When in Singapore: Albert Court Village Hotel, repurposing historic shophouses in the heart of Little India

After a night in Landmark Village Hotel and touring the Arab quarter and Kampong Glam neighborhood, it was time to immerse in another culturally rich neighborhood of the Lion City. The next stop is a charming boutique hotel at the center of Little India—Albert Court Village Hotel.

How does the Village Hotels move a guest from one property to another? Via a trishaw. Nothing can be more exciting than that. 

The 20-minute pedal-powered trishaw ride took us around the neighborhood of Little India before making the final stop at Albert Court Village Hotel. At the same address are the impressive La Salle College of the Arts, the National Library, the National Museum, the Singapore Arts Museum, the Peranakan Museum, Sim Lim Square, and Little India. It's an area that will excite the aficionados of culture and the shopaholics. Most importantly, Little India and the growing arts subculture of Singapore are an MRT ride away from other business and shopping areas in the city.

Named after Queen Elizabeth’s consort, the Albert Court Village Hotel is another property of the Far East Hospitality Group’s Village Hotels and Residences. The hotel is a perfect fusion of the old and the new. In restored pre-war shophouses, a modern hotel was built while preserving Straits Chinese details in its design. To indulge businessmen and leisure travelers, curated appointments are integrated into the historically rich casing.

What's eye-catching indoors? Lovely indoor garden, chic crimson sofas at the reception and dining areas, twin Jacuzzis, and a vast red-tiled courtyard. 

“Situated by the open waterway of Stamford Canals, the area of Albert Court Village Hotel used to be laundry yards in the 19th century when the Indians arrived. Serangoon Road was where cows were reared for their milk. Soon after, Hindu temples were built in the area. Today, Serangoon Road is the backbone of Little India,” shared an Albert Court tour guide of Indian descent.

Mustafa is perhaps Little India's most popular destination. It's a 24-hour shopping mall that seems to carry everything anyone needs. A walking tour around Little India will bring surprises, including the only cinema in Singapore that strictly screens Bollywood films, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple dedicated to Kali, the Tekka Center's wet market, and rows of Indian food stalls and restaurants.

The food offerings in the neighborhood of Albert Court Village Hotel are not to be missed. One must not miss these: the Chai Spice Milk Tea and Singapore's famed Hainanese Chicken at Kaaraikidu restaurant; the award-winning Pineapple Tarts of Le Café Confectionery and Pastry; and the popular “taho” in Singapore of the Rochor Original Beancurd You Tiao.

After a day of exploring and dining, one will look forward to spending the sweetest time in the Albert Court Village Hotel room, where a well-deserved rest awaits. I believe the Albert Court Village Hotel suites were creates to charm and spoil their guests.