by Coleen Leong
One of Singapore’s most iconic heritage buildings in the Central Business District has been refreshed and renamed Hotel Telegraph, Singapore as a tribute to the building’s rich history.
In a former life, the 1927 neo-classical style building which houses the hotel served as the headquarters of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company. It then became the Cable and Wireless Building, and in 1995, the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore. In 2001, the Ogilvy Centre took over, and in 2014, the building housed SO/ Sofitel Singapore.
The four-storey curved building was given conservation status in 2000, preserving its stately stone façade with symmetrical coupled columns, recessed balconies guarded with cast-iron balustrades and semi-circular arch openings, while the insides were given a modern makeover.
The luxury boutique hotel is offering a special Paw-Cation Package ($650++ per room per night) for all pawrents and dog lovers to bond with their furkids in a Balcony Suite on weekends from 1 February onwards. Package includes a stay for two dogs, welcome amenity baskets for furkids (treats and pee pads), welcome treats for pawrents (chips, chocolates and cookies), free wifi, breakfast for two in the room or at the Pool Deck, and 20 percent off all additional a la carte orders for in-room dining.
We spotlight four ways to live it up at the heritage-rich hotel.
Luxuriate in stylish and playful spaces
Enter through one of the hotel’s two revolving doors into its stylish lobby which features one-of-a-kind furniture and a striking hexagonal light installation made with crystals that brighten and dim. Look out for more hexagonal motifs on marble floors, walls and mirrors throughout the hotel.
At check-in, enjoy a welcome watermelon drink and lounge on the sexy curvy red couch. If you’re in the mood for a cup of Joe or a tipple before heading to your room, make your way to the Lobby Bar for your caffeinated drink of choice or your favourite cocktail. Chill out at the bar counter or the cosy table at the side of the bar.
Rest and relax in chic and dreamy rooms
The hotel’s 134 rooms (Cosy and Deluxe) and suites (Balcony, Junior and VIP) are split across the Heritage and Hip wings, the latter a constructed building linked to the preserved heritage wing by a light-filled atrium.
Rooms and suites ooze 19th century Parisian charm and decadence, with wainscotted walls, white marble-walled bathrooms, wooden herringbone floors, portraits of Napoleon with quirky words such as “All roads lead to Singapore” and 3m-high ceilings. The showstopper of the high ceilings are undoubtedly the French cupola-style light boxes above the beds that feature images of palatial glass domes inspired by Europe’s traditional architecture and local contemporary domes, to encourage pleasant dreams and make waking up a beautiful moment.
Balcony Suites offer bustling views of Robinson Road from colonnaded balconies and are also pet-friendly spaces where pawrents can enjoy quality time with their furkids. Junior and VIP suite bathrooms have large Bisazza Spa bathtubs from Italy for a solo restorative or romantic soaks. All bathrooms are stocked with Molton Brown bath products, with additional amenities stored in two drawers of a vanity case that bears floral and hexagonal designs.
Mini bars are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and stocked with a selection of complimentary Nespresso capsules, Dilmah tea bags, San Pellegrino sparkling water, apple and orange juices, nut mixes and Nutella chocolate bar. There’s also a selection of chargeable snacks and drinks like potato chips, chocolate, soft drinks, craft beers, spirits, wines and Champagne.
Rooms are fitted with an Apple-based technology solution, with an iPad serving as a control panel for the TV, lights, curtains, in-room dining and amenity services, and an iPhone as a house phone.
Feast on local flavours and western favourites at The Dining Room
Whether you’re hankering for Singaporean specialities or your favourite western dish, The Dining Room has your dining needs covered.
Helmed by Singaporean Executive Chef William Lim, the all-day dining restaurant and bar serves a wide selection of local fare and international dishes paired with a repertoire of fine wines in a stylish space that’s furnished with brown striped velvet chairs, hexagonal floor tiles and an open kitchen fronted by a magnificent custom-built matt-black and rose-gold 20-foot Molteni oven.
Must-try local specialities include the Hakka Ngoh Hiang (five-spiced roll stuffed with minced pork, prawn, water chestnut, flat fish and dried shrimp, wrapped in beancurd skin), Shrimp Dumpling, Bak Kut Teh (herbal pork broth with prime rib, whole garlic and beancurd skin, served with steamed rice), Grilled Half Lobster Laksa (rice noodles served in a spicy, coconut milk broth with half a lobster, fish cake slices, beancurd puffs and egg) and Fish Noodles.
If western flavours are what you’re craving for, dive straight into hearty servings of Wagyu Beef Burger, Duck Leg Confit, Baked French Poulet (Half Bird), Duroc Pork Loin, Barramundi Fish, Spaghetti Bolognese Grain-fed Ribeye Steak (250g) or Spaghetti Bolognese.
The restaurant also serves a three-course set menu for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday Brunch where a mouth-watering array of savoury and sweet delights await. Think fresh seafood like Boston Lobster, King Crab Leg and Half Shell Scallop; charcuterie like Beef Bresaola Salami and Smoked Salmon Scarmoza; mains like Barbecue Pork Rib, Baked Sambal Skate Wing, Chicken Roulade with Mushroom Stuffing, 100 days Grain-Fed Ribeye Steak; and desserts like Classic Crème Brule with Berries and Tea Halia Panna Cotta. Don’t forget the cheese counter, bakery section, soup bar and healthy corner too!
To enjoy your Sunday Brunch with free-flow of beverage options, just top up to sip on unlimited Prosecco, selected cocktails, juices and soft drinks.
Unwind with bites and sips at 1927 Rooftop Bar
Nothing beats enjoying drinks with the wind in your hair on a rooftop bar in the evenings. Named after the year in which the hotel’s heritage building was built in, the chic, breezy bar with a modern-meets-tropical feel shares the rooftop space with the hotel’s infinity-edged pool.
Enjoy the relaxing vibe at sunset with your favourite sundowner along with moreish bar bites like Shrimp Dumpling, Fuzhou Fried Oyster Cake, Mini Wagyu Beef Slider, Korean Fried Chicken with Sesame and Crispy Prawn Cracker, while soaking up captivating views of gleaming skyscrapers and sparkling city lights.
The pool opens daily from 7am to 9pm so there’s plenty of time for dips and laps, or a chill-out session on the loungers when the sun’s out to work on your tan.
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