New Majestic Hotel

Fast becoming one of the places to stay, this highly designed, mega-trendy Chinatown addition aims to be the best of its kind in Singapore

Singapore’s former red-light districts have been given a makeover. Chinatown's most conceptual resident is a shining star in Loh Lik Peng’s hotel collection, built inside the original outer shell of a 1920s shophouse turned seedy hotel. Chic and slick, with a stunning retro-inspired lobby full of designer chairs, and a bold mix of modern Singapore art, interesting lighting and period colonial furniture, the hotel cleverly uses every inch of available space.

The same artistic flair is evident in the 30 rooms and suites - some are 2-storey duplexes, some have tiny private gardens. Singaporean designers were given a free hand in the suites with breath-taking (if at times unnerving) results. All rooms have the ideal combination of ultimate bed comfort and little indulgences. Design statements include glass-tiled bathrooms and porthole windows to the swimming pool in the Majestic restaurant's ceiling. The contemporary Cantonese cuisine also gets rave reviews, so no wonder the party crowd hangs out here.

Highs

• High wow factor, particularly in the lobby
• Fabulous vintage and contemporary design - heritage chic at its best
• Unobtrusive and impeccable service
• Imaginative pool with marvellous restaurant below
• A short walk to cafés, restaurants and bars, and only 15 minutes from downtown if you're on business
• A determinedly non-formulaic hotel, perfect for discerning travellers who appreciate modern design

Lows

• According to recent feedback the breakfast does not live up to the restaurant's usual standards
• It can be noisy at night
• Rooms are not spacious but have all mod cons
• This is more of a place to gawp at than to make yourself at home. Some will find the designer suites long on artiness and short on comfort