Hotel
Raffles Singapore
Singapore's grand colonial hotel, opened in 1887 by the Sarkies brothers, now an all-suite property with butler service and the birthplace of the Singapore Sling.
The Vagabond Club
A 41-room boutique hotel designed by Jacques Garcia between Kampong Gelam and Little India, home to a whiskey library and live jazz.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique design hotel
- Area
- Jalan Besar, Singapore
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- hotelvagabondsingapore.com
Good to know
- Whiskey library
- Live jazz
- Bar
Why we recommend it
The Vagabond Club is a 41-room boutique hotel on Syed Alwi Road, between the heritage quarters of Kampong Gelam and Little India, and it marked French interior designer Jacques Garcia's first project in Asia. The hotel now belongs to Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, a collection of independent hotels, and its theatrical, richly layered interiors make it one of the most distinctive places to stay in the city.
Garcia's design draws on the idea of a salon for artists and travellers. Expect rich colours, velvets, brass, dark woods, patterned fabrics and art at every turn, with a sense of drama that runs from the lobby to the corridors. Rooms are on the intimate side, in keeping with the boutique scale, and they continue the opulent style with plush furnishings and moody lighting, so they suit guests who enjoy a strong design statement rather than minimalist calm. The hotel has also run an artist-in-residence programme, which reflects its interest in creative guests.
Its social hub is The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club, which stocks more than 1,000 whiskies, many rare, and hosts live jazz, alongside Bar Vagabond, which serves cocktails and food. Both are open to non-residents, so the hotel is worth a visit for an evening drink even if you are staying elsewhere. Book ahead for the jazz nights.
The Vagabond Club suits couples, solo travellers and design enthusiasts who want character and a lively bar scene on the doorstep. It is less suited to families or travellers who need large rooms or extensive facilities. Rates are in the mid to upper-mid range, often good value for the level of design. Little India is especially lively on Sunday evenings and during Deepavali, when the streets are decorated with lights, so book early if your dates fall then.
The location puts the temples, markets and food of Little India and Kampong Gelam within walking distance. Mustafa Centre, the round-the-clock department store, is a few minutes away, as are the Indian restaurants of Serangoon Road and the murtabak of Zam Zam opposite Sultan Mosque. Jalan Besar and Farrer Park MRT stations are nearby, and Bugis and Little India stations are a little further. Chye Seng Huat Hardware on Tyrwhitt Road makes an easy morning coffee stop.
The Vagabond Club FAQs
How many rooms does the hotel have?
41 rooms.
Who designed it?
French designer Jacques Garcia, in his first project in Asia.
Is there a bar?
Yes, Bar Vagabond and The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club, which hosts live jazz.
How many whiskies does the Whiskey Library hold?
More than 1,000, many of them rare.
Can non-guests visit the bars?
Yes, both bars welcome non-residents; book ahead for jazz nights.
Which MRT stations are nearest?
Jalan Besar and Farrer Park stations.
Which hotel group does it belong to?
It is part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio.
What is nearby?
Little India, Kampong Gelam, Mustafa Centre and Serangoon Road.