WANGZ Hotel, Tiong Bahru, Singapore

Located ideally for business or pleasure, WANGZ Hotel is minutes from Singapore’s central business district, and a jump away from iconic shopping and tourist destinations too. Surrounded by a vibrant heritage neighbourhood, this boutique hotel is a great base for exploration of the city.

Arriving mid-evening, the hotel is lit and the rotund structure has us guessing at the inspiration for its wall sheath. A wine barrel? A bird cage? An old school fishing trap? During the day, the aluminium grill that surrounds the entire building presents a galactic air.  At night, pale treacle light glows from between the beehive holes emanating warmth and character.  Lodged in the dynamic Tiong Bahru area, known for its blend of Art Deco and Straits Settlement style architecture, quirky boutiques and hip eateries, this iconic structure is right at home.

WANGZ Hotel, Tiong Bahru, Singapore

We drive into the basement car park and are immediately impressed with service. An attendant ushers us to a reserved space, takes our bags and has us in the lobby within minutes of arrival. More smiles greet us at reception and we’re personally escorted to our room, given a personal tour and left to relax without a fuss.

Forty-one rooms ranging in size from 27 to 47 square metres, all of which include a complimentary mini-bar and breakfast at the hotel’s Nectar restaurant, compose this piece of urban art. Complimentary Internet, local calls, daily newspaper, flat panel TV, universal power outlets, DVD player, iPod docking station, tea and coffee making facilities, and an electronic safe are standard provisions.

Our Deluxe Room is made up with a king-size Sealy Posturepedic bed dressed with cotton linens and a goose feather down duvet. Twin beds are also available. The pillow menu is a nice touch and we delight in trying out a couple of different styles each night. We’re on the sixth floor with views over the treetops to the city, but other rooms look directly onto the tree canopy and are just as nice an outlook.

The bathroom features a rain shower and bathtub with a peak out to the city through the exterior’s metal cladding. During the day natural light streams in, but privacy is maintained as a result of the outer façade. In the evenings however, we’re shaded from the night lights with blinds and black out curtains. Molton Brown bath products and lush bathrobes and slippers add that splash of luxury that we love.

Piped-in mood music sets the scene as we take in the contemporary design. Clean lines, a palette of pale, and textured flooring and walls are livened with just the right amount of colour.  A single brightly hued chair, tree-shaped clothes horse, and stretched rectangle painting of butterflies above the bed add a freshness often associated with spring.

Continuing the flora and fauna theme, artwork is well placed around the hotel with unique commissioned pieces on each floor. A variety of media is used in oversized paintings, sculpture, collage and three-dimensional wall hangings. Even the gymnasium maintains the creative flare with a geometrical towel and water shelf, and a large modern portrait in cherry and white.

The fitness centre is small but sufficient for this boutique hotel. Both hubby and I work out everyday of our stay at different times (I’m an early riser and hubby likes to sleep in) without coming across another person in the gym. A treadmill, stationary bike, free weights and multi-purpose strength training machine fit in the compact area. Balls and yoga mats further support the active.

Two food and beverage outlets supplement the hotel’s facilities. One is on the ground floor and the other on the rooftop. Sunset is the perfect time to head up to Halo, WANGZ Hotel’s rooftop lounge. Daily drink specials, grilled tapas and weekend live music, paired with cityscape views, make it a chilled locale for relaxation and enjoyment of the city’s hip vibe. Check out our recommendations via this link.

The all day dining restaurant located in the lobby, Nectar, features both indoor and outdoor seating. Chill music hums from the quality speaker system and an eye-full of artwork and plenty of green make for a very cheery atmosphere. Breakfast is included in most room packages. A light buffet of fruits, cereals, yoghurt, cold cuts, cheeses, pastries and a few local and western hot items are supported by made to order eggs, fresh juices and hot beverages. The rest of the day sees a mix of East and West on the menu with some good value set lunches a highlight.

Throughout our stay the staff cannot do enough to help us. From pleasant greetings, to assistance with taxis and directions, to humour at the breakfast table and very efficient service, we feel welcomed, cared for and comfortable over the entire weekend. WANGZ Hotel definitely makes The Yum List and, given the choice, we’d stay here again in a heartbeat.

Reasons to visit: hip location; comfortable and contemporary rooms; friendly service.

WANGZ Hotel
231 Outram Road
Singapore 169040
+65 6595 1388
[email protected]
www.wangzhotel.com