klapsons Singapore: Clapping for klapsons

During my travels in the region, I have come across some of the most hospitable service touch points out there. While Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia are renowned for refined arts of hospitality service, I certainly did not expect to write an experience that is beyond excellent when I checked in at klapsons Singapore recently.

The hotel is considered petite, thanks to the 17 rooms they have on-site, but it’s not necessarily unfriendly for the claustrophobic. On the other hand, the impressive lobby is spacious and it right away tells me that I’m in for a design-inspired stay. The giant ball I saw upon entering the lobby was visually striking and as I peeked inside, it turns out to be the reception area. You wouldn’t miss it from afar. It is perhaps my most favourite spot in the whole hotel; you’ll understand why.

Servicing only a handful of rooms made me assume that somehow the hotel would only have one staff at the whole lobby. I was wrong. Two ladies greeted me inside the giant pod reception area. I arrived early in the morning from a scorching hot Singapore weather that day and I enjoyed a different kind of warmth from the lovely Front Office Manager named Ratna, a true asset of the hotel. Check-in was a breeze with Ratna orchestrating the whole ambiance as she went on explaining about the Happy Plugs earphones and sound products they are offering, which are also available in the room. I also went looking for some nearby local food and Ratna’s recommendation was spot on.

The room I stayed in was The Oasis. klapsons Singapore only has four room categories and Oasis is the next category out of two room types. Suites were booked out on the day of my arrival so that is something to look out for if you ever stay at this hotel.

Like an oasis, The Oasis is a 45 sqm precious sanctuary with its own resort-style balcony. The whole Warhol-ish impression I had from the exceptional lobby moved on to this room with its rather witty design of an open-concept shower and vibrant colours. Lest you fear a lack of privacy, the open-concept shower is smartly built with a separator so if you are staying with another person, you will be fine. A walkway to the bed separates the bathroom from the bidet-style toilet. I absolutely adored the buttons on the wall allowing me to control the whole ambiance of the room. This includes if and when I wanted to listen to music during a bath.

I was impressed with the Chopard set of toiletries. It was the very first time I encountered this luxury brand in a hotel anywhere in the world. I somehow miss the refreshing citrus note from the set. Also conveniently replenished every day was my tea bags from The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.

The hotel was renovating its restaurant and bar during my stay. Breakfast was conveniently served at Lucas Deli located at the lobby. I experienced no lapses in service whatsoever. The idea of having breakfast at the lobby got me into a on-the-go mood as I saw cars and people pass by. Exactly how I wanted to start my day with if I were staying for business.

In a nutshell, a stay at klapsons Singapore was a much-needed respite. Its location is unbeatable, being a mere 10-minute walk from the nearest MRT station (Tanjong Pagar) and literally in the heart of CBD with walking distance to Chinatown and popular food centres. The staff and the level of service are highly commendable. Some hotels are memorable, some are extraordinary. Then there is klapsons, which deserves a sincere big round of applause.