Singapore’s Hotel Industry Is on the Move
PHOTO: Singapore's hotel scene is booming. (Photo courtesy Thinkstock)
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James Ruggia
Singapore spans just a little more than 450 square miles, but you would never know that by its hotel inventory. There are nearly 400 hotels on the island, and it is home to some of the world’s most iconic properties (Marina Bay Sands, anyone?) and, in 2016, the country will welcome several more properties.
Since 2013, 25 new hotels have opened their doors in the island nation. That accounts for approximately 5,980 new rooms – an increase of nearly 10 percent.
Last year saw some celebrated openings, with the launch of the Philippe Starck-designed The South Beach, The Patina Capitol Singapore and The Club, but 2016 is taking Singapore’s hotel scene to the next level – with more openings and stellar architecture and design thrusting the destination to the forefront of the lodging industry.
M Social Singapore
Philippe Starck returns to design another Singapore property. The M Social is the latest addition to Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ Leng’s Collection. The property is located along the Singapore River, overlooking the Robertson Quay precinct. The 293 guestroom property is set in the heart of an area bustling with dining, entertainment and shopping options, including the popular UE Square Mall.
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Hotel Ibis Styles Singapore on MacPherson
Located on the corner of MacPherson and Aljunied roads, is complemented by the new MacPherson Mall and is the first economy property for Accor in the city. Scheduled to open in April, the 298-room hotel will feature a sleek cruise-ship like exterior that, for an economy property, has definite style. There is a free-form pool, a restaurant and bar and a gym that overlooks the expansive pool deck.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Joo Chiat is one of Singapore’s key heritage sites and Hotel Indigo will operate the 131-room Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong there, starting in the second quarter of this year. The property is part of a mixed-use development in the area that will also include a number of independent food and beverage options – which fits nicely with this boutique IHG brand.
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong
This Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong will join the Hotel Indigo in the same mixed-use space. The 451-room property is set to be the third and largest of the Holiday Inn Express brand within the country. Self-service amenities key to the brand will all be available, including a business center, laundry, a meeting room and a breakfast area called Great Room.
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Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
The new Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview, is expected to open in July close to the central business district. It is a strategic conversion of the forver Riverview Hotel , which has undergone a $17.8 million renovation and redesign. The 476 guestrooms have a new contemporary design and will feature several dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and Japanese and Chinese cuisine. A bar with views of the river will feature outdoor seating and the brand’s signature Best Brews program.
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
In the fourth quarter, Sofitel will open the Sofitel Singapore City Centre. The property is part of the multibillion-dollar Tanjong Pagar Centre near the central business district and Chinatown. The Tanjong Pagar Centre will be Singapore’s tallest building when it is complete, more than 950 feet high. It will feature 890,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of lifestyle and food and beverage space and homes and a landscaped urban park.