Wanderlust Hotel Singapore Review: A Design Icon in Little India for Discerning Travelers
Sometimes, you just know a hotel is special at first sight. Like recognizing a great wine or the perfect car without being an expert, Wanderlust Hotel captivated us instantly. Amid the hit-or-miss world of design hotels—often prioritizing flash over function—this boutique gem in Singapore's Little India delivers substance and style.
Tucked away in backstreets that even local cabbies struggle to find, Wanderlust Hotel (2 Dickson Road) won us over from the moment we arrived until checkout.
Exuding a funky, artistic vibe, this isn't just for design aficionados—it's a true traveler's haven. Right outside the entrance hangs a tiled antique lamp inscribed with 'Tourist Rooms' in blue ink, evoking vintage travels through Turkey or Greece, while hinting at the sharp, modern design beyond the sliding glass doors.
No traditional lobby here: the ground floor channels industrial recycle-chic, home to French-themed bar and restaurant Cocotte. We lounged in seats repurposed from antique barber chairs and shopping carts, snapped photos of Indian food labels on the walls, and browsed a coffee table book of global design hotels. But it was in the elevator, key in hand, that we realized Wanderlust and GlobetrotterGirls share a kindred spirit.
The 'Wanderlust Itinerary'—our room key booklet styled like a vintage 'Air Mail' passport—offers practical traveler tips: public transport info (8-minute walk to two MRT stations and buses), local Indian eateries, maps, and neighborhood guides. Despite mid-range to upscale rates (starting at $195/night), this award-winning hotel shuns luxury bubbles like Marina Bay Sands, instead embracing authentic exploration. This ethos earned our immediate respect.
Stepping into our 'Princess' room on the black-and-white Mono floor was mesmerizing. This space was unlike any we'd experienced.
Walls glow with backlit black-and-white sketches, a canopy drapes above the bed, and decorative elements like a faux staircase and ceiling fan create an immersive, otherworldly cartoon realm. We kept the curtains drawn to savor the magic.
Singaporean owner Loh Lik Peng partnered with four local design agencies for this 29-room boutique. Themes include Mono (black-and-white), Pantone (single-hue rooms), and nine Whimsical lofts resembling art installations. While all captivating, vivid Pantone hues like neon green might overwhelm longer stays.
Standouts include plush beds, flat-screen TVs, iPhone/iPod docks, and spa-like bathrooms with rain showers, Kiehl's toiletries, pedestal sinks, bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryers.
Evoking golden-age flights, the complimentary non-alcoholic minibar offers water, Coke, juices in nostalgic tins, and a Nespresso machine that stole the show. As we sipped in fluffy robes, staff delivered unrequested fresh cookies—pure guest-focused delight, no upselling. Earplugs addressed nearby construction noise.
A rainbow Jacuzzi dip on the second floor led to blissful sleep, priming us for an exceptional breakfast.
Standout Feature: Breakfast
The design dazzles, but breakfast steals the show—included in the rate, it's value-packed and thoughtfully curated. Warm rolls, croissants, and coffee arrive promptly; choose omelets, fruits, or pancakes while self-serve stations overflow with cereals, wheat germ, nuts, dried fruits, fresh breads, juices, jams, and butter. We savored every fluffy bite.
Room for Improvement: Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available, but one password per room limits multi-device use (e.g., laptops, phones, tablets)—a shortfall for this caliber property.
Overall: Wanderlust Hotel Singapore
This trendy, inspirational boutique offers stellar service and value in vibrant Little India. Like the perfect wine or car, it's ideal for design-savvy travelers.
Location: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Price: Starting at $195 per double room
LGBT Friendly: Yes
Digital Nomad Friendly: Yes, if multi-device Wi-Fi improves.
Amenities: Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, Nespresso, complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, fridge, iPod dock, A/C, restaurant, breakfast included.
Website: wanderlusthotel.com
See all our Wanderlust photos on Flickr.
