Another of attorney-turned-hotelier Loh Lik Peng’s boutique properties (along with the New Majestic), Wanderlust is perhaps the quirkiest hotel in Singapore, taking guests on a fanciful journey that befits its name. The building opened in the 1920s as the Hong Wen Chinese School and later served as a settlement where Indian immigrants reared livestock. Its unchanged sober white facade with black shutters gives little hint of the outré interiors. Each of the four floors was fashioned by a different Singaporean design agency, resulting in various themes. In the lobby, an industrial-glam aesthetic manifests itself in an old-fashioned collapsible metal gate repainted in gold, a Frank Gehry-designed sofa, and seats made from recycled road signs by Australian Trent Jansen. Rooms on the “Creature Comforts” floor include Typewriter, where giant lettered arms reach out and up from a sofa with keyboard letters on the upholstery, while lanterns cast shadows of monsters along the corridors.
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
Wanderlust Hotel
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Fantastic Boutique Hotel in Little India
I stumbled upon this gem of a hotel while staying in Singapore for business. Between the individual artist-designed guest rooms, a phenomenal rustic French-inspired restaurant, and friendly staff, I had a near perfect stay. Not to mention the ping-pong tables in the lobby and proximity to Little India (and, therefore, authentically amazing food)! I’d highly recommend to anyone trying to avoid the westernized corporate hotels swallowing up most of the rest of the city.
