A Journey Back in Time

HOTEL CLOVER 769 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD Sabrine Ong

Seek respite from the stresses of modern city life and step into the vintage tranquillity of Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road in Singapore. The newly refurbished boutique hotel located in the historical Kampong Glam area boasts classically vintage design and interiors.

Formerly a tailor and jewellery parlour, the hotel has stayed true to its rich historical legacy, and to this area’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The early settlers of Singapore built small, narrow shophouses, and Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road is located in one of the very few remaining clusters of these iconic buildings. The hotel façade is typical of the early shophouse style, reminiscent of Greco-roman architecture with flanking narrow Chinese-style walkways.

Simple hues of beige, brown and white in clean lines combined with handcrafted wooden furniture provide comfort and articulate classic style. Beyond the aesthetics of the vintage décor – which includes a beautiful old gramophone, rotary dial telephone and vintage typewriter – you can kick back in a quiet corner, bury yourself in a book in a gorgeous leather sofa while enjoying a coffee or cognac, and take a trip back in time surrounded by historical artefacts.

History in no way means dark and “stuffy”. The hotel’s numerous openair spaces are bathed in natural light. A hidden courtyard is enveloped by lush shrubbery so that guests are transported “out” of the city and into natural serenity, but without forfeiting the inner-city location benefits.

The hotel offers easy access to the city’s bustling nightlife, and it’s virtually impossible to ignore the wafting fragrances of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine and roasted coffee while taking a wander in the abutting historic neighbourhoods.

A stone’s throw from the lobby, you will find the former home of Sultan Hussein, which now stands as one of the city’s most beautiful mosques. The rows of fabric shops lining Arab Street and the range of unique boutiques and bars in trendy Haji Lane make it the perfect spot from which to shop, too.

is the Malay word for “village”, and the essence of the Singapore community – warm hospitality – has not been lost on Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road. Take a journey from the past to the present in this newly refurbished flagship of the Hotel Clover Chain in Singapore, which is set to reopen in November 2016.