With short-term travel still not easy in Singapore and after nearly two years of staycations at some of Singapore’s finest, it was a true delight to experience The Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality – a new modern lux hotel steeped in heritage and located right on the nexus of the CBD and Chinatown.
Arriving at The Clan’s staycation experience starts with a luxury car pick-up at your front door. No need to lift a finger to call your transport, it's all smoothly arranged for you and a sign of the commitment to service excellence for the most discerning traveller.
With a warm greeting we are escorted through the impressive dark door where you could be forgiven for not noticing the presence of the hotel and seated in the bright and tasteful lobby area for our welcome tea ceremony. The Clan Hotel’s story acknowledges the original Chinese clans who used to occupy the Telok Ayer district and the décor and service experience is designed to reflect the stories of these humble immigrants.
After our refreshing tea ceremony, we are shown to our room, a Premier corner room on the 21st floor with a remarkable view of the city and the surrounding shop houses. The modern hotel building perfectly positioned in the midst of the original settlers shophouses provides a contrasting and dramatic vista.
The room exhibits impeccable and intelligent design with all the modern touches a seasoned traveller could expect – from the filtered water tap (to reduce plastic bottle waste), to the automated Japanese toilet and push-button Italian coffee machine.
Touches of Chinese heritage and exhibited throughout in the artwork, design features and the traditional Chinese tea set complete with a gourmet tea selection. And as an extra touch, MASTER series guests are able to choose from a range of divine handcrafted speciality soaps.
All the hotel amenities and services can be accessed from the TV and from there we were able to arrange our activities for the rest of the stay, including our delicious lunch at QĪN Restaurant and Bar, a modern Chinese focused on re-imagining favourite classics has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Amoy Street and a decidedly “non-hotel” restaurant vibe.
Some of our favourite dishes included the Chilli Crab Crostini with pomelo, avocado and herbs and the Butternut Pumpkin Soup with maple-glazed pumpkin and curry oil – both dishes exhibiting a balance of East meets West. The restaurant is a great choice for a more upmarket city-based lunch even for those not staying at the hotel.
After lunch the perfect staycation activity is of course some pool time and this maybe our highlight of the stay. The stunning infinity pool overlooking the skyscrapers and shophouses was every bit serene and tranquil despite the inner-city locale.
My personal favourite was discovering the spacious hot jacuzzi, a rare sight in steamy Singapore – after a cool dip in the pool it was the perfect place to relax and wind down amongst the green garden surrounds.
While we didn’t venture to the gym preferring a more relaxed mode for our staycation it occupies an impressive space with plenty of the latest gym gadgets including boxing, cross-fit and even a giant screen where you can choose your preferred exercise class.
Sunset arrives and we get a stunning view from the pool before heading down to the outdoor terrace space to enjoy a few cocktails with friends. This aspect of the building looks down over Far East Square, where you again feel emerged in the old versus new ambience.
After a peaceful and restful nights sleep in the comfortable king-sized bed we were booked into one of the experiences thoughtfully arranged by the hotel staff. This was a Scent Workshop at Scent by Six in Somerset. A thoroughly engaging, informative and entertaining journey around scents, how they are compiled and even the change to blend our own special fragrance.
The final afternoon we continued with some much-appreciated relaxing pool time, which again was immensely tranquil with not another guest in sight (one definite benefit of a weekday inner-city staycation).
All to soon we were checking out (late of course) and leaving with very fond memories of a perfectly executed staycation in a truly luxurious modern hotel.
With The Clan’s roots in local heritage and this evident throughout all their spaces and experiences, I would highly recommend this stay for friends or business colleagues who are visiting Singapore and want something 5-star with a nostalgic charm brimming with local feels and touches.
Of course, locals and expats who love their foodie experiences, local heritage and some quiet pool time would most definitely enjoy this as well.
a. 10 Cross Street, Singapore 048417
t. +65 6881 8888 Reservations
t. +65 6496 7699 Reservations
e.[email protected] Reservations
