Hotels

An outlier when it comes to boutique hotels in Singapore, which tend towards tacky decor, Lloyd’s Inn is a 34-room establishment that sports a minimalist and pared-down aesthetic. The raw concrete finishes of the deck and roof terrace juxtapose nicely with the surrounding lawns, trees and shrubs. 

What Lloyd’s Inn lacks in restaurants and gyms, it makes up for by getting the basics right. Meticulous attention is paid to the details: guests are treated to kimono-style bathrobes and power sockets are conveniently located on both sides of the bed.  When the tropical weather becomes unbearable, cool off in the mosaic-tiled dipping pool. Or, if you’re staying in the Big Skyroom suite, you can relax in a private outdoor tub. “We are offering a tranquil natural environment in the heart of the city centre,” says Joan Chang, whose family owns the property. 

The Shangri-La, named for the lush earthly paradise depicted by James Hilton in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon, is a garden within the Garden City. Dense foliage shields the spacious premises – which is footsteps away from the main shopping district – from the din of the city. Guests staying in the premier suites of the Garden Wing can enjoy outdoor Jacuzzis and private barbecue grills. There’s a “pillow menu” catering to light sleepers and the attentive butler service makes sure that every need is met. Built in the 1970s, the hotel remains a model of impeccable service and thoughtful hospitality.