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Get one step closer to shophouse living at the new lyf Chinatown Singapore. The Ascott Limited's fifth co-living property soft-launched on July 3, spanning a row of beautifully conserved heritage shophouses and a newly-built modern wing. If your idea of a good stay involves plenty of heritage touches and community programming, then this is one worth considering.
lyf Chinatown has a clean shophouse facade, but the insides tell a different story. Walk around the property and you'll find familiar icons like lanterns, koi fish, fortune cats, and satay boys painted on every corner. One recurring motif is the Queen's Crepe Myrtle, a flower native to South India's Coromandel Coast, which pays tribute to the Chulia traders who crossed the seas to settle in Singapore. Colourful murals brighten the rooms and public spaces – a standout being the giant mural of flowers and cultural icons wrapping around four walls at the Unwind Social Space.
As you'd expect from lyf, the rooms are highly compact but cleverly packed with all you need for a comfortable long-term stay, such as a smart TV, working desk, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
If you're after a true shophouse vibe, the rooms that come closest are the Level Up, Level Up Plus, and One of A Kind Plus rooms. These split-level accommodations come with a spiral staircase connecting the living areas. At 45 square metres, the One of a Kind Plus rooms are the most spacious, with the bed, kitchenette, and washroom located on the second floor – and in the conserved wing, these come complete with original beamed ceilings and glass-blocked windows.
Some smaller room categories are also dual-key, meaning they have a common main entrance and shared kitchenette, with a separate key for each of the private bedrooms. It's great for solo travellers who are keen on some neighbourly feeling – or those who still want some privacy while travelling with a friend.
What separates lyf Chinatown from a standard hotel opening is the community-focused programming. For one, the in-house staff have curated a handy insider guide called lyf Hacks to help residents navigate Chinatown like a local. Guests also get exclusive access to a 1.5-hour Heritage Walk led by the property's "Ambassador of Buzz", alongside rotating, hands-on workshops featuring everything from Muslim-friendly perfumery to traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Coupled with ample social spaces – the Bond communal kitchen, meeting rooms, open courtyards, and rooftop pool – you'll be plugged into the Singapore scene in no time.
To celebrate its official opening, lyf Chinatown is introducing a limited-time opening offer. Ascott Star Rewards members who book a stay by September 30, 2026 for stays until October 1, 2026 get an attractive 25 percent discount. These stays must be a minimum of six nights long, and can be booked directly through discoverasr.com.
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