Nestled in jalan besar road, this hotel provides an enriching reminder of singapore’s roots.
Nestled in jalan besar road, this hotel provides an enriching reminder of singapore’s roots.
The hotel offers a change from the usual scenic views.
A walk along Jalan Besar Road will reveal Hotel Yan, a contemporary building that stands in contrast against a background of old-school architecture. The road has retained buildings with structures that were built in the 19th century, which now houses several engineering workshops, eating houses and hostels. It is on this eclectic mix that Hotel Yan’s concept was built, as Lim Kah Eng and Eileen Lim – the husband and wife duo behind the hotel – explains.
“We want to preserve the heritage of our industrial district,” says Kah Eng, the founder of Hotel Yan. Upon entering, guests are greeted with raw concrete floors and high ceilings. Mainly made of materials such as iron and wood, the interiors of the hotel harmonise easily with its industrial surroundings. Rustic furnishings such as the bar stools and bulb chandeliers in the lobby were all custom-made to fit the hotel’s concept, while details such as the engraved wordings on the concrete reception desks make for a whimsical touch. With Eileen’s prior experience in the hospitality industry, all the couple needed were the creative juices and design power of Elita Ong from Untitled Projects, who undertook the interior designing of the hotel.
Industrial-chic accents are added to the rooms – from bespoke modular racks that resemble bare pipes, to stylishly simple chairs, beds and sofas.
The rooms’ balconies face the grungy Jalan Besar streets. “It’s a change from the usual scenic views, such as those offered by Marina Bay Sands, but it’s almost like a retreat where our guests are taken back to Singapore’s early development days,” explains Eileen, who is also the director of the hotel. Guests can look forward to facilities such as laundry services and dining, soon. Hotel Yan offers 69 “specially designed rooms”, with rates ranging from $148 to $256.
“Yan” means “swallow bird” in Chinese, which personifies Hotel Yan’s guests – people from various origins who are crossing each other’s paths.
The lobby consists of a high ceiling and concrete walls. The bare-bulb chandeliers were custom-made, too.
The 226sqf Luxury Suite has a seating area, as well as a king-size bed.
The Luxury Suite features a bathtub, which showcases the detailing of the hotel’s unique facade.
Rooms with a balcony look out to the old-Singapore architecture of Jalan Besar Road.
Words were engraved on the smooth concrete slabs of the reception desk.
The industrial-style bar stools were custom-made.
HOTEL YAN IS L OCATED AT 162 TYRWHITT RO AD, TEL: 6805-1955.
