When making plans for a particular weekend in Singapore, I would easily list down cafes and restaurants to hop, given how extensive the country’s food scene has developed over the years. From coffeeshops in Tiong Bahru to hip eateries along Keong Saik Road. Google these words ‘Singapore cafe’ and one can find a place to go that easy. But, it comes to the part of making accommodation reservations in the travel plan, I would spend an ample amount of time scrutinising at least five hotel options.
I believe that I am not the only traveller who considers location, price and facilities when it comes to booking a hotel room. But when I finally set foot upon Amoy by Far East Hospitality and experienced their hospitality, I might have saved myself from the misery of hotel search and, what’s more, I now know which hotel to recommend when overseas friends are visiting.
Fuk Tai Chi Museum, serves as the hotel lobby from Telok Ayer St. It was renovated during my stay. Do not miss this entranceway when staying at AMOY.
Far East Square with plenty of restaurants, cafes, florist and souvenir shop.
The other lobby door to enter AMOY from Far East Square
From Changi Airport, I reached the hotel in under 30 minutes. When I went out from the taxi, I laid my eyes on the then-renovating Fuk Tai Chi Museum, which turns out to be the hotel’s entranceway. I had to miss the unique arrival experience by Amoy this time around, but when you stay at this heritage-themed hotel, do not miss this unusual ‘lobby’. I walked past some of the conserved shophouses in an area that is now called Far East Square with history dating back 170 years ago. I knew at that point that this particular stay would not be a run-of-the-mill kind of stay.
The walkway to reception features two very convenient chairs one may find in grandma’s house
Chinese family surnames adorn the wall at the reception.
Welcome drink by Wú, hospitality by AMOY
While some hotels in Singapore boast grand lobby with high ceiling and over-the-top interiors, the DP Architect-designed hotel offers something different. The lobby is intimate in size and aura. It sure felt like I entered a meeting point of the Hakka and Cantonese communities.
The hotel did utilise the inherited space from the 1980s and I like how AMOY keeps everything spotless, if not better. Check-in was efficient, which is much appreciated for those of us who are always on the go. I was escorted to my room by the same lady who checked me in and she patiently reminded me along the way to be careful when walking as the walkway has its upward and downward curves. It would be a good idea to ask for help if you’re staying with more than a handful of luggages.
Each room is named after a Chinese surname. Find yours when you’re staying here.
You had me at hello, AMOY.
Complimentary in-room refreshments, including coffee and the whole fridge.
AMOY-branded toiletries.
My Deluxe Double Room, comes with a seamless duplex-style room. Even though space is not the luxury you have in the room, but this room just gets me. Ample room for my luggage, comfy double bed and the mood lighting were some of the features I liked. But more importantly, it resonates home from every angle.
The interior reminds me of downtown Hong Kong, turn your head right and you’d see an old Chinese house with all its patterns and elements. Turn the other way and you can’t help but notice the understated modern touch to the whole soul of the room. But it sure feels homey.
Another thing I really appreciated – the mini bar comes complimentary and it’s replenished daily. These include the Nespresso coffee machine and the bottled juice. How thoughtful.
During check-in, I had not known if the modest eatery next to the reception counter was indeed their restaurant. It was only when I went down for breakfast the next morning that I realised it’s Jin, their fine dining establishment. I cannot say much of what Jin serves during lunch and dinner, as I did not have a chance to experience, but based on how breakfast was served every morning, I can safely say that everything was fresh, tasty and comforting.
To top everything off, Charles, the guy who served me, was very helpful and downright pleasant. He, along with another waitress, efficiently served tables back to back that morning, greeting everyone with a smile and straightaway offered me coffee and checked how I’d like my eggs. 10 minutes later, he came back with a plate, and another smile, while checking if I needed anything else.
I could not help but notice how thoughtful he was, until later that day when I came back from a scorching hot day out, he offered to help carry some of my bags and handed me a bottle of chilled water. My last encounter with, again Charles, was when I checked out and he brought my luggage out to the street. That was quite a walk, let me tell you. I’d say what comes from the heart touches the heart. AMOY, your people and their service had truly touched mine.
I took this from the second story. TripAdvisor matters so much. But for the level of service offered, I begin to understand why AMOY consistently gets rave reviews.
Look for this sign when you are in Far East Square to lead you to the Hotel.
In a nutshell, I can assure you, many other Singapore hotels boast a grand lobby, opulent interiors, fancy facade, but only one or two can be associated with this level of service. So, if you’re looking for a city centre location with compact accommodation and traditional-yet-vibrant touch of heritage, AMOY can be among your shortlisted hotels. But, if you, on top of those check lists, look for heartfelt service, with the right amount of smile and assistance, then AMOY suits you best.
AMOY by Far East Hospitality
76 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 048464
Tel +65 6580 2888
