staying here as I could look into the other hotel, they can clearly look into my bathroom. So if you are OK presenting yourself naked to the world then that’s up to you. I chose to put the blinds down and only the guests could see my red shoes.

The bathroom features were a fabulous experience. The use of tin bowls, cups and sinks was really great. I liked the dedicated bowl with spa amenities to be able to soak my feet in after a long day of exploring Singapore. The rain shower is fabulous and there were plenty of towels and products to cater to my luxury stay. The large chair was wonderful to be able to throw anything on it. The bathroom was very spacious and can be closed off with metal glass sliding doors so as day turns into night.

The beds were soft, cosy and perfect for a good night’s sleep. Another favourite part of the room was the toilet which was separate at the entrance of the room and closed off to the rest of the room. The dedicated glass cabinet with access to local luxury brand TWG tea and complimentary bottomless lollies was a real treat. What was very practical here was when I opened the glass cabinet, an automated light came on. So I could make a tea at 1 am without turning the main lights on. All the little and very colourful intricacies around the room inspired by Asia was the perfect millennial way to start 2018 for me.

To me, this is a brilliant room for some Instagram shots combining fashion, lifestyle and food all in one room.

Rooftop Pool Area

In Singapore, with the heat, you need a good swimming pool, with the Indigo Hotel this was located on the roof. This rooftop pool has a good length to do some laps and there are plenty of lounge chairs around the pool to chill out. There is also a gym for fitness buffs. The views of the rooftop pool over the local neighbourhood are amazing, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Conclusion

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is trending the latest designs when it comes to being original. There are so many experiences here that that can only be found at this luxury boutique hotel. As every passing hour went by I just adored every part of this hotel. Hotel Indigo has been daring in regards to its interior design. By using colour, light, shape, texture and adding depth to the interior by using plenty of patterns. The result is an ambience of serenity and an oasis of latest trends in hotel stays.

Details

• Rooms reviewed: Double / Twin Room
• Website: www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/singapore/sinki/hoteldetail
• Address: 86 East Coast Road, 428788, Singapore
• Phone: +65 6723 7001