This recently-opened hotel in Singapore’s Chinatown is a prime example of how both the past and present can be interwoven beautifully, where beneath its century-old exterior are contemporary and modern living spaces.
Ann Siang House occupies a restored shophouse that dates back to the early 1920s, in an area that once home to clan associations.
The boutique property is a six-minute walk from Telok Ayer MRT. Within a five-minute-walk radius are local hawker centres such as Maxwell and Amoy Street; bustling eateries such as Park Bench Deli, and Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House; and popular watering holes like Oxwell & Co, and Blue Label Pizza & Wine.
Room Ann Siang House offers 20 rooms – 16 Deluxe Rooms, two Executives and two Suites. The main difference is that the Executives and Suites come with kitchenettes, and the Suites have an extra bathtub. The Executives and Suites are targeted at longer-staying guests business guests who would prefer to have a kitchenette to prepare simple meals.
We stayed in Deluxe corner room 303. The 30m2 space is tastefully furnished, and felt spacious even though there was a work table, four chairs, coffee machine, and a minibar (items are all complimentary). Regular mod-cons include a flatscreen Samsung SMART TV, Tivoli Audio Bluetooth speaker system, and unlimited Wi-Fi access. There was a Handy Phone provided as well, and I thought that this newer version was more responsive and intuitive than its predecessors.
The Hypnos Firenze king-sized bed felt luxurious to the touch, and was extremely comfortable. It came complete with four fluffy pillows. I felt like I had a good night’s rest as I went to work feeling refreshed the following day, which is something business travellers would appreciate.
It was relatively quiet during my weekday stay at Ann Siang House, but we could hear the garbage truck reversing from our room in the wee hours of the morning. Note that on weekends, it may be noisier due to the numerous bars along Ann Siang Road. However, the boutique property does offer ear plugs and a white noise machine (upon request) to ensure guests have a peaceful night’s rest.
Facilities Corporate guests can avail the in-house washer and dryer, provided with the hotel’s compliments. There are no recreational nor meeting facilities.
At press time, there are three F&B brands currently occupying the spaces around the lobby. The space on the right is currently occupied by coffee bar Cult (daytime)/and contemporary eatery The Guild (night-time). On the left is Italian restaurant Perbacco but it was not open when I was there. I understand it opens for lunch on weekdays, and on weekend evenings.
There is no hot buffet breakfast, but Ann Siang House has partnered with Cult to offer guests a takeaway breakfast box comprising a muffin, yogurt with granola, croissant, fruit, and a small bottle of orange juice. Corporate travellers wouldn’t go hungry in the mornings for sure!
Service Staff members were polite, constantly smiling, and made me feel at home. When we had trouble with our TV, the manager came up within minutes to help us troubleshoot.
Corporate travellers will find that the boutique hotel’s location is extremely convenient, where it is within walking distance to the CBD. I also think the hotel’s proximity to the many fantastic F&B options in both the Ann Siang and Telok Ayer area would also appeal to this segment.
Room count 20
Contact
Tel: (65) 6202 9377
Email: stay@annsianghouse.com
