The Vagabond Club, Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

With stunning interiors designed by French architect Jacques Garcia, the look certainly tends toward extravagance at the Vagabond Club. The ground-floor lobby and Executive Club Lounge are fitted with bright red furniture and grand brass animal sculptures, making the sleek and sexy space perfect for the many events held here. These include live DJ gigs and comedy nights (all of which are free for hotel guests). The hotel is packed with eye-catching decor, some of which was handpicked by the well-traveled hotel owners, so it's truly a visual feast for art lovers. Those interested in finding out more about the story behind said artworks and decor can ask front desk about the free art tours. Vagabond Club draws plenty of business and leisure travelers (mostly couples) who want to be in a place that has plenty to offer (even without leaving the hotel), without sacrificing convenience and a little bit of fun. 

The Vagabond Club is tucked away on Syed Alwi Road in the historic Jalan Besar neighborhood. It's situated between the Jalan Besar and Lavender MRT stations, and both are less than 10 minutes away by foot. Near the hotel, guests can find places known for their local offerings, such as Berseh Food Centre and late-night eatery, Swee Choon Tim Sum -- both are about a four-minute walk from the hotel. Other cultural districts like Little India and Kampong Glam are also within walking distance from the hotel, and won't take more than 15 minutes to get reach on foot. Precincts like Orchard Road and Marina Bay are a seven- to 10-minute drive, and Changi Airport is 20 minutes away by car (nearly an hour on public transportation).

The hotel has 41 beautifully designed rooms across six categories. Each room features hand-painted wall panels, framed photographs from the hotel owners' travels, and plenty of beige-and-wood tones with the occasional dash of red to match the rest of the hotel. They're bright and well-lit thanks to the large windows (and skylights for some suites). Aside from the entry-level Classic Room, the rest are Club-level rooms and suites, some of which allow guests access to the hotel's only outdoor communal area -- the courtyard.Amenities are top-notch. All units come with Nespresso machines, a range of TWG Tea (a made-in-Singapore brand), Roberts Bluetooth radios, minibars with artisanal snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, though all this is chargeable), and flat-screen smart TVs with cable and a wide curated selection of ready-to-play movies. These are, again, hand-picked by the hotel owners. The beds feature Rosewood mattresses topped with Egyptian cotton sheets along with goose-down pillows and comforters. The mosaic-tiled bathrooms feature walk-in showers with a separate toilet room (the only exception is the Vagabond Suite, which also has a bathtub). They come with upscale toiletries by ETRO Milan. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and smartphones with unlimited data. 

Features here are limited due to space (the hotel does lack a pool, after all), but it still manages to pack in a number of perks. Located across the street from the hotel, the free-to-use fitness center is equipped with machines, free weights, and has amenities like towels and water. A shower room for guests who arrive early is here as well, in the back of the fitness center. The Executive Club Lounge on the ground level is where Club-level guests can help themselves to free bites (including breakfast) and refreshments throughout the day. Non-Club-level guests can simply pay to access the lounge on a daily basis. Next to the lounge is Bar Vagabond, which -- like the rest of the lobby -- also features golden brass structures in the form of trees and animals. Some nights, the entire floor turns into a hosting ground for public events like live DJ gigs and comedy nights -- all of which are free for guests to attend. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.