Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection

With a bold design and a ton of character, the Duxton Reserve Singapore definitely stands out in the competitive hospitality scene of Singapore.

We never miss an opportunity to stay at the beautiful properties of Autograph Collection, so when we were planning a visit to Singapore we were glad to discover Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection.

It’s a hotel rooted in local traditions, which comes through in every detail of the Duxton Reserve. It occupies a 19th-century building created as a row of shophouses in Tanjong Pagar, a low-rise district in Singapore’s Downtown. The inspiration for the hotel’s style came from the building itself, and from the colonial history of the area, when Chinese, Malay, and European influences mixed to create a hotbed of international trade, liquor distilleries, and underground activities.

Black-toned luxury

The strong character of the interior made a great impression on us as soon as we entered the hotel for the first time. The design is an uncompromising play of gold, black, and yellow, creating a feeling of sheer opulence. Soaked in a dark, brooding atmosphere, which is further emphasized by limited natural lighting, the property makes a statement with its decisive style.

The low ceilings of the rooms fit the mood. Every room is different in shape, with style varying from the monochrome duplex suites to the black-and-gold Opium suites. There is only one room set entirely in light tones — the Pearl Suite — and this is where we stayed. The property bears the hallmark of careful restoration efforts, showcasing responsible conservation principles.

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What makes Duxton Reserve Singapore Great

Duxton Reserve’s location (in the middle of the city), and the heritage building’s structure forced the hotel’s creators to limit the number of facilities. They settled on only one on-site restaurant, a decision which was quite logical, as there are many worthy dining options within walking distance. And rather than a full-on spa, the hotel offers the services of a traditional Chinese medicine doctor (who, we were glad to discover, was fully accredited).

The hotel makes up for its facility limitations with excellent service and a ton of character. We loved the a la carte breakfasts (the avocado-on-toast is excellent), or sipping cocktails on the long streetside veranda and then grabbing the super chic Tokyo Bikes (provided by the hotel) and exploring Singapore on two wheels.

The narrow offering at Duxton Reserve Singapore demonstrates confidence in concentrating on basics and making them work for this particular place.

in our opinion

Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection focuses on key luxuries and does them really well. Its stunning design speaks to luxury as a way of slowing down in a refined atmosphere.

What we love

• The design is really a standout. Moody, bold, characterful, and full of contrasts — it is a real statement against the cookie-cutter beiges and chromes of any high-rise city hotel.
• Rooms have eight categories and they differ in size and style. We liked the Nutmeg Room and loved the Opium Suite, but maybe paradoxically our favorite is the Pearl Suite (it's the only light-themed room in the hotel and the only one with a bathtub).
• The service is of very high standards
• We loved the food, especially the a la carte breakfasts, with the menu that included Avocado Toast, Chili Crab Omelette, and the local Braised Beef Noodles.
• This is a good place for tea connoisseurs. The selection is broad and refined and is curated for the hotel by the family-run Yixing Xuan Teahouse.

What you should know

• Duxton Reserve Singapore has a good location, within walking distance of many restaurants and the Tanjong Pagar MRT station. It takes a quick taxi ride to Orchard Road (best for shopping), while Central Business District is just an MRT stop away.
• Some limitations come from the hotel occupying a heritage building. There is no access for guests with disabilities, no dedicated car park, and no swimming pool (Fitness First at 100AM Mall is a few minutes away, with free access for Six Senses guests). Pets are also not allowed and the hotel is adult-oriented.
• The number of rooms is quite small. Book early!
• The interiors were designed by Anouska Hempel, a one-time "Bond girl" and now a hotelier and designer based in London.