It’s been a luxury hotel landmark in Singapore’s characterful Bugis district for 30 years. Formerly known as the InterContinental Singapore, the gorgeous five-star property has been freshly branded this year as Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel.  

Whether its indie boutiques and street art, or the blend of old-school kopitiams and modern cafés, bustling Bugis is one of Singapore’s most inviting and evocative districts. The hotel’s enviable location thrusts you right into the heart of the action, with Kampong Glam just a short stroll away, as are all of the Lion City’s banner attractions. Plus, the Bugis MRT is just steps away from the hotel, to zip you everywhere you want to be. The hotel’s new partnership between Frasers Hospitality and Marriott International, will see this prestigious property embark on a more design-conscious, culturally attuned chapter. 

Frasers House’s sumptuous interiors draw on the building’s Peranakan-inspired heritage while layering in contemporary touches such as clean lines, artisanal details, and subtle nods to Bugis’ rich past. Bugis once thrived as a vibrant quarter of artisans, tailors, goldsmiths, woodcarvers and perfumers whose workshops along North Bridge Road and its surrounding lanes shaped one of Singapore’s great creative crossroads. Frasers House is focused on carrying this legacy forward as a modern guild of makers where each space reinterprets the spirit of these historic trades, returning artistry and intimacy to the scale of a grand hotel.   

Frasers House Junior Suite. Photo / Supplied

The phased transformation will honour the building’s architectural soul while introducing elevated spaces that celebrate craftsmanship and cultural resonance. Once the full transformation is complete, the hotel will offer over 400 rooms and suites, each designed to embody the spirit of the district, drawing inspiration from nearby Kampong Glam, Arab Street and the historic Bras Basah–Bugis arts district. 

And the hotel’s dining scene, which has always been a crowd-pleaser, isn’t being overlooked either. The existing collection of celebrated dining destinations, ranging from modern Cantonese cuisine to refined Western gastronomy, will evolve into renewed culinary concepts that continue to spotlight local flavours, craftsmanship, and conviviality. 

LUCE's Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet. Photo / Supplied

I recently savoured the hotel’s distinctive culinary portfolio anchored by Cantonese fine dining at Man Fu Yuan, refined Italian gastronomy at LUCE and a vast array of dining offerings in the timeless elegance of The Lobby Lounge, including afternoon tea and their fabulous bespoke cocktails. In fact, I tried my hand at Sabrage in the Lobby Lounge. This ceremonial technique of opening a champagne bottle using a sabre was popularised by Napoleon’s cavalry. The technique involves striking the neck of a well-chilled bottle at its seam, breaking the glass collar, and forcing the cork out safely due to high internal pressure. I managed it on my second attempt! Definitely indulge in the lavish, artful and flavourful buffet breakfast at LUCE. Generously loaded with Western and Asian culinary delights, it is out of this world. 

Success at sabrage. Photo / Mike Yardley 

Accommodations are indulgent and stylish, surrounded by bespoke furnishings inspired by Peranakan artistry; supremely comfortable bedding and all the tech-comforts like premium cable channels. For added pampering, upgrade for Club Lounge access. Wellness whims are fully catered for with a fantastic fitness centre and utterly restorative outdoor pool, which was my rinse-and-repeat oasis when sultry Singapore’s humidity started to get the better of me. 

The hotel’s concierge team offer a range of guided authentic experiences accentuating your sense of connection with the Bugis district. A Curated Sensory Journey allows guests to explore Kampong Glam through sight, taste, sound, scent, and touch - revealing the living heritage that shapes both the neighbourhood and the hotel. From the architectural drama of Parkview Square to the vibrant artistry of Haji Lane, you’ll encounter multi-sensory storytelling at every turn. Within Sifr Aromatics, bespoke fragrances enchant the nose, while intricate Persian textiles provide a tactile connection to the district’s historic trade routes.  

Frasers House swimming pool. Photo / Supplied

While a phased transformation is set to gradually introduce refreshed interiors, dining concepts, and public spaces, Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore will remain open as this living landmark is thoughtfully refreshed. The hotel has introduced the Frasers House Signature Stay Package, which includes a curated cocktail on arrival; a US$100 food and beverage credit to explore the culinary destinations; and sublime accommodation for two. 

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.