A gorgeous new hotel has opened on 21 Carpenter Street and it's designed by none other than the award-winning architects WOHA. Built in a restored and redesigned former remittance house, the boutique beauty weaves heritage stories and elements seamlessly with urban design sensibilities.
Called 21 Carpenter, the hotel takes up the existing Depression-era shophouse, once known as the prominent remittance house Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee. Founded in 1936 by local philanthropist Mr Lee Wee Nam, it was where Singapore's earliest immigrants came to send money back home. These transfers were often accompanied by poetic letters written for them by skilled writers in Chinatown – pieces of this history can be found in the phrases, plucked from archived letters and records, cut into the aluminium facade of 21 Carpenter's contemporary extension.
21 Carpenter has 48 rooms that are split into the Heritage Wing (26 rooms) over the first four floors and the Urban Wing (22 rooms) over the top five floors. Thoughtful touches elevate every room: custom-made furniture lends graceful form and function, and WOHA calligraphic artworks adorn the room walls in a nod to the remittance letters of Singapore's earliest immigrants. In the heritage rooms, sturdy Chengal timber boards from the 1930s have been lovingly restored and used for flooring in a nod to the shophouse's heritage.
For the ultimate luxury, stay in the Heritage Two Bedroom Suite (which spans a whopping 55 square metres) or Heritage Balcony Suite. The first has a cosy living area, a signature wet bar, and sliding partitions for extra cosiness and privacy in the sleeping areas; while the latter has a dedicated balcony space that overlooks the vibrant Clarke Quay district. Those looking for a more contemporary experience will love the Urban rooms and suites – part of the new building extension, they look out over low-lying shophouses, providing a stunning view as far as Marina Bay.
21 Carpenter has also worked with an array of local partners to stock its rooms with complimentary snacks. Guests can dig into popular bites from Irvin's, Kala, Notter Nuts, and even custom sea salt gula melaka cookies from Fat Kid Bakery. Bacha Coffee, TWG and Oatbedient beverages are also provided.
The rest of the hotel has also been perfectly tuned to provide guests with a sanctuary in the city. Looking up through the stunning glass ceiling of the mid-century furnished lobby, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of a garden terrace where guests can socialise or unwind. On the rooftop, there is a second lounge that looks out over a shimmering steel-based infinity pool that has unobstructed city views. And soon, a bistro and bar called Kee's will open on the ground floor. Spearheaded by chef Andrew Walsh of Cure Concepts, it will serve up refined comfort food and an exquisite cocktail and wine programme.
21 Carpenter is now open for booking here with an exclusive opening offer.
