Tucked away in a side street behind the Raffles Hotel, Naumi combines an unbeatable CBD location with top notch service and some seriously cool design. Behind its vine-festooned, glass-and-grey-mesh facade are 73 compact but stylish bedrooms, a buzzy lobby bar, an upscale yet affordable Indian restaurant and 3 mini gyms. But the crowning glory is the rooftop infinity pool and bar, dubbed Cloud 9 (despite being on the 10th floor), where you can sip cocktails under Singapore's skyscraper silhouette.
The building emerged from its 2013 makeover, courtesy of White Jacket design, looking fresh, funky and fun. Lobbies feature contemporary artworks, including Aiman's video projection of the hotel's imaginary hostess (Naumi) composed of hundreds of city scenes. But it never takes itself too seriously. Tongue-in-cheek sayings adorn corridors and bedroom amenities ("Blow me!", says the hairdryer). The result is a place which makes you feel good from check-in to check-out.
Highs
- The service is faultless; you're greeted by name and, if rain is forecast, proffered an umbrella as you head out
- You get lots of little extras: free minibar, in-room Nespresso, Malin + Goetz toiletries
- We liked the nifty design touches, like electric blackout blinds and the bathroom sink island
- Superb, fast WiFi throughout the hotel
- Some fun detox / retox options for breakfast: Aloe Vera shots and hangover cures
Lows
- Bedrooms are quite small (26-43 sq.m.), but this is about par for Singapore
- It's not very family friendly
- The gyms are tiny and modestly equipped
- There's no spa, nor any real facilities for late checkout (only the small pool shower)
Best time to go
The dry season in Singapore is typically from February to November. December and January are classified as monsoon season with heavy rainfall, although it doesn't rain every day and is still hot and sunny. Temperatures year round range from 21C to 35C (70F to 90F).
Our top tips
Try the 'Table's Pop' at the hotel restaurant - sugar-free strawberry, coconut and chia ice cream. Yum.
No need to bring an umbrella - the hotel will provide one.
No need to bring an umbrella - the hotel will provide one.
- Design Hotel
- 73 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- Accepted
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
They may be compact, but the bedrooms have been thoughtfully designed to cosset and satisfy at every turn. There's 7-layer bedding and superb mattresses, electric blackout blinds, a well-stocked minibar (mostly complimentary), tea and Nespresso coffee, and hidden shelves containing things like wine glasses and remote controls. igeeks will be in their element, with Apple TV and "Airplay Mirroring" which lets you view your Macbook on the big screen.
Standard rooms come in creams and whites, with good views from the higher floors (worth requesting). Of the 3 categories, Habitat is the smallest at 26 sq.m.; Patio is similar but with a (rather boxy) patio; and Oasis the largest, with a bathtub.
If any of the 4 suites are available and within budget, go for it. Two are inspired by Coco Chanel, with a sophisticated cream and black palette, while the others boast Warhol-esque pop furnishings, like a red-striped armchair in the shape of a (very ample) female figure. All have a big circular bathtub tucked inside a latticed pod.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
The breakfast buffet throws some curveballs - Yakult drinks, aloe vera shots, champagne - into the usual mix of juices, eggs, cereals and hot fare. For dinner, book a table at Table, Rang Mahal's Indian restaurant on the ground floor. It's the affordable version of the same-named restaurant on Raffles boulevard, and we've heard that the sea bass curry and garlic naan are particular highlights.
On the rooftop, you'll find Cloud 9 Infinity Pool & Bar, which serves cocktails as the sun goes down against the backdrop of Singapore's skyline. Though the pool is open throughout the day, drinks start flowing from 5pm each evening until 11-11:30pm.
Otherwise, head out into the food-obsessed city. The neighbouring blocks have plenty of hawker stalls and gourmet eateries, from the nostalgic Empire Café to the iconic Raffles for a top-dollar afternoon tea or a Singapore Sling.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Shop till you drop at any of the malls nearby. Orchard Road, the main shopping drag, is just a short stroll away
- Swing by Arab Street and Bugis for outdoor markets, and boho Haji Lane where vintage boutiques meet shisha pipes and kebabs
- Stroll through HortPark for gardening inspiration: there's a Silver Garden (yes, silver plants only), a Herb & Spice Garden, a Bamboo Labyrinth, even a Fantasy section with characters from The Wizard of Oz
- Enjoy the ever-lovely Botanical Gardens and see Vanda Miss Joaquim (Singapore's national orchid) in all her glory
- Take the cable car to Sentosa, popular among Singaporeans as a quick island getaway. There are several decent beaches, an Underwater World and Universal Studios
- Pop into a local day spa for a massage or Chinese reflexology; there are lots to choose from close by
- Order a cocktail by the rooftop pool, looking out to the CBD's skyscrapers and the ‘durian’ (or Esplanade) below
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Shopping / markets
- Yoga
Kids
This hotel is aimed more at adults. There are no facilities for children, although babysitting is available on request. The rooftop pool could be dangerous for small children and the rooms have furniture with sharp edges that may not be compatible with little ones.
Babysitting:
Babysitting available by arrangement
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Naumi is in the heart of Singapore city, where the financial and shopping districts meet.
By Air:
Singapore's Changi Airport (20km) is one of the world's busiest hubs (as well as a popular stopover to Australasia and a gateway to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand), so you can fly here from just about anywhere on the planet. Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The airport is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. The hotel can arrange a transfer or you can take a taxi - see Rates.
By Public Transport:
Singapore is famous for its smooth and efficient public transport network including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) underground system; this is the cheapest option and the quickest. The nearest station to Naumi is City Hall - a 5-minute walk. On arrival check how many days you will be here and get a top-up card; it’s better value. There are also buses, which are slower but equally cheap, and fairly cheap taxis. Watch out for taxi surcharges between 5pm and 8pm, and remember there's a booking fee.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com. 
More on Getting to Singapore and Getting around
Airports:
- Singapore, Changi 20.0 km SIN
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km