Village Hotel Albert Court: a Journey Back to Old Singapore
Reconstructed from pre-war conservation shophouses and reflecting Peranakan architecture, nostalgia embraces you once you step into the courtyard of Village Hotel Albert Court. An old colonial charm fills the air around.
Perhaps it’s the capsule lift, or the watch tower at the front of the hotel. It’s likely a combination of different elements but there’s a tranquillity that lingers and makes you feel as if you have travelled back in time.
Tucked away in a quiet corner, yet comfortably accessible to popular tourist spots such as Little India and Bugis, Village Hotel Albert Court is quaint serenity at its best.
Old Colonial Charm
After checking in, take some time to uncover the hidden trail of Peranakan heritage that embellishes the hotel interior. Spot the intricate porcelain wares and tiles that decorate the corridors; all fine examples of Peranakan craftsmanship from days gone by. On one vintage Chinese cabinet, you may even find a rare Peranakan tingkat on display. Enamel tiffin carriers that were once used to store meals for home deliveries, tingkats were very popular back in the day.
With subtle Indian and Peranakan accents, hardwood floors and a warm colour scheme, the newly furnished Superior and Deluxe rooms are the perfect blend between comfort and authenticity.
The décor of the rooms is tastefully minimalistic, yet subtly reflective of the area’s heritage. Intricate Peranakan motifs adorn the wallpaper, and bathroom tiles are particularly reminiscent of Art Noveau ceramic tiles found in shophouses in days past. In their entirety, the rooms embody old school Singaporean charm with a modern twist.
Take a stroll down the charming European-styled courtyard and dine at the fine selection of restaurants on offer. Savour a popular Indian dish, the nasi briyani, which consists of fragrant long-grain basmati rice served with meat and curry, and cooked with tantalising Indian spices at the Shish Mahal restaurant.
After a satisfying dinner, relax and enjoy the old school charm by lounging with chilled craft beers, available at Beercraft, a beer store owned by classical musicians Tay Kai Tze and Lim Yean Hwee, conveniently located within hotel premises.
A Cultural Voyage
Sleep, however, is for the weak. Little India, a buzzing historic district, has much to offer and is only a five-minute walk away.
With its eclectic mix of old and new, from fine goldsmiths to sari shops set alongside a cultural mash-up of Hindu and Chinese temples, the ethnic enclave of Little India can be spell-binding to all your five senses.
Jet-lagged? Venture into amazement any time of the day (and night) at Mustafa Centre, open 24/7. It offers everything you could ever think of buying.
For a bite of authentic local food, pop by the various eateries in Little India. A supper favourite, roti prata and teh Tarik is also routinely eaten for breakfast. Seems odd? It’s just a uniquely Singaporean thing.
Those worried about the calorie overload can take a load off their mind – the hotel gym is open 24 hours every day of the week. Equipped with a full range of treadmills, weights and cycles, you can work out in comfort without ever leaving Village Hotel Albert Court. Indulge in one of two Jacuzzis, or take a steam bath; you’ve more than earned it.
Be charmed by the serenity of Village Hotel Albert Court. Nothing beats a holiday that is pulsatingly close to the cultural heart of Singapore, yet concurrently quietly relaxing.
