Set in a beautiful 1926 colonial building, the hotel blends heritage charm with modern luxury, fine dining and a prime city location
One of Singapore’s most beloved hotels has just reopened as Mett Singapore after a major renovation. Formerly the Hotel Fort Canning, Mett Singapore is the first property in Asia from the newly launched Mett Hotels & Resorts hospitality brand, which already has outposts in locations such as Barcelona, Bodrum and Marbella.
Located in Fort Canning Park, smack in the heart of Singapore, the hotel is housed in a painstakingly restored building dating back to 1926. The charming colonial structure, originally constructed as the administration building of the British Far East Command, stands out for its imposing multi-column facade that seamlessly blends with the surrounding greenery.
Proximity to the park is one of the property’s main draws. It’s hard to imagine that you’re just a short drive or leisurely walk away from busy areas such as Orchard Road and the Central Business District. This level of privacy and seclusion is only to be found in the lush resorts on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, which makes Mett Singapore a great choice for those who want to be close to the action but also enjoy some quiet.
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Given the history of the structure, its new reincarnation stays close to its original design while also adding modern touches to appeal to a new generation of luxury travellers who may perceive historic properties as a tad too old school.
While heritage and history are palpable everywhere, the hotel’s common areas and 84 rooms and suites have been revamped with today’s travellers in mind. A soothing black and white palette – a nod to Singapore’s landmark “black and white houses” – dominates the hallways and airy rooms, which are bathed in natural light and offer plenty of views of the lush vegetation.
Decorated with rattan furniture and equipped with luxurious marble bathrooms, the accommodations are an elegant blend of sleek design and traditional touches. Some come with balconies and terraces that overlook the hilly park and make you feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle. There’s nothing like waking up to birdsong as you get ready to start your day.
A rarity for such a central area, Mett Singapore has two outdoor pools: one suitable for vigorous laps, the other for relaxing with a drink under a cabana. The gym, built within a recently added glasshouse, is on par with – if not better than – the best high-end fitness centres out there. A pickleball and padel court and a new wellness concept, The Longevity Suite, will follow soon. They will be available to hotel guests and members of Madison House, a private members club set to open at the end of 2026.
For those who want to see Singapore in a unique way, the hotel provides tours in a vintage-style sidecar that lets you explore the city’s historic neighbourhoods out in the open. Other touches that pay homage to Singapore’s culture include wooden boxes filled with decadent local delicacies to enjoy with a freshly prepared cocktail before you go to bed.
Foodies have a lot to look forward to. Mett Singapore is set to welcome a branch of Korean restaurant Hanu, and an Italian fine dining concept, Art di Daniele Sperindio, by the award-winning chef who has a personal connection to the hotel: he celebrated his wedding with his Singaporean wife at the old Hotel Fort Canning.
In the meantime, guests can enjoy fresh seafood and other Italian favourites at L’Amo BistrO del Mare, where dishes from the Italian coastline dominate the menu. Start with impepata di cozze (mussels steamed in fragrant wine and garlic) or le tre tartare (red prawn and caviar, tuna with capers and mayo, sea bass and mullet roe), before choosing from a selection of seafood such as lobsters and prawns from the restaurant’s inviting counter.
With plans to open a second Singapore property in the Orchard area, Mett Hotels & Resorts, which is part of Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group, is in expansion mode. The brand may still be relatively unknown but if Mett Singapore is any indication, you can expect more exciting projects from a new player set to give its competitors in the region and beyond a run for their money.
The author stayed as a guest of Mett Singapore
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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