Located on Cross Street in the buzzing heart of Telok Ayer, The Clan Hotel by Far East Hospitality opened its doors in March. Along with modern luxuries the hotel pays homage to the first Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore the early 19th century and the clan associations they founded. Many are still active in the area today.
Invited to stay in a Premier room, I’m treated to the luxe MASTER Series guest experience which begins with a limousine service collecting me from my home and delivering me safely to the hotel where I am gonged through the doors.
I make my way to the stylishly appointed lobby on level two. This space houses an intriguing umbrella collection, Asian artifacts, an eye-catching art installation and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing views towards Amoy Street. We are welcomed with an elegant tea ceremony to signify a familial welcome. Various check-in options include DIY kiosks and in-room check-ins.
One of many MASTER Series guest perks is a personalised orientation of the hotel arranged by The Clan Keeper, your private advisor during your stay. As I’m shown my comfortable and spacious room my attention is directed to the complimentary in-room refreshments including locally brewed beer from The 1925 Brewing Co, delicious teas and luxurious bath amenities, including handmade soap.
After making ourselves comfortable we explore the hotel, including a roof top pool, spa and gym, all with spectacular city views. The 24-hour Sky Gym includes high tech on-demand virtual classes, alongside a traditional Wing Chun wooden dummy! For business guests, there are two state of the art meeting rooms, The Den and The Mahjong Room, sadly not for playing mahjong.
Perfectly timed for lunch we make our way to QĪN, the hotel’s all-day dining concept by the TungLok group. Soaking up more fabulous views, we experience an array of re-imagined classics. The Beef Short Rib grilled over binchōtan with a spicy peanut espuma and sambal matah ($68++), along with The Canton Crisp, a beef brisket braised in pickled cream over crispy vermicelli ($38++) were stand outs for me.
What makes this stay truly unique however, is The Clan Collective; a programme designed to delight and connect guests with experiences that are authentically Singaporean. From the Inner Circle, a curated list of services & experiential hotspots, to the private cultural tours and experiences reserved only for guests to our evening dining experience, the hotel works with local artists, craftsman and influential figures who bring the heritage of the area to life.
While I have eaten nasi lemak and satay in Singapore before, it has not been chosen by Dr. Leslie Tay, a passionate advocate for Singapore’s hawker heritage. Each evening between 6pm – 8pm the hotel offers The Clan Daily Special, a selection of dishes curated by Dr. Tay, from renowned Singapore hawkers, delivered to your room. While not hawker prices, the food was delicious and beautifully presented.
With my mouth still watering over the satay, our turn down service arrived and we were left with a relaxing Blooming tea and a ‘goodnight essential oil’ to ensure a restful night of sleep ahead.
The following morning, we made our way back to QĪN for breakfast to enjoy a menu of both western and Asian dishes. Afterwards, I was invited to experience one of the hotel’s private cultural tours and try my hand at bespoke sandal making by Shoe Artistry. Practising the craft of sandal making is a nod to the resourceful early settlers who often made their own footwear. A heart-warming end to my stay…and my sandals didn’t turn out half bad either!
Booking:
The Clan Hotel have an ‘Opening Special’ promotion (book and stay by May 31, 2021):
- S$588 nett for a 1-night stay in MASTER Series Premier room
- Breakfast for two at Qin Restaurant
- 1-way Limo transfer
- Customisable in-room refreshments
- Local precinct tour experience, led by The Clan Keeper
Promo includes:
- Complimentary 2nd night stay
- S$100 voucher for next stay at either Oasia Hotel Downtown, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, The Barracks Hotel (valid for redemption from 1 May to 23 Dec, 2021)
Read more about The Clan Hotel here.
Verdict:
The Clan Hotel is destined to become an in-demand luxury business travel hotel, but while demand is strong for domestic staycations it delivers beautifully on location, luxury and unique experiences. Best for child free stays.
