Before I reached my destination, I was already curious about The Club. The namesake alone was enough to pique my interest, as it evoked a sense of exclusivity – a place reserved for the privileged few – and when I finally arrived at this Singaporean hotel, I was not disappointed.
Words: Stuart Danker
Tucked along Ann Siang Road, the building appeared to sit smack dab between lots of classic architecture. I would later learn that those buildings date back to the original colonial construction of the 1900s, preserved by the Singaporean government as a heritage site. Because of this, the exterior carried a quaint quality, and already, The Club was looking to be a unique stay. If I thought that The Club had a strong personality from the outside, I was even more impressed when I walked in.
The check-in counter was a small nook situated in front of the café lounge. This quirky detail was punctuated by the fact that there was no lobby. The waiting area was cosy, devoid of any extra frills, and I liked the elegance of its minimalist setting.
The only elevator providing access to the rooms was card-activated, providing guests with an extra layer of privacy and security within the hotel compounds, a welcome feature for guests who just wish to hunker down during business travels or creative retreats.
There are two categories of rooms in The Club: the Club Room and the Club Suite. I was boarded in the latter and lavish would’ve been inadequate to describe it. The 41 square metre room had the usual modern comforts such as television, radio, and Wi-Fi, but I really appreciated the extra amenities like the private Nespresso coffee machine and the Hypnos bed set in the centre of the room.
I had never slept in one of those before, but I’d heard stories about Hypnos’ impeccable quality. They’re so comfortable that even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the company a royal warrant. If there were such a thing as sleeping on air, that would be it.
But the luxury didn’t stop there. Built as large as the bedroom, the bathroom came equipped with a posh bathtub, complete with his-and-hers sinks, and organic body care products from Bamford’s Body Collection. The holiday hadn’t even started and I was already feeling like a king!
The Club is a mere two minutes’ walk away from the nearest hawker centre and MRT station, making it a prime destination for visitors wishing to explore Singapore’s landmarks and food scene, but that doesn’t mean that this boutique hotel lacks F&B variety. In fact, The Club is a sizzling F&B powerhouse, with four restaurants and bars within its premises: Mr & Mrs Maxwell, B28, Tiger’s Milk and The Disgruntled Chef.
B28 is a basement bar carrying over 200 Scottish single malt whiskeys, while The Disgruntled Chef is a restaurant specialising in the small plate-big plate concept, allowing guests to order any meal, sized to their fancy. But since I was in the mood for breakfast in the cosy café and dinner at the rooftop, I confined my visits to Tiger’s Milk and Mr & Mrs Maxwell instead.
The former, Singapore’s first Peruvian rooftop bar and grill, was where I indulged in fresh and creamy king oyster mushrooms topped with corned salsa, asparagus and a drizzling of butter. I paired that with a serving of roasted beet quinoa mixed with feta cheese and cashew nuts, and both dishes made for a hearty yet healthy meal under the stars. The candle lights and casual outdoor setting added to the relaxing ambience.
For breakfast and lunch, I visited Mr & Mrs Maxwell. While I enjoyed the perfectly-cooked breakfast of eggs benedict, the highlight of the menu for me was the Croque Mademoiselle, a croissant sandwich served with tomatoes, béchamel sauce, melted emmental and cheddar. The café even doubled up as a place for inspiration, with chill out music a la Café del Mar compilations, classy lounge chairs, along with beautiful artwork stacked on walls and shelves made for a potent combination. It was all I could do not to break out my notepad and begin scribbling ideas for my next book.
Contributing to this first-class stay was The Club’s exemplary service. Being a 20-room hotel, guests often find the service more personal, and begin to foster a close rapport with the staff. Having everybody greet you by name is an experience that cannot be rivalled in the hospitality industry, and I believe that The Club excels when it comes to the human factor. Despite the hustle-and-bustle of Singapore, I found myself perfectly relaxed as I left the hotel. If I’m ever in need of a creative getaway for my soul, I’ll look no further than The Club.
THE CLUB
Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
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