I’ll admit – this isn’t my first brush with Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. The last time I was here, I was a bridesmaid on duty, zipping in and out of a room. But even then, I clocked the charming Peranakan details like the vintage wooden sofa, intricate tiles, and Carrom board-turned-coffee table that reminded me of the one my grandparents handed down.
Katong holds a special place in my heart – I spent a big chunk of my childhood here. With nostalgia kicking in and memories bubbling up, I finally checked in properly, ready to rediscover the neighbourhood that raised me.
Housed on the former grounds of the old Joo Chiat Police Station, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong blends modern comfort with vibrant Peranakan culture, heritage-inspired architecture, and thoughtfully curated art. It’s like stepping into a stylish Nyonya home – if she had an infinity pool. Look out for the little paw prints leading to the entrance – a playful hint that pets are more than welcome.
Photograph: Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Forget cookie-cutter chains – Hotel Indigo is the effortlessly cool cousin in the IHG family, which includes big names like Holiday Inn and InterContinental. Think of it as the one who knows the best coffee spot, the most Instagrammable alley, and when the bougainvillea hits its photogenic peak.
Each Hotel Indigo property takes cues from its surroundings, weaving local culture, history and personality into its thoughtful design. And best of all, it soaks up the stories, bottles the charm, and pours it all back into the experience. That’s how our stay truly felt like – a story worth telling.
Photograph: Cam Khalid
Why stay at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong?
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is a brilliant base for travellers seeking a taste of Peranakan heritage with a contemporary twist. But staying here means more than just learning about local culture – you live it: think intricately tiled lobby to the lovingly curated art, and the authentic eats from the restaurant next door, as well as popular spots down the road like the famous 328 Katong Laksa.
Just 15 minutes from Changi Airport and 12 minutes from Singapore Indoor Stadium, you also find yourself conveniently close to malls, historic landmarks, and the Central Business District (CBD). It’s also a stone’s throw away from the iconic Katong shophouses and seaside breezes at East Coast Park. The newly opened Marine Parade MRT makes zipping around the city easy, too.
Photograph: Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
What are the rooms like at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong?
The Heritage King Room sits pretty on the 15th floor, just below the rooftop pool and bar, with sweeping views of Katong’s charming low-rise skyline. But what really made me linger was the room’s nostalgic charm. The scene-stealer? A round bathtub by the floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by Peranakan-style tiles – perfect for a long soak with a view.
Every corner feels considered, from the vintage Carrom board table to the monochrome wall art that captures quiet slices of the neighbourhood. There’s even a display of Peranakan plates, bowls and teacups – strictly decorative, though the enamel cups are fair game for your coffee or tea fix. Instead of plastic bottles, there’s a filtered water dispenser, and room keys are made from bamboo – small but meaningful nods to sustainability.
Modern comforts are all in place, too. Extra pillows and duvets were brought up swiftly on request, and even the housekeeping team I bumped into greeted me with a warmth that felt genuinely welcoming.
Pro tip: glance up at the wall lamps while waiting for the lift – you might catch a cheeky little light up when the lift reaches your floor.
Photograph: Cam Khalid
Where to eat and drink at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong?
Next door, Baba Chews is where modern comfort food meets Peranakan roots. Start with traditional kueh pie tee, a solid intro to the cuisine. Then dial it up with the octopus squid ink pasta, a spicy, savoury dish that tastes like a mee goreng and char kway teow hybrid. The 18-hour braised beef cheek rendang is another standout, best enjoyed with blue pea rice and a punchy sambal. For those who prefer gentler heat, options like the rojak chicken bites and fish noodles with laksa sauce offer plenty of flavour without the fire.
Breakfast here is a delight. The restaurant awakens with lively chatter among the staff and guests, as well as a breakfast spread filled with international and local favourites – think siew mai, kaya pau, rice porridge, and noodles, alongside all the usual suspects: pastries, cereal and fruits. Made-to-order eggs, pancakes and fry-ups round out the feast, but it’s the nostalgic pola snacks and jellies that steal our hearts.
Back at the hotel, Rooftop 88 makes for the best seat in the house for sunset cocktails and city views. The infinity pool sparkles just ahead, while the skyline stretches out toward the CBD and Singapore Sports Hub. Signature cocktails ($18 each) nod to local flavours – I particularly loved the Sapphire Rendezvous with butterfly pea flower gin and jasmine syrup, while the Nyonya Margarita with lemongrass tequila and chopped chilli has a savoury punch.
Photograph: Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
What are the facilities like at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong?
The rooftop infinity pool is perched atop the hotel, 16 floors up. With URA conservation rules of keeping Katong low-rise, your views of the neighbourhood stay gloriously unblocked. And because it’s up on the roof, you get to enjoy some privacy without anyone staring out their windows down at your attempt at doing the backstroke. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend hours floating in the waters, lounging on the daybeds, snapping pics, and wondering if it’s too early for a cocktail (spoiler: it’s not).
The 24-hour gym covers all your workout needs, from cardio machines and free weights to yoga mats and blocks for a post-swim stretch. Forgot your bottle or towel? No stress – it’s got towels, paper cups and a water dispenser on hand. Whether you're here to clock in steps or clock out from stress, the facilities hit a sweet spot between form and function.
Photograph: Cam Khalid
What’s the area like around Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong?
Step outside, and you’re instantly immersed in Katong’s vibrant cultural fabric. Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel lies the Peranakan Mansion by Straits Enclave – a lovingly restored shophouse where a true-blue Peranakan host takes you through family heirlooms, vintage furnishings, and generations of stories. You’ll even get the chance to indulge in Peranakan-style afternoon tea and don a traditional kebaya for a photo or two. It’s the perfect companion experience to your stay at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, especially when booked as part of the Peranakan Escape room package.
Beyond culture, Katong charms you with its indie side too – think Heartware Store for artsy pop-ups, Cat Socrates for quirky souvenirs, and Choice Cuts Pizza & Records and RetroCrates for vinyl-hunting and chill vibes. You’ll also find Catalonian bites and booze at Carlito’s, freshly baked buns at Chin Mee Chin, and enough cafés to fuel multiple walks. Ask the Neighbourhood Hosts at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s reception for insider tips, and you’ll be surprised at what’s hiding in the lanes just beyond the lobby.
Why you should book a stay at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
In a city where gleaming skyscrapers and luxury hotels are a dime a dozen, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong stands out by leaning into its roots. This boutique stay captures the heart and soul of the neighbourhood, bringing together Peranakan heritage, bold design, and warm hospitality. It's thoughtful without being try-hard, charming without sacrificing comfort, and full of character at every turn.
Enjoy 20 percent off the Peranakan Escape room package with the promo code TIMEOUT20 – valid for bookings and stays from now until December 31, 2025. This culture-rich stay for two guests includes daily breakfast at Baba Chews, a guided tour of the Peranakan Mansion, a Nyonya kebaya rental with indoor and outdoor photoshoot access, and a beautifully presented Peranakan tea set with handmade kueh served in the heritage mansion. You'll also enjoy one complimentary carpark coupon per stay. To book, simply email resvn.sinki@ihg.com with the promo code. Black-out dates apply.
Address: 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
Price per night: From $279
Closest transport link: Marine Parade MRT (Thomson–East Coast Line)