Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong sits on East Coast Road in the heart of Katong and Joo Chiat, the historic home of Singapore's Peranakan community, on the grounds of the former Joo Chiat Police Station. Part of the IHG group's Hotel Indigo brand, which designs each hotel around its neighbourhood, it uses Peranakan culture as its theme and makes a good base for travellers who want to stay among local life rather than in the city centre.

The rooms draw on Peranakan history in their design, with bright colours, patterned tiles and decorative details inspired by the shophouses and homes of the area. The rooftop pool looks across a low-rise neighbourhood where height controls keep the skyline gentle, and it is one of the hotel's most popular features, especially in the late afternoon. Facilities include a fitness centre and a restaurant and bar serving local and international dishes.

Staying here puts you among some of the city's best local food. Katong is known for its laksa, rich with coconut milk and served with cut noodles you eat with a spoon, and for its Peranakan bakeries, kueh shops and traditional coffee shops. The colourful terrace houses of Koon Seng Road, one of the most photographed streets in Singapore, are a short walk away, and the surrounding streets are lined with conserved shophouses, shops selling beaded slippers and kebayas, and small museums.

The hotel suits travellers who prefer neighbourhood life over sightseeing on foot in the centre, couples who want a characterful base and repeat visitors who have already seen the main sights. Families will appreciate the pool and the space of the east coast. It is further from Marina Bay and Orchard Road than most hotels, so allow for taxi or MRT journeys, but rates are generally more moderate than in the centre.

The hotel is at 86 East Coast Road. Marine Parade and Marine Terrace stations on the Thomson-East Coast line are within walking distance, and taxis to the centre are straightforward. East Coast Park, with its cycling paths, beaches and seafood restaurants, is close by. Changi Airport is around 15 to 20 minutes away by taxi, which makes Katong convenient for early flights.