Hotel Clover The Arts

Hotel Clover The Arts is a small boutique hotel set in the heart of the busy city. It's an attractive terraced townhouse painted in a sky blue -- with bright yellow details. Inside, as the hotel name suggests, decor is trendy and colorful. The lobby walls are painted with cloudy skies and bright city landscapes, and offset by a collection of high-backed armchairs done up in different patterns. This striking design is continued throughout the hotel, with beautiful wall murals everywhere, including a towering waterfall on the back exterior wall. The pretty rooftop garden is a great place to kick back, with a secluded, tropical feel, and views right across the city. It's a shame they couldn't squeeze in a little pool up there to cool off, though. Guests tend to be young couples, though the location is also spot on for business guests looking to be in the heart of the action.

Hotel Clover The Arts is in on South Bridge Road on the edge of Singapore's Chinatown. There are a few shops around but it's largely a business area. It's a five-minute walk to shopping and dining on the south side of Clarke Quay, and about 10 minutes across the bridge to the north side. The center of Chinatown is also around 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel is also on the edge of the Central Business District, with many large businesses within a 10-minute walk. Attractions across the river, like Fort Canning Park, can also be reached within 10 minutes on foot. Those who prefer to explore by bus or MRT will find Boat Quay bus stop right outside, and Clarke Quay MRT (on the North East Line) is a three-minute walk from the Clover. Attractions farther afield include shopping on Orchard Road, which is a 20-minute bus ride, and Sentosa Island, which is about 30 minutes. Changi Airport is an hour away by MRT from Raffles Place (a 10-minute walk from the hotel), or it's about a 25-minute drive. 

Rooms at the Hotel Clover The Arts are small -- some just wider than the bed -- and it's important to note that many lack windows. Even so, they have a lot more character than many hotels in this bracket -- each with a quirky individual style featuring hand-painted wall murals. The Etsy-esque furniture also adds a bespoke vibe that gives them even more personality (a feat among Singapore's three-pearl options, if we are being honest). Configurations range from singles to family-friendly rooms, though families have complained there just isn't enough space. Amenities are good across all rooms -- with free smart phones, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars with free water and soft drinks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Higher category rooms add bathrobes and slippers, and the top Arts King rooms have Krups coffee machines. As space is at a premium, hand basins are in the main body of the rooms, with toilets and showers behind separate frosted doors (a design choice that may not suit everyone). There's a decent selection of toiletries, though, plus hairdryers.

Aside from the stunning wall art everywhere, the top feature at the Hotel Clover The Arts is the leafy rooftop terrace. It's a lovely place to sit, with shaded tables and superb city views. A simple breakfast buffet is available with both local and international options, served in a small room off the lobby. The front desk is manned 24 hours a day and can help with tours and transport. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and laundry services can be arranged.