Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Naumi Hotel Singapore

1 Jan 2008 by business traveller

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The unusual trellis-like façade instantly announces this property as a boutique hotel that’s heavy on design. This was formerly Metropole Hotel, memorable not for its rooms but for an herbal chicken restaurant, which has since relocated. The Hind Group, which owns luxury serviced apartments in Hongkong (Ovolo, Erba, Abeo and the soon-to-open Izi), is responsible for the transformation. Expect more Naumis (naumi is a Sanskrit word meaning “ninth day”, which is auspicious in Hindu mythology) to open around the region.

WHERE IS IT? It boasts a discrete but convenient location on Seah Street, along Beach Road (next to the Raffles Hotel), that’s walking distance to Suntec City for events and Raffles City and Bugis Junction for dining and shopping. Several restaurants also punctuate the neighbourhood, particularly Purvis Street.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 40, each with a design twist that creates a highly personalised stay. They all have that Wallpaper* feel, meaning no expense was spared to acquire fine contemporary furniture and furnishings. There is even a floor devoted to the female business traveller, which is something new to the Singapore market, as well as a suite with its own private patio.

ROOM FACILITIES: My Deluxe Suite (pictured) presented a well-designed exercise, consisting of a kitchenette with a Nespresso coffeemaker, GE fridge, microwave and hotplate, a gleaming 42-inch TV monitor that can execute a 360º turn cleverly dividing the sitting and sleeping areas, and a spacious bathroom with a standalone tub and glass shower stall. Other benefits we appreciated were a choice of Wi-Fi or LAN connection, Aesop toiletries from Australia and the iPod Dock Entertainment System that was set to classical music.

RESTAURANTS: The hotel lobby serves as a multipurpose venue for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. There are plans for it to morph further into a chill-out club.

BARS: The Rooftop Bar complements lazing by the pool.

BUSINESS FACILITIES: If you’ve opted for limousine pick up, check in begins even before the car has pulled out of the Changi Airport driveway, courtesy of the guest relations officer who’s come to meet you. A small meeting room takes up to six.

LEISURE FACILITIES: The yoga mat in the closet reminds you there’s no excuse not to do your asanas in the dedicated meditation room and there are two other spaces for cardio and strength building workouts. Don’t try the cabana-like seats before doing your laps or you might end up being seduced by their extreme comfort.

PRICE: Deluxe Suites go for US$346 nightly end of February.

VERDICT: A welcome addition to Singapore’s accommodation inventory. Some of the staff needed a bit more training in dealing with guests but we’re sure that in time they’ll learn.

CONTACT: 41 Seah Street, Singapore 188396, tel 65 6403 6000, www.naumihotel.com

Margie T Logarta

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