The Clan Hotel Singapore is one of the city’s newest hotels and the first property to debut under The Clan Hotel brand by Far East Hospitality but as Floyd and Farah Cowan discovered it offers excellent service in a beautiful facility that thrives on tradition.

Sitting in my room on the 19th floor of The Clan Hotel Singapore I watch five lanes of rush hour traffic stream through the CBD, flowing past this copper coloured 30-story highrise. Singapore has greatly changed since the early 19th century when Chinese left their homes and families, travelled great distances, crossed dangerous seas, to settle in this once British trading post. Clan associations sprang up to help family and friends in the rough and tumble frontier where they laboured in harsh conditions for little money. 

Telling the Story

The British designated the area between the Singapore River and Telok Ayer Street – where the land met the sea – as where the Chinese should reside. While Singapore has changed over the years, the values of those hard-working people have remained.  

“The Clan Hotel Singapore,” stated Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality Management, “offers carefully curated touchpoints and services that will unveil stories of the vicinity and local culture. It brings to the fore the history of clans around Amoy Street where our forefathers helped Chinese settlers make Singapore their home.” 

Good Vibrations

There was a strong welcoming committee that warmly greeted us when we arrived at the Cross Street entrance. As we walked in a gong was rung, ensuring we’d have good vibrations throughout our stay.   

Entering the lobby of The Clan, one of the first things I noticed was a glass case. I was surprised to see it held elegant umbrellas, not swords or daggers or ancient pistols as I expected. The long black umbrellas have beautiful intricate handles; silver images of animals, making them most interesting.

The umbrella is symbolic of what the clans did in their day and the mission of The Clan Hotel Singapore today. While the needs of today’s travellers are much more complex than those who first came ashore here, the The Clan Hotel is dedicated to ensuring their guests are fully looked after. The hotel anticipates what a business traveller could require while those seeking a relaxing staycation it offers all the luxury and services for a much-needed break.

Lobby of The Clan Hotel Singapore

Changi Check-In 

Meeting traveller’s needs begins even before they step foot in the hotel. ​As part of the MASTER Series room experience, The Clan offers limo transfer services, complimentary customised in-room refreshments, as well as a suite of additional offerings. Once we had made arrangements to stay at the The Clan, we were emailed a form that not only asked for our personal details but what time we’d prefer the limousine pick up and what snacks we’d like in the room. We could choose five out of 11 items. One is ​The Clan Beer, made in partnership with 1925 Brewing Company Ltd. The dinner menu was also included, and we made our choices for The Clan  Daily Special that was delivered to our room on the first evening.

The Clan Daily Special (below)is curated in partnership with local hawkers through The Clan Collective. The meals, delivered hot to your room, are exclusively available to guests of the MASTER Series rooms every day from 6:00 to 8:00pm.  You can enjoy the MASTER Series if you stay in one of the 18 Grand Premier or 60 Premier rooms. 

It is possible to check-in at any of Changi Airport’s four terminals or in the limousine as you drive to the city. Once checked-in you can have your bags go to the hotel while you go directly to your meeting – or wherever. At the hotel you can do the traditional check-in, use the self-check-in, or do it in your room.

  The Master of Tea (left) QIN Restaurant and Bar (above)

Master of Tea

Also in the lobby is a lounge where a Tea Master, surrounded by Chinese traditional tea making paraphernalia, brews the beverage for guests. We were encouraged to linger over a cup of tea, enjoying either The Ritual that is served hot and is included in the welcome amenity kit, while the Nanyang Ritual is served cold and available as tea bags in each room as part of the coffee and tea facilities in-room. 

I particularly liked the replicas of the traditional Chinese medicine cabinets (above) that decorate the ceiling and wall of the fourth and fifth level of the QIN Restaurant and Bar. QIN’s floor to ceiling windows create a bright and cheery atmosphere with views of the tiled red roofed shophouses of the Telok Ayer district. Breakfast is served in QIN and we enjoyed chatting with staff who ensured we got exactly what we wanted from the Western and Asian choices. Breakfast begins with a fruit bowl, a generous slice of toast, a brownie and coffee or tea. You choose your main meal from the menu. 

