Unassumingly located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown is the boutique hotel Naumi Liora, set behind the alluring cover of renovated 1920s Peranakan townhouses – bright, orange and originally designed by architecture firm Westerhout & Oman. The accommodation blends in so perfectly to its surroundings, however, it’s easy to walk past without knowing it’s there. But once you enter, the three floor hotel leaves a lasting impression with its unique design that embraces the history of Singapore, whilst providing a modern design and all the creature comforts you expect from a contemporary hotel.
The lobby – filled with help-yourself snacks and water – provides a warm (air conditioned) entry, and then it’s an quick walk up to your room – or an elevator is available for those who require it. I was staying in a Porch room, with a firm and comfortable queen bed (with 4 very comfy pillows and a doona), and a surprisingly large balcony (something of it’s own secret getaway) with table and chairs.
Unlike many Singapore hotels I’ve stayed in, this was not a room that has tried to fit as much into a small space as possible . Rather they provide rooms of impressive size for the region, up to 24sqm. Travelling by myself, this was much more room than I needed – or expected – though for a party of two it would be perfect.
The lighting in the room was rather dim, even when there was light coming through the windows of the door; though I’m told every room in the hotel is a little different. There were reading lights on both sides of the bed, however, and master light switches for the room at easy reach by the bed as well. Multi-region plugs also scattered the room, eliminating the need for a converter – a nice touch for a hotel in a city which embraces international visitors.
Two comfortable dressing gowns were supplied, any my room had ample storage – no less than four drawers and six hangers, plus some extra room above. Though it’s not a small room, they certainly live by the Singapore way of design – ensuring there is no dead space in a room. You’ll also find a safe and a coffee machine, with free tea, coffee and water supplied in the room. If you ever needed snacks, meanwhile, you could just head down to the lobby, where snacks and waters were available 24 hours a day.
The service is also wonderful, and they’re keen to make sure you have a clean room. If you click the “Do Not Disturb” sign by the door (it’s all digital here), they’ll give you a call later in the day to double check you don’t want a clean, and even leave a note under the door. Perhaps excessive, but if you accidentally pushed the button, or had since changed your mind, it’s a great touch to their service.
The room also features a massive flat screen with 11 local TV channels – though a few of them didn’t work; BBC World News and TLC being the best options for English speakers. As for the bathroom, it was small, but very well designed, and featured a phenomenal rain shower. The only glitch in the design? Nowhere to hang towels!
Some room rates also include breakfast – as did mine. Though they don’t serve anything on site, a voucher provided on arrival will give you two pastries and a drink at a nearby bakery. Given a croque monsieur was considered a pastry item, you will be more than satisfied with your breakfast here. And they did a surprisingly fantastic hot chocolate.
With great service, a convenient location, stunning rooms and comfortable beds, the boutique Naumi Liora is more than a hotel: it’s a connection between old and new Singapore, and a wonderful experience. Definitely try and get yourself a porch room, too, and enjoy the extra space to share with a guest or two!
Naumi Liora is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd in Chinatown, close to the Outram Park and Chinatown MRT Stations. For bookings and more details head to their official website.
The author stayed as a guest of the hotel. Photos (except food, by the author) supplied by the hotel.
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