The easiest way to appreciate and immerse oneself in a country’s rich heritage and storied past is to stay in a heritage hotel. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore that once operated as Singapore’s General Post Office and other government headquarters during the British colonial period is a magnificent example of heritage conservation. 

Its newly renovated Loft Suites has been crafted by hospitality design consultancy, Aston Design, to reflect the building’s provenance and neoclassical character. This was first achieved through the “retention and restoration of original architectural features, which themselves provided inspiration for the sensitive and sympathetic addition of decorative details and embellishments to the suite interiors,” says David Edwards, Managing Director of Aston Design.

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The eight double-storey suites at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore boast impressive high ceilings and spiral staircases that lead from the living room on the lower floor to the bedroom above. Each living room is adorned with double-height French doors that open up to a magnificent verandah flanked by 20-foot Doric columns, providing guests with panoramic views of Marina Bay.

The suites’ interiors adopt a contemporary take on Western colonial classicism, infused with an Eastern flair through a collection of fine oriental ceramics that complement each suite’s colour palette. The colour palettes of the Loft Suites celebrate two iconic flowers found in Singapore’s tropical climate: the pink bougainvillea and the butterfly pea.

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Four suites are adorned in pastel pink tones, reminiscent of the bougainvillea flowers that are commonly used in Singapore’s ‘garden city’ landscaping. In contrast, the other four suites feature delicate light blue hues inspired by the butterfly pea, a flower deeply rooted in Southeast Asian heritage and known for its use as a natural colouring agent in Peranakan cuisine.

Floral accents can be found throughout the suites in the form of botanical illustrations displayed in strategic locations. Celadon vases with intricate floral designs grace alcoves near the curved staircases, while beautiful planter bowls showcase live flowers that accompany the floral theme. On the upper levels, decorative jars adorned with elaborate blue floral motifs, delicate pink crackle glazes, and classic oriental patterns enhance the visual appeal.

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This East-meets-West aesthetic resulted in interiors that exude opulence and classical grandeur, befitting of the five-star luxury hotel. Meticulously chosen materials and finishes showcase exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Bespoke casegoods feature bookmatched veneers and Italian marble countertops, while elegant plaster mouldings add to the narrative.

Traditional elements subtly appear in the rich embroidery and velvets of the soft furnishings. Custom-designed carpets incorporate architectural motifs from the hotel’s facades as subtle backdrops, merging with feminine and romantic patterns to appeal to wedding clientele.

To provide guests with a nostalgic visual experience, each suite at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is adorned with specially curated photographic prints by renowned Singaporean architectural and heritage photographer Marjorie Doggett. These prints offer a glimpse into the cityscape of the 1950s, immersing guests in Singapore’s past while they enjoy their stay in the present.

Photography by Christopher O’Grady

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