Hotel Review: The Scarlet Singapore (Premium Room) - Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)
The Small Luxury Hotel of the World (SLH) celebrates diversity as it has over 520 small and independent hotels from all around the world - The Scarlet Singapore which is located along Erskine road is one of two properties in the Lion City. Known for her iconic location near Club Street, The Scarlet Hotel Singapore is often known as the first luxury boutique hotel in Singapore and it is also one of the properties that are highly recommended for a unique stay in the city.
Corridor
The Scarlet Singapore
As part of a campaign organised by the SLH team, I was invited down to have dinner at the amazing Casa Tartufo (which literally translates into the House of Truffles) where I got to sample some really delicious Italian food. In fact, the night was made better as SLH actually provided a night's stay in The Scarlet Singapore for the handful of us to experience the property fully. The one thing that you will definitely notice as you walk to your room is the corridor - it is a long and windy journey. Depending on which way you are coming from, you could potentially be battling an easy uphill or cruising down the mellow hills.
Bedroom
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
I stayed in a Premium Room during my visit to The Scarlet Singapore and I have to say that it has been a long time since I have last stayed in a boutique property - I generally like to stay in internationally-branded properties because of points accrual, standard expectations and earning elite status(es) with loyalty programs. With that being said, SLH does have her own loyalty programme which is known as The Club - some of the benefits are actually quite great and it is highly attainable (e.g. stay once to become a 'Loved Member' which gives you daily complimentary breakfast for two and a late check-out where available).
Work Desk and TV
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
It is definitely worth noting that every single room (even with the category) is slightly different here at The Scarlet Singapore. The hotel is housed within a number of shophouses that have since been converted into this quirky little hotel. The Scarlet Singapore is home to a number of interesting rooms and suites - while they are not excessively big (in fact, the lead-in room is actually quite tiny), they are equipped with most of the necessary facilities for a modern day traveller.
Bed
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
The Premium Room is four categories above the lead-in room type - make sure you select your room carefully as some of the basic rooms do not feature a window (I personally would not be able to survive in a place like that but hey you do get complete darkness when you are ready for bed). The Premium Room is approximately 26-30 sqm in size and there are 16 of such rooms here at the hotel - do note that one of them actually does not have a window and seven of them actually features skylights.
Welcome Amenities
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
As part of my welcome amenities, I received some tapioca chips and pineapple cookies which I was too stuffed to eat since I came directly from dinner at Casa Tartufo which is just located downstairs - complimentary bottled water is also provided in the room.
Complimentary Minibar
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
In fact, if you are feeling thirsty, the Premium Room here at The Scarlet Singapore comes with a complimentary minibar - don't get too excited though, alcoholic-beverages are not included here (unlike in Naumi Hotel where you will find spirit miniatures). There is also quite a lot of space in the minibar so you can definitely get your own beverages from outside.
Bedroom
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
The room was covered in velvety exuberance - in fact, it felt like I was on a movie set for the Moulin Rouge or something. The design of the room also threads lightly on being borderline-flamboyant which I personally do not subscribe to (since I like the good old business hotels) but I can definitely see how it can potentially attract some travellers who are looking for a breath of fresh air (and away from the cookie-cutter type of hotel rooms).
View from Private Balcony
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
My room came with a little attached balcony which I spent some time just soaking in the atmosphere of it all. If I had to pick a feature of the room that I absolutely loved - this had to be it. The Scarlet Singapore feels like a little shop house that stood still even in the test of time - you are surrounded by all these familiar buildings but yet you feel like you are in a foreign place. Since I got back to my room pretty late, I could hear the recognisable sounds from a distance and get at the same time, enjoy still and quiet in this bustling area of Singapore. Perhaps this is what boutique hotel lovers are drawn to - every stay feels incredibly familiar and yet foreign at the same time. One thing to take note however is that the balconies are actually really close together - I could literally climb over into my neighbour's balcony (but I did not!) if I wanted to so make sure you lock your doors!
Outdoor Jacuzzi
The Scarlet Singapore
The Scarlet Singapore has a small outdoor jacuzzi where guests are able to enjoy the sun in the day and the jets. There is also a gym here in the hotel but the jacuzzi and the gym are not next to each other - in fact, they are on different floors so be sure to plan for that!
Bathroom
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
I did not manage to use the pool since it was rather late so I decided to use the bathtub in my room instead - the Premium Rooms here at The Scarlet Singapore comes with a pretty decent bathroom - there is a separate shower and a tub which is more than I can say for some business hotels.
Bathroom
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
Bath Amenities
Premium Room - The Scarlet Singapore
Some basic bath salts are also provided here for your personal enjoyment - the tub is actually quite deep but not very as wide in width. Bath amenities are provided by an in-house brand - flair.
Buffet Breakfast
Casa Tartufo - The Scarlet Singapore
Since my room reservation came with complimentary buffet breakfast at the Casa Tartufo (an a la carte option is also available), I decided to head down to grab a quick one before I head off to work (yes, the stay happened over a weekday!). In case you are wondering, this is exactly where I had dinner the previous night but needless to say, there were no truffle dishes here during the breakfast service.
Buffet Breakfast
Casa Tartufo - The Scarlet Singapore
The breakfast spread is quite simple but sufficient - expect the usual cold cuts (some of which are from the famous Huber's Butchery, sausages, bacon and other condiments. Eggs can also be ordered from one of the restaurant staff so make sure you do not miss out on that!
Hotel Entrance
The Scarlet Singapore
The Scarlet Singapore was atypical of a hotel stay that I would generally enjoy but I actually did like how different it was from a regular business hotel room - the location is great (for checking out cool restaurants and drinking places), the rooms are quirky and the decor is just anomalously refreshing. If you are not here on a business trip but you wish to stay in a unique location (which still remaining close to the city), The Scarlet Singapore truly offers a great alternative take on the cookie-cutter type of hotels here in Singapore.
This was a hosted media stay, though all views expressed are my own.
The Scarlet Singapore
33 Erskine Rd, Singapore 069333
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The Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara offers an excellent Club Millésime experience with comfortable rooms and well-maintained facilities, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The newly-opened Pavilion Damansara Heights Mall adds a variety of dining and entertainment options nearby, perfect for those who prefer not to venture too far from the hotel.