Tried & Tested

Hotel review: The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore

6 May 2023 by Hannah Brandler
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore (credit Ho Wai Kai)

Background

The 40-room boutique hotel is located on the site of a former military barracks, housed in two conserved colonial buildings that date back to 1904. These blocks served as a British artillery outpost during the Second World War. The hotel opened in 2019 and is part of the Far East Hospitality group, which has 26 properties in Singapore.

Where is it?

On Sentosa, an island resort off the city-state’s southern coast. The hotel is located on Gunner Lane in the Palawan area within beautifully manicured grounds. Singapore’s central business district is a 12-minute drive away and Changi airport is a 25-minute drive by taxi.

What’s it like?

The hotel has a calming ambience, in part owing to the design, which favours open-air spaces and symmetry. In the Living Room, guests can pick up drinks and snacks from a pantry area, order cocktails or enjoy afternoon tea.

The site’s artillery heritage is hinted at throughout and the hotel offers complimentary guided tours by army veterans who used to stay at the military barracks, and a self-guided audio version on request. Nearby is military museum Fort Siloso, which served as a coastal defence outpost during the Second World War.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore (credit Ho Wai Kai)

Rooms

The hotel’s 40 rooms and suites all have a similar design, featuring dark wood furnishings, shutters, brass and leather accents, sumptuous king size beds and sizeable balconies (or patios on the ground floor). There’s plenty of heritage decor, with framed antique maps and black-and-white imagery nodding to the military age, while modern amenities include a 55-inch smart TV, Marshall speaker, a safe, iron and ironing board.

Minibars, disguised in a studded trunk-like cabinet, feature a Nespresso machine, Pryce Tea blends and a cocktail shaker with recipes and the corresponding liquors and mixers, along with soft drinks and complimentary water.

Bathrooms are beautifully designed, with marble floors, a standalone bathtub and rain shower, as well as amenities by Atkinsons.

While the hotel is designed more as a retreat from work, it’s still possible to hunker down and get stuff done thanks to a comfortable desk area, complimentary high speed wifi and free local calls.

My Premier room (39 sqm) was located on the second floor. One downside was a lack of windows, though this was offset by high ceilings and a private balcony. Premier rooms on the ground floor, along with the 79 sqm Suite rooms, have patios and direct pool access. Garden suites (89 sqm) have a garden patio space and dining table area. Larger groups can book the 118 sqm Duplex suite, which houses up to five adults.

Food and drink

Included in your stay are complimentary refreshments and snacks in the Living Room, as well as cocktails and canapés from 4.30-7.30pm. Breakfast is served here and runs from 7-11am. There are two-course set menus (Western or locally-inspired), but you have to book a time slot and choose your option by 12pm the day prior, so plan ahead.

Guests can also dine at nearby Native Kitchen (Village Hotel Sentosa) and
1–Altitude Coast (The Outpost Hotel Sentosa) and charge the bill to their rooms.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore (credit Ho Wai Kai)

Meetings

The hotel’s events centre is located in a heritage building once part of the British artillery barracks, with over 1,300 sqm of indoor and outdoor space.

Leisure

The hotel has two 30-metre-long pools on either side of The Living Room. Guests also get access to facilities at the three nearby sister properties (Oasia Resort Sentosa, Village Hotel Sentosa and adults-only The Outpost Hotel Sentosa) which include a 24-hour gym and spa.

Verdict

The Barracks is a peaceful hideaway in Sentosa, with friendly service and design that nods to the city-state’s colonial history.

FACT BOX

  • Best for Tranquil stays in Sentosa with plenty of privacy
  • Don’t miss Getting to know staff and fellow guests over complimentary cocktails and canapés
  • Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June start from S$785 (£484) for a Premier Room including taxes and fees
  • Contact 2 Gunner Lane, Palawan Ridge, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099567; +65 6722 0802; thebarrackshotel.com.sg
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