Lloyd’s Inn

Lloyd's Inn is a small, minimalist boutique hotel on a quiet residential street in the River Valley area, close to the southern end of Orchard Road. With 34 rooms set around gardens and courtyards, it feels closer to a design-conscious residence than a conventional city hotel, and its calm atmosphere is a welcome contrast to the shopping malls a few minutes away.

The design is pared back and light. White walls, blond wood, concrete and glass create clean lines throughout, and plants and open courtyards bring greenery into the spaces between the rooms. Rooms are not large, but they are well planned, and some categories open on to small gardens or terraces, which make the most of the tropical climate. Check the room types before booking, as layouts and outlooks vary.

The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and design lovers who want calm surroundings while staying within walking distance of the city's shopping and nightlife. It is less suited to families who need large rooms or to travellers who want full-service facilities such as a large gym or several restaurants. Pack light, as storage space is limited in the smaller rooms. Rates are in the mid range for central Singapore. Because the hotel is small, it is worth booking well ahead for weekends and festive periods, and contacting the hotel directly if you have questions about a particular room's layout or outlook.

The location balances quiet and convenience. Orchard Road's malls, the restaurants and bars of Robertson Quay and the Singapore River are all within walking distance, and the surrounding River Valley area has cafés, bakeries and a small food centre for everyday meals. Fort Canning Park, with its forest paths, historic gate and archaeological sites, is a pleasant walk away and leads on to the Civic District.

Lloyd's Inn is at 2 Lloyd Road. Somerset MRT station is around ten minutes' walk, and Great World station on the Thomson-East Coast line is also nearby, giving quick links to Orchard, Marina Bay and the airport. Taxis can reach the door easily, and Changi Airport is around 25 to 30 minutes away by road. The Warehouse Hotel and the bars of Robertson Quay are a short walk along the river for an evening drink.