The Barracks Hotel Sentosa Singapore emerged as the first-ever recipient of the Best Rated Hotel accolade at EPEA 2023
The prestigious EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards (EPEA) 2023 has introduced a novel category, recognizing a historically significant hotel property that has secured the top honor. The inaugural recipient of the Best Rated Hotel Development Award is The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, an embodiment of Singapore’s colonial history and a flagship within the Far East Hospitality group.
Hillock Green showroom site is part of the new Lentor Hills Estate, is nestled in Ang Mo Kio Planning Area
Constructed originally in 1904, this iconic property underwent a substantial transformation, emerging as a boutique hotel in December 2019. It was a labor of passion spanning nearly five years, with Far East Hospitality meticulously conceiving and refurbishing this cherished heritage site. The architectural brilliance behind The Barracks Hotel Sentosa is attributed to Laurence Liew of Arc Studio Architecture + Urbanism, while the interior design was artfully crafted by KKS International.
Situated on Sentosa Island, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa is part of a trio of hotels managed by Far East Hospitality, alongside the 606-room flagship Village Hotel Sentosa and the 193-room The Outpost Hotel Sentosa. This exceptional cluster of hotels achieved further acclaim by securing the Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conseils Immobiliers (FIABCI) Gold Award at the World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2023 in the hotel category.
The allure of colonial architecture and history is deeply ingrained in The Barracks Hotel Sentosa. It comprises two meticulously preserved heritage structures that were once integral components of the original British military outpost established in 1904. Over its remarkable 119-year existence, the property has undergone various transformations, serving as a retreat post-decommissioning, a Ministry of Education children’s camp, and subsequently a training center for the Singapore Tourism Academy.
Today, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa offers an unparalleled, ultra-exclusive hospitality experience. The refurbishment process has brilliantly reinvigorated the original architectural elements, seamlessly melding colonial aesthetics with contemporary enhancements. The outcome is an interior marked by louvered windows, timber doors, and ornate columns, all enveloped in a sumptuous dark wood palette complemented by opulent brass and leather furnishings.
With a mere 40 en suite rooms ensconced within the two-story heritage edifices, the hotel epitomizes bespoke hospitality. These accommodations comprise 33 premier rooms spanning 312 sq ft, six expansive suites covering 635 sq ft, and a 312 sq ft accessible room. Ground-floor rooms open onto private patios with direct access to the inviting swimming pool, while those on the upper level boast double-volume ceilings, exposed timber cross beams, and balconies that offer panoramic views of the pool.
The hotel is ingeniously connected to four other meticulously preserved heritage blocks, one of which has been repurposed as an events space. The remaining three house The Mess Hall, a gastronomic haven featuring renowned establishments such as the Japanese restaurant Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto, Eurasian eatery Quentin’s, and the French bistro Le Faubourg.
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa seamlessly interweaves the threads of its storied past into its contemporary fabric, creating a one-of-a-kind and immersive guest experience. The property also exudes a profound sense of locale, harmonizing effortlessly with its top-tier hospitality and overall ambiance. The property’s frontage is framed by a line of majestic palm trees, while the erstwhile parade square for soldiers stationed in the barracks has evolved into a serene verdant lawn, serving as the focal point of the entire development.
To enrich guests’ understanding and appreciation of its historical and architectural significance, the hotel offers guided tours that encompass colonial architecture and heritage highlights on Sentosa Island and the mainland, including Sentosa’s Fort Siloso, Gillman Barracks, and Dempsey Hill.
Completing the guest experience is the hotel’s signature Equerry Concierge Service, available round-the-clock, providing a plethora of services including in-room dining, dinner reservations, and laundry services.
With its exceptional restoration of a preserved heritage site and an unwavering commitment to five-star service, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa emerges as a natural choice for the Best Rated Hotel Award at EPEA 2023. The property stands as a testament to excellence in aesthetics, facilities, service, innovation, and guest acclaim, firmly cementing its place in Singapore’s illustrious hospitality history.