I was just having a conversation with my hotelier friends about how the standards of service in Singapore feels complacent. Throughout all the times I have reviewed hotels in Singapore this year, I didn’t feel any actual sparks while doing so. The rooms might be all nice and fancy, but most of the times, I just can’t feel the personality.

And with the whole of my heart, I am so glad – so heartwarmed even, to say that my next stay, is indeed one of the best stays I had in Singapore. I’m sorry Fullerton! You guys are the best! But for this time, The Clan Hotel Singapore beat you to it.

The Clan Hotel Singapore wasn’t on my list initially but through words of mouth, I always hear the greatest things about them so you know what? I decided to book a one-night stay! Maybe I’m a little traditional? I lean more towards verbal recommendations rather than online reviews (the irony eh?) but there’s just something about hearing it firsthand that feels more genuine to me.

And oh god, my experience here was just phenomenal.

My stay was for a birthday celebration and usually, I don’t depend on hotels to do the decorations – I love decorating everything on my own. I take joy in finding my own balloon vendor, my own baker to bake the cute cakes that I need for the celebration so of course! I arrived to the hotel with a big bag full of party supplies. Fun fact? I’m also an over-packer! I see space, I will definitely find something to squeeze in. My hands were busy! But the moment I stepped into the hotel, the concierge was so nice to offer a helping hand and as I walked through the lift lobby, he banged the gong that’s on the side to signify my entrance.

That is so cool? I already feel like a Chinese superstar. Fann Wong? The Clan Hotel revolves around the traditions and culture of the Chinese, so adding that simple element of surprise like banging the traditional gong to welcome guests in, makes the experience unique and so immersive. I was already so impressed! So many boxes were ticked.

The reception area for the hotel is located on a few levels above the ground floor. It’s so beautiful, it kinda reminded me of The Kingsman movie? It’s so quaint, traditional yet so modern at the same time. I absolutely love the high ceilings and the full-walled glass windows.

Check-in was done by Nazerah which was just genuinely pleasant. She asked if it was my first time in the hotel and shared information regarding the property, she also had small talks which I truthfully appreciate. The whole process didn’t take long, as she already expedited my room for early check-in. Thank you for that!

Other than the banging of the traditional gong, The Clan Hotel also has a tea welcoming ceremony for every guest who checks in. I’m all about experiences! I love, in fact, I adore these little unique way of welcoming guests to the hotel. It adds a little character, and most importantly, memories that you cling on even after you leave the hotel. It also shows how much you care for your guests, like the littlest details matter yes?

A designated tea-master will be in the tea lobby too to explain about the history of the hotel’s vicinity, the tea that is created, and the dessert served for the day. It was the mooncake season in Singapore, so a slice of it was prepared alongside the tea that is brewed by the tea-master earlier.

As shared previously, this stay was for a birthday celebration and I did inform the hotel team regarding that with no expectations at all. I really had no expectations of getting the room decorated because I have all that taken care of.. by yours truly!

But I was genuinely surprised when I opened the door to the room.

Rows and rows of helium balloons were filled up on the ceiling. It was the most stunning birthday decoration I have ever seen in my entire life. Usually, hotels will just serve you a slice of cake and call it a day, but this? This is so beyond. Expectations? Exceeded! It was just so beautiful.

My jaw literally dropped as I entered the room. It felt so magical. Apart from the balloons, a beautiful towel cake was also folded.

The room I booked for was a standard one but it felt very spacious. Right on the side of the room is where you can chill and lounge on the side sofa.

Here you can also enjoy the view of Telok Ayer and Chinatown. The weather was bright and sunny which I am so thankful for? Because it makes the quality all my photos sauuur good.

I love how practical the room is. Everything’s compact but designed so smartly. There’s no actual working desk, which might bother some people but for me, it wasn’t a dealbreaker. I don’t work when I’m on vacation, superstars! There’s a small area just nice enough to put your things or even perch your laptop if you really need to get something done. It’s not made for long hours of typing, but it looks good and that matters to me!

Since it was a birthday stay, the hotel also prepared a slice of cake, and my god, it came in this birdcage-looking box. I loved it. You can tell they put effort into presentation and I’m living for it.

The open wardrobe concept works really well in the space. Bathrobes are neatly placed inside, ready for you to throw on after a shower. There’s also an umbrella provided which is such a small thing but so convenient when it suddenly rains. You can tell they’ve really thought about the guest experience down to the little details.

The room comes with a coffee machine, and yes, capsules are provided, which already makes me happy but what I really love is the tea.

Since The Clan Hotel has this whole tea-inspired concept, the tea in the room isn’t just your usual Lipton or TWG. It’s actually made specially for the hotel, exclusive blends you can’t get anywhere else.

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I have seen a lot of hotel gyms that are just sad, but this one? Legit. It’s spacious, bright, and the equipment looks brand new. I don’t go to the gym, but this space makes me feel so motivated somehow. Maybe I’m just listening to Britney Spears at that moment! Work bitch?

You can tell they actually put effort into making it feel like a real gym, not just something they threw in for the sake of it. There are big floor-to-ceiling windows, so you get this great view of the city while you’re working out.

And then there’s the pool, easily one of my favourite parts of the hotel. It’s an infinity pool that overlooks the city and it’s not overly big but honestly, that’s what I liked about it. It feels calm, almost private. The view is stunning, you’re able to see all the skyscrapers and rooftops around.

It really was a great way to end my stay. It kinda encapsulates the whole feeling I had of my stay here, relaxing, beautiful and just mesmerising. I am so glad that I stayed here and the memories I have made in this hotel, with the help of the staff, is something I would cherish till forever.

If you stayed here before at The Clan Hotel, tell me about your experience! I love sharing great stories about the hotels in Singapore. In a world where service can always be complacent, it’s always nice to shine the spotlight on those that really deserve it.