There’s a colorful new boutique hotel on the scene in Singapore’s bustling Chinatown. The Saff (55 Keong Saik Rd.; 65/6221- 8388; thesaffhotel.com; doubles from US$195), short for “saffron,” is the spiced-up sister to the nearby Scarlett, which likewise occupies a row of heritage shophouses. Incorporating design accents from saffron-trading countries like Morocco and India, this 79-room bolthole is all about accommodation: there’s no spa or restaurant. But with the bars, cafés, and galleries of Keong Saik Road—once a notorious red-light district—just steps away, guests will have plenty to do in their downtime. –Lauren Kelana
UPDATE: The Saff was purchased by Naumi in late 2011. Its specific relaunch date and new name are yet to be announced as of the time of this update.
Originally appeared in the February/March 2011 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Spice Up Your Life”)
