Set within the tranquil surroundings of Fort Canning Park (which hosts the occasional concert - on the night we arrived it was ‘retro night’ with Human League) Hotel Fort Canning opened in November 2010 after an extensive two and a half year refurbishment (costing SGD$70m) from its former use as a club house.
The hotel was originally built in 1926 and used for the British Far East Command Centre as a military base for personnel. With a vantage point on the hill of Singapore’s River (since hidden by buildings and skyscrapers) the park and area is steeped in history. So much so that the hotel has remnants from an archaeological find with pieces on display integrated in to the lobby floor under glass. The displays showcase pottery pieces from the 14th century and contrasting them with the finds of the 19th century and early British occupation.
The sympathetic refurb has discovered many of the period pieces of the building and the design has taken the surroundings of the park and planted them firmly in the rooms. With the use of wood, soft furnishings in golds and greens there are no photo’s or art on the walls rather mirrors, lighting and feature fabric headrests to the ceiling.
The ‘open’ concept of a large free-standing deep bath tub in the middle of some of the rooms might strike you as odd - especially if you’re sharing the room with a friend rather than partner - but it makes for a fun experience. Other rooms have a separate bathing area but with the ability to open the blinds and look out from the tub.
The inspiration for the concept comes once again from outdoors and the park which in the 14th Century was home to the royal bath house. These touches recently lead to the hotel winning Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Award for the careful preserving and integrating of the heritage icon.
In contrast one of the hotel’s dining areas is set within a recently added Glass House building. The space also includes a hi-tec gym and a spa. Joining the old with the new are two outdoor pools; one for lengths and one for splashing with the addition of very nice poolside furniture and day beds.
The boutique hotel has 86 rooms all with original conservation doors with glass panels that look out on to the lush park or cityscape. Just a 10 minute walk to the popular Clarke Quay area for drinks and food and a five minute hop to shopping on Orchard Road the hotel is in a perfect place to visit Singapore.
Nice touches:
-Free Wireless to keep on contact at home and tweet pictures of the bath tub
-Cocktails from 6-8pm - what is not to like about that?
-The Zepplin Mini to charge your iPhone
- Period Patio doors that open out on to lush green palm trees
The details:
Hotel For Canning
hfcsingapore.com
+65 6559 6770
11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