Breakfast at QIN - Right the Continental Breakfast 

QIN offers an all-day dining concept by TungLok Group. The cosmopolitan restaurant was inspired by Asian cuisine and it serves an array of re-imagined classics with a modern touch. Offerings include Chili Crab Crostini and ‘Sang Mein’ - noodles that originated in Hong Kong. Diners can also extend the night at the bar on the mezzanine floor with a nightcap selected from a menu featuring a range of cocktails and over 60 types of wine. QIN is already becoming a popular venue for business lunches.

QIN serves a large delicious lunch 

Responsible Luxury

Throughout the 324 hotel guest rooms warm, neutral tones predominate and wood tones contribute to the relaxing atmosphere. When we were being introduced to our room, we were offered a beautiful bar of soap to take home. Lavender was our choice from the three options. A distilled water tap encourages you to fill your refillable bottle with drinking water.

 Our cozy Premier Room

There are three classes of rooms. The 36sqm Grand Premier Rooms have a sumptuous king size bed and a bathtub. The Premier Rooms, where we stayed, are a most comfortable 31Sqm. With extensive power points and a desk, it is an easy place to work from – if you must. The 246 24sqm Deluxe Rooms are perfect for those whose focus is on work. They are styled for serenity and this amply spaced retreat is a pragmatic choice for the business traveller. 

The Den & Mahjong Rooms

On the second and third levels are two fully equipped meeting rooms with breakout areas. And everything needed to conduct a meeting. For relaxation there is The Sky Pool (top picture) and Jacuzzi on level 30 and the Sky Gym with the latest in fitness equipment plus videos that can take you through a workout. The adjacent lounge and shower suites are perfect for enjoying a quiet moment to cool down and relax in before heading out. When you do have time for yourself, chill at the green oasis of Terrace@Level4 where there are unparalleled views of the city.

Conveniently located in the CBD, The Clan is close to restaurants, night life, offices, spas and many of Singapore’s attractions. It is a very short walk to the MRT's Downtown Line, making its central location even more convenient for getting around the city.  

Cultural Attractions

On Telok Ayer are three of Singapore’s most prominent Chinese temples. On a walk along Telok Ayer and Amoy streets you can enjoy the bustle of today’s city that is not altogether different from the 19th century when around those temples were trading houses, emporiums and hard-working coolies moving goods from arriving ships. Today you won’t see sweating coolies, the sea has been push back several blocks, but well-dressed office workers enjoying the restaurants, cafés and bars that have replaced the older businesses. 

The Clan is not only located in the CBD, but is in Far East Square, an award-winning conservation development owned by the Far East Organisation. Built in the early 19th century as part of the first Chinese immigrant settlement south of the Singapore River, it was opened by Far East Organization in 1999 as a heritage mall nestled among 61 restored shop houses transformed into modern offices and stores with diverse F&B options ranging from traditional local cafes to modern fusion restaurants and trendy bars. For those new to the area The Inner Circle Guide provides a collection of recommendations across services, dining, nightlife and entertainment options. Guests may show their room card to identify themselves at participating businesses. 

Untold Tales Not Told

Working with partners, the hotel offers activities that guests can experience, at a separate cost. We were scheduled to do the walking tour of the ‘Untold tale of Samsui women and Ma Jies’, one of four activities currently available. Unfortunately, the weather was not agreeable. Even the best of umbrellas can’t protect you from a furious Singapore downpour.  

From beginning to end, from breakfast to dinner, from lounge to guest room, we enjoyed all aspects of our stay at The Clan Hotel Singapore and were very reluctant to leave. We wouldn’t have objected to a few more days amidst the comfort and luxury of this modern classic hotel.

The Clan Hotel Singapore 

10 Cross Street,

Singapore 048417

+65 6228 6388

info.tch@fareast.com.sg

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