Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality

Attached to a small shopping center, the Village Hotel springs up behind it as an oasis of calm. The contemporary, minimalist decor in the lobby has an elegant Asian feel with bamboo and orchid sculptures, sleek black furniture, and a scattering of brightly colored furnishings. Peranakan heritage has a strong influence throughout the hotel, from the displays of traditional pottery to the patterns and designs on carpets and furniture. The hotel is long and narrow in design, with a rooftop pool at one end. The Peranakan Club Lounge includes a range of seating from tables to comfy leather armchairs and is a quiet place to enjoy a coffee or use the high-end iMac computers. Guests tend to be tourists rather than business travelers due to the out-of-town location. The hotel's popular for those on a short layover from international flights as well as couples and families who want to be near the beach. 

Located on the southeast coast of Singapore in the Joo Chiat/Katong district, The Village Hotel Katong lies outside the city center, between the airport and the main downtown core. It's a fifteen minute drive to Changi International -- the hotel has a free shuttle bus -- and a 10-minute drive into downtown Singapore. The nearest bus stop is five minutes away on foot and will get you to the center in about 30 minutes door-to-door. There are many traditional Peranakan shops and restaurants across the main road from the hotel, and it's a five-minute walk via the road-bridge to the Parkway Parade shopping center. It's 15 minutes on foot to the seafront and beach. Since the metro station is so far away, it's often easier to hop on a bus, and even getting to far-flung attractions like Universal Studios on Sentosa Island can be done in just over an hour by bus. 

The Village Hotel Katong's 229 rooms have a crisp, modern style with Perakanan-inspired touches such as patterned pillows, rugs, and tiling giving them a charming and homey feel. Stylish LED TVs set into the walls contrast with packing trunk-style bedside tables, while designer lighting and balconies coupled with pale wood furnishings create a bright and airy space. Suites have separate bedrooms and a large living/dining area with a table to seat four. Robes/slippers, safes, hairdryers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi are included in all rooms, as well as kettles, mini-fridges, and irons. Suites add a kitchenette with microwave, sink, fridge, stovetop, and washing machine all discreetly tucked away into a cupboard. They also include Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms continue the pale wood decor with pretty heritage tiling, using a sliding glass door to separate the rainfall shower and stylish countertop sink. The Perkanan Club Rooms feature a freestanding tub in the room, and Suites have a shower/tub combo. Keep in mind that some double beds will be twins pushed together, which isn't always the most comfortable sleeping arrangement.

The hotel has a small circular pool set in pleasantly leafy surroundings with a handful of sun loungers around its decked floor. The pool is dwarfed somewhat by buildings on three sides, so it can be shady, but despite that it's a nice space and great for young families. There's also a compact fitness room with a range of cardio equipment plus some weights and a clean shower area with steam room. Katong Kitchen on the fourth floor serves a range of dishes from Asian and Chinese to Western food as well as a varied breakfast buffet. The Club Lounge provides Nespresso coffees, cold drinks, and snacks throughout the day, with bar drinks in the evenings and is available only to Club Room and Suite guests. Both the Club Lounge and the lobby have iMac computers for guest use. Other useful extras include a free daily laundry service for two pieces of clothing, free Wi-Fi, and a free shuttle to the airport every 90 minutes.