On my most recent visit to Singapore, a stay at the Amoy Hotel was not in my plans.

In fact I had never even heard of this Amoy Hotel.  I only had eyes (and a reservation confirmation) for the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel.  I had been seduced by photos of the grand and unique looking hotel that you see on every postcard and brochure promoting Singapore.  And of course there’s the iconic rooftop pool!…I mean have you really even been to Singapore if you don’t have a photo at the edge of the Marina Bay Sands roof top infinity pool?  (I’m kidding, of course.)

But after two nights at the Marina Bay Sands, and a hand full of photos in the pool, I needed a change.  While there was absolutely nothing wrong with the hotel, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in Las Vegas rather than Singapore.  The hotel even featured its own casino to truly drive the point home.  I needed something a little different for my last night so I started searching for other options.

Much like food and shopping, Singapore has no shortage of hotels for all budgets and styles.  I could have spent hours scrolling through reviews and guest photos, but with limited time left in Singapore, I decided to check out a hotel that was decidedly smaller than the M.B.S. and that had consistently high ratings: The Amoy Hotel.

With only 37 rooms (vs. the 2600 rooms where I had spent the previous two nights), I knew I would be getting a more personal experience. And being located in the Central Business District, I would have the chance to check out a new area of Singapore on my last day.  So I repacked my bags, jumped in a cab and about 15 minutes later the taxi pulled up in front of what would become one of my favorite hotels.

As he handed me my suitcase, the cab driver looked oddly at the building in front of me and seemed concerned that I had the wrong address. Instead of a hotel lobby, this appeared to be the entrance for a temple or shrine.  But according to the all-knowing google maps, I was right where I was supposed to be.  So I paid him and assured him that I would be OK and that the hotel was surely around here somewhere.

I picked up my suitcase to step over the high wooden door frame and started to explore. I walked past historic carvings, a shire and even a miniature display of life in ancient Singapore. Then I noticed a hallway which I followed.  After passing a few more artifacts, I finally saw the first signs of a hotel – the lobby desk.  I had found the right place.

From the moment I was greeted by the folks at the front desk, I knew I was in good hands. Each person had a perfect mix of professionalism and friendliness as they checked me into my room. While I filled out the check in forms I received a delicious cold juice (always welcome in hot Singapore) and a box of traditional pastries to take up to my room.

With the check in process complete, one of the staff showed me to my room. I had lucked out and gotten one of their larger Double Deluxe rooms on the third floor.  There were two levels to the room, separated by a couple of steps, making it feel even a little larger. Windows on two walls let in plenty of light to offset the of dark wood accents in the room.

Pops of color like the pink embroidered pillow on a side chair, a bright red umbrella hanging on the clothes rack and candy colored amenities boxes brightened up the room as well.  The bathroom had a beautiful blue and white porcelain sink which I briefly thought about disassembling and putting in my suitcase. The shower was large and had both a rain shower and regular option which I love (for those days your trying to keep your hair dry).

Aside from the normal amenities, the hotel offered a complimentary mini bar with snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  You will also find a super handy mobile phone they provide each room with free data.  That way you can save your own phone battery for snapping amazing photos around the city, and use the hotel provided phone for things like Google Maps and researching local restaurants.

For a video tour of the room, please check out my YouTube video:

As mentioned earlier, the hotel is located in the Central Business District which makes getting around quite easy.  The Telok-Ayer Metro station is so close. You only have to dash across the street to get to it and start exploring other parts of the city.  And although the hotel is surrounded by many large corporate buildings, you are also within walking distance of temples, a small park and tons of bars and restaurants. Many of the streets are lined with more traditional 2 and 3 story traditional shopfronts as well.

All of that being said, I can’t wrap up a review of the Amoy Hotel without mentioning their amazing staff.  Everyone from the manager, to the front desk staff to the housekeeping crew seemed genuinely happy to help their guests.  They went out of their way to make you feel like an individual, not just another reservation.

On my last day in Singapore, I went out for the afternoon to explore some new neighborhoods. Upon my return to the hotel, I  a woman from the front desk called my name. She asked me to wait for a moment while she went into the back office. She came back a minute later with a card and birthday cupcake for me from a local bakery.  How sweet!

The staff had noted my birthdate from my passport and even though it had passed a week earlier, they still took the time to bring me a little something and sign a card.  I couldn’t believe the hospitality. For someone traveling alone, little gestures like this mean so much!

So what didn’t  I like about the hotel? Well really, I didn’t find anything I would complain about in the one night I stayed there. But I do recognize that this hotel may not be for everyone.  Compared to other hotels in Singapore, the Amoy Hotel is not prohibitively expensive, but if you’re looking for a budget stay, this hotel may not be for you.

On the other hand, this boutique hotel may not fit your needs if you are looking for glitz and glamour. If you want a hotel with tons of amenities like a roof top pool, fancy gym or a ‘see and be seen” lobby bar, you will be out of luck. However, you will find a high end Japanese restaurant in the lobby. While I did not eat there, the reviews I have seen are quite good.

Another thing to note is that many of the rooms overlook a courtyard which is busy during the day with office workers.  It may be a bit loud if an afternoon nap is in your plans.  However, by the evening, I found that most people had cleared out and I had no trouble sleeping.

Singapore is a city of abundance with no shortage of restaurants, shopping and hotels to try.  I have a list of at least 10 other hotels in Singapore that I would love to check out on my next visit, but I feel pretty confident in saying that there is a damn good chance that I’ll go back to the Amoy Hotel.  From the moment I checked in at the lobby, until they placed me in the complimentary luxury car back to the airport, I had such a lovely stay and would be happy to give them my business again.

Amoy Hotel

76 Telok Ayer St., Singapore 048464

+65 6580 2888

info.amoy@fareast.com.sg

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*Please note that all opinions are my own and I did not receive any financial compensation from The Amoy Hotel to provide this review.  However, this post does contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.