Naumi Liora

It might have 79 rooms, but the Naumi Liora is a little gem that feels more like a cute pied-a-terre than a hotel. This 1920s townhouse brims with character and original details from its former life as a row of terraced shophouses. Inside, guests will find Chinese double-leaf doors, intricate carved lattice screens, and preserved original timber floors. Look closely and you’ll spot miniature figurines depicting Chinese life in days past. Look even more closely and you’ll notice some playful touches, too -- like the "blow me" slogans on hairdryer bags in rooms. However, the sensitive renovation -- complying with conservation guidelines -- hasn’t been without compromise. Rooms are small, there’s a lack of natural light in some areas, and the only public space is the lobby. Travelers that stay here do so for the heritage and the vibrant central location. Naumi Liora draws mainly couples as well as some solo and business travelers -- the rooms just aren’t big enough for families.

Naumi Liora sits amid the food shops and eclectic boutiques of Chinatown’s vibrant Keong Saik Road. This is well-known part of Singapore and it buzzes with activity day and night. There are plenty of places to eat and drink on the hotel’s doorstep -- including a cool little speakeasy next door. Business travelers can get to most office buildings within a 10-minute walk and it’s just a five-minute walk to the Chinatown MRT. Expect a 10-minute drive -- or a half hour to 45 minutes by public transport -- to reach the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel, Gardens by the Bay and sky-scraping Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Singapore Cable Car. Singapore’s Changi Airport is a 20-minute drive away depending on city traffic, or about an hour via public transport.

The traditional rooms are done in chic and simple decor, with details like dark wood lattice screens and paper lantern-like lighting. All rooms are a cozy 130 to 260 square feet (12 to 24 square meters). Due to the building’s heritage, layouts vary, so while some are comfortably compact, others feel tiny. Amenities include air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Items like an iron, slippers, and a toothbrush can be provided on request. Modern mosaic bathrooms have deep sinks and glass-fronted walk-in showers, and hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Quaint Rooms are located up in the eaves and it’s important to note that the charm can’t make up for their lack of windows. Heritage Rooms (available as single or doubles) have French-style windows that overlook the vibrant Keong Saik Road or Duxton Plain Park, but due to conservation restrictions, the windows don’t open. At the top end, Porch Rooms have a private terrace. Previous guests comment on the comfy beds, but also street noise and footsteps from other guests walking on the original wood flooring (ear plugs are also provided on request). 

The 24-hour reception is the sole feature here. The adorably named Nibbles Snack Bar is a cute little treat station in the reception where guests can help themselves at any time to free candies, cookies, chips, popsicles, coffee, and Dilmah tea. A Western breakfast buffet is served at a rustic-chic little cafe next door and is included in room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and on-street parking is available outside the hotel at a fee.