Singapore� New Majestic makes the most of a great location
Singapore has spent much of the last decade opening more and smaller boutique hotels, and the trend is to sleek and ultramodern design, but the twoyearold New Majestic is dressed in a different outfit â€" a perfect blend of heritage, culture and class.
Located on the outskirts of Chinatown, where it� quiet and peaceful, the New Majestic Hotel attracts guests with a thoughtful blend of history and modernity.
The lobby features restored Compton fans, and there� a dramatic pool with glass inserts above the restaurant. Colonial furniture from the �0s to the �0s completes the transformation for the former shophouse.
Each of the 30 guestrooms is different, thanks to the eclectic ideas of nine local artists and collaboration with Asian Art Options.
All of the artwork is original, sitespecific and inspiring. Guests can view highresolution pictures of the rooms before they book one, and if others are available during their stay, they can hop around to sample the different themes.
The hallways seem small, but the rooms are spacious and cleverly designed. Most have balconies overlooking the beautifully landscaped street below.
Inroom facilities include an LCD TV with some cable channels, speakers with an iPod dock, a coffeeandtea maker and free wireless Internet.
Nothing beats the bed, though â€" oversized luxury from Ploh, the brand that makes great down pillows and bedding.
With the generously filled downandfeather pillows, plush sheets and quilts and a lightweight goosedown duvet, getting out of bed is harder than ever.
Most rooms lack a bathtub, but you get royally clean with Kiehl� nurturing toiletries, include Creme de Corps proteinconcentrate shampoo, a conditioner with coconut extract, lavender bath oils and coriander liquid bodycleanser.
The colourful, mosaictile bathroom has both a normal shower and a luxurious rain shower.
One thing that� bothersome is noise from the hall, creeping in from around the otherwise wellmaintained building. Sleeping in turns out to be not so easy when the neighbours are slamming their doors or the cleaning aunties are vacuuming the hall.
With ready access to all the attractions, the hotel is in most ways perfect for couples and small groups. It� just a twominute walk to the Outram Park MRT station, and Sentosa Island and Orchard Road are just a few stops away. You�e a mere 20 minutes from the airport.
But the best way to pass the time is stroll around the neighbourhood and bask in the nostalgia of old Chinatown. Modernity is moving in, but in a gentle way, bringing small, cool bars and stylish restaurants.
AT A GLANCE
High points: Superb location with convenient access to the MRT and Chinatown. Free Wifi, a hearty breakfast, swimming pool and fitness centre. And guests could choose their preferred room theme.
Low point: The old shophouse leaks noise.
Find it: 3137 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Pay for it: US$150 to $250 per night
Browse it: www.NewMajesticHotel.com
Phone it: (65) 6511 4700
