Staycations in Singapore are perhaps the best alternative to traveling overseas. JW and I are addicted to staycations and we are always on the lookout for unique experiences. While we certainly appreciate well-established luxury 4-5 star hotels, there are times when we prefer to take the path less travelled.

Today, I will be sharing some staycation ideas that will invoke a sense of nostalgia by transporting you back to Singapore in the old days and are equally instagram-worthy too.

1. Kam Leng Hotel

I have always been intrigued by old Singapore architecture and shophouses. Conserved buildings are rare in Singapore, much less conserved buildings that serve as hotels. Kam Leng Hotel was established in 1927 (I bet some of your grandparents weren’t even born yet!) and was apparently a hot favourite among tourists then.

It reopened in 2002 as a heritage budget hotel (prices can be as low as $90 and below). Although it has been refurbished, the interior still reflects an old-world charm reminiscent of the 1920s. Thanks to the no-frills amenities (with the exception of a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning), the entire back-to-basics experience is pretty authentic too. I felt like I was instantly transported back to the 1920s as I walked along the dimly lit corridors, complete with peeling walls and vintage paintings.

It is not exactly the best place to go if you intend to live it up, but the rooms are neat and clean. If you love vintage decor or photography and don’t mind roughing it out just a little, you would love it!

2. Petain Road

 There are some noteworthy shophouses that you can book via Airbnb. We booked a retro themed apartment in this gorgeous 4-storey shophouse along Petain Road recently.

Every room has a different theme, but you know me, retro rocks my boat any day.

Dress from Acne Studios

The rooms are very spacious and extremely photogenic. We definitely had a very comfortable stay here. Oh and did I mention that every room is equipped with Netflix?

You can stay in and cook if you want to, or better still, pop over to the Punggol Nasi Lemak stall or the famous Lavender Wanton Noodles stall around the corner to satiate your hunger pangs. For the best coffee in Singapore, I would highly recommend The Pourover Bar at 3 Petain Road. They share the same premises as Ollella, a cafe that serves up delicious chouquettes.

3. Hotel 1929

Hotel 1929 is another heritage hotel where the old and new coexist in harmony. Located right in the heart of Tiong Bahru along Keong Siak Road, there are 32 individually designed rooms in 5 room categories. Tiong Bahru is one of my favourite districts in Singapore as there are many lovely cafes housed within conserved heritage buildings. For those of you who would love to make a trip down memory lane, you might want to consider staying here.

Image Credit: Hotel 1929

4. New Majestic Hotel

New Majestic Hotel is probably one of the more luxurious heritage hotels in Singapore. Located in bustling Chinatown, it has a strong focus on design, local culture and the Arts. Think colonial furniture from Singapore in the 1920s – 1960s, restored vintage Compton fans and a mix of designer and vintage furniture in every room. In my opinion, this is the epitome of heritage chic.

Image credit: New Majestic Hotel

5. The Scarlet Singapore

Known as Singapore’s first luxury boutique hotel, The Scarlet Singapore is housed within an original 1924 Art Deco Building along vibrant Club Street, where you’ll find specialty shops, cafes, wine bars, art galleries and antique shops. Every room is dressed in jewellery-inspired colours and evoke passion, splendour and opulence. Prefer something even more luxurious? Book one of their 5 individually themed suites!

Image credit: The Scarlet

I hope this post comes in useful, especially if you’re planning a staycation soon and wish to experience a different side of Singapore! Meanwhile, have a great weekend ahead!

*All images belong to the author, unless otherwise stated*