"Seize the chance to stay in a charming enclave of culture and heritage"
The Hotel
The lobby is flanked by large umbrella-shaped structures that give off a rather elegant flair. We were rather taken aback upon stepping into the hotel; the modernity was a stark juxtaposition to the surrounding area as well as the hotel’s exterior, and had us feeling like we had stepped into a whole new world.
The interior is large and airy, decked out in shimmering overtones of bronze and gold. The hotel is a reflection of its culturally rich surroundings, encouraging its guests to #livelikealocalsg and take the chance to explore the surrounding area, even giving out local recipes from a cart stationed in the lobby. How cool is that! We liked how the hotel was situated along the busy street of Katong, yet remained a bubble of quiet; Village Hotel Katong is the perfect place for an idyllic staycation far removed from the stresses of everyday life. If you’re looking to feel refreshed and recharged, this is the place to be.
Your Room Choices
Peranakan Club - The crown jewel of Village Hotel Katong, and rightly so. Just look at it! The first thing that caught our eye was the in-room bathtub – the first of its kind that we’ve ever seen. The room is flooded with natural light and the walls are covered in an intricate Peranakan motif. We sank into the bed the minute we stepped in, and found it mighty hard to even drag ourselves off afterwards!
What stood out besides the in-room bathtub, however, were the elaborate details in the room – the carpet was interwoven with ornate blue and black wavy patterns, and hanging on the wall was a painting done by a seven year old child. We were really impressed by the painting; no way could we have painted anything that comes anywhere near that standard!
If taking long soaks in the bathtub aren’t your thing, the room comes with a standing shower as well that’s accessible through a sliding glass door.
There are Peranakan elements infused into every part of the room, and the toilet is no exception. Just imagine brushing your teeth at that picture-perfect sink; brb, taking mental notes for our future home!
Besides the Peranakan Club, guests can also choose to stay in the Club Room. The only difference between the two is the absence of the in-room bathtub in the latter, which is slightly smaller as well.
Both rooms grant their guests exclusive access to the Peranakan Club Lounge, which serves free-flow evening cocktails from 6-8pm and light snacks/refreshments throughout the day. More about that in the ‘Things to Do’ section!
Deluxe Katong - The Deluxe Katong comes without a bathtub, but the aesthetically pleasing bathroom more than made up for it. We absolutely love the Peranakan motifs that dress up the otherwise usual toilet! The room also came with cute little oriental boxes that doubled up as bedside tables. We found this to be a really novel touch! The Superior Room is the smaller counterpart of the Deluxe Katong, but otherwise offers exactly the same experience.
Junior Suite -The Junior Suite is ideal for families, and comes with either a king-sized bed or two big double beds. We were amazed to find that there was even a walk-in wardrobe – what a way to make a staycation at Village Hotel Katong feel just like home! The room was decked out in warm yellow overtones, giving off a welcoming and soothing vibe. We didn’t manage to stay here this time round, but we’ll definitely be back with our families in tow! However, it was the little details around the room that caught our eye – be it the yellow-rimmed chairs or fluorescent light reminiscent of a bird’s nest, the Junior Suite made us feel right at home.
Suite -The suite consists of an en suite kitchenette, as well as a separate living and dining area. It’s just like staying in your very own private apartment! Stretch out all you want; the suite is incredibly spacious, complete with polished parquet flooring and large plush sofas.
"Feel right at home amidst the warm overtones, intricate details and immaculate furnishing"
Family Room - For families that prefer a cosier set-up, the Family Room looks much like the Deluxe Katong, only bigger and with one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds.
"This room is perfect for families with two kids."
Stuff to do in the Hotel
The Pool - The hotel is home to an outdoor swimming pool, which offers a tranquil spot to spend an afternoon. Grab the chance to have a languid float or build up that sun-kissed look. There are towels and bottles of water provided at the poolside, which we thought was a very nice touch.
Gym - Located right next to the pool, and contains a large range of equipment suitable for any kind of workout. The best part is that it’s opened round the clock!
Peranakan Lounge - Exclusively for Club Room and Suite guests, the Club Lounge is a peaceful refuge where Club Guests can enjoy free-flow evening cocktails from 6-8pm daily, as well as all-day light refreshments. The Club Lounge is a zone where guests can enjoy some peace and quiet. Take a browse through the many magazines on offer, or bring your laptop to surf the Internet.
Other Great Things in the Area
Try the famous Katong Laksa - Having a steaming bowl of Katong Laksa in Katong is basically one of the most quintessential experiences of a staycation at Village Hotel Katong. Pair your bowl with a tangy Otak, some steaming Dim Sum or a refreshing cup of lime juice
Go retro! -Step into Sinpopo and be transported back to the 80’s; this retro-themed café offers heartwarming comfort food, menus reminiscent of old school books with vintage furniture completing the set-up. The Nasi Lemak for Two has gained much recognition among foodies, and you definitely can’t leave without trying their acclaimed desserts.
Coffee shop by day, bar by night - Traditional coffee shop by day and bar at night, Alibabar the Hawker Bar is a perennial favourite among those who frequent the Katong area. The boutique shophouse also sells various Peranakan-inspired foods, including Beef Rendang, Sambal Buah Keluak, Sugee-Almond Cake and Coconut Candy. The place becomes especially crowded during live screenings of football matches!
Catch a movie or stock up on snacks - Stock up on snacks at the NTUC Finest supermarket, or venture a little down the road to I12 Katong, which houses a Golden Village cinema with a Peranakan-inspired interior.
Experience tradition - Immerse yourself in Peranakan culture at the Katong Antique House, which houses intricate antiques, jewellery, beaded slippers, photographs, costumes and the like. Go on a tour of this private gallery to experience what it was like to live in a Peranakan family shophouse.
Buy some traditional Peranakan trinkets - Rumah Bebe resides in a striking turquoise shophouse adorned with intricate flower motifs and sparkling paint designs. The Rumah Bebe history dates back to 1995, selling beaded masterpieces and heritage products.
“This astounding beauty of a hotel is nestled in the heart of Katong food haven… Village Hotel Katong, the flagship beauty Village hotel, reflects the strong Peranakan heritage of the surrounding Joo Chiat and Katong district in Singapore. The Peranakan theme in the room is hard to miss, from wall tiles and wall paper to carpet – they’ve got it all covered.” - Simplymommie
