After an eight-hour intercontinental flight and a frantic search for a carry on bag which me mum left in the overhead compartment of our plane from Australia, we stumbled into Naumi Liora’s doors looking mighty frazzled. Henny the receptionist, who was prompt in greeting us outside the entrance, was on our heels — toting our luggage in heels (Hah, take that, bellmen!). Everything was in a jetlaggy whirl, we dizzily slumped on the chairs in the empty lobby as Henny checked us in.

My weary eyes surveyed the warmly-lit space. Like in most hotels in Singapore, Naumi (pronounced nəʊ-mi) Liora’s main lobby may feel a little compact (can be only realized though when guests check out at the same time), but unlike most, theirs is heritage chic on point. Naumi Liora’s building, after all, is a cluster of old shophouses renovated into one property. They’ve successfully weaved the old and the contemporary, taking inspiration from existing vintage elements such as the Victorian floor tiles on the five foot way veranda in front of the hotel. The pattern of the tiles matches the wooden panels in the lobby and hallways.

In one corner of the lobby, just by the entrance, are mini figurine sculptures by local sculptor KY Huang. The figurines, in various forms of movement, depict the vibrant environment of Naumi Liora and Chinatown. There’s a counter that lines one wall where jars of nibbles (cookies and chips) are set for guests, available 24/7! There’s also a Nespresso coffee machine and Dilmah tea selection.

We arrived in time for Naumi120 — 120 minutes of complimentary liquor shots at the Nibble Snacks Corner from 4.30pm to 6.30pm everyday!

Because we were sane enough to remember that alcohol is not a sensible cure for jetlag, we passed up on the whiskey and headed straight to our Heritage Double Room. Our room was spacious, they managed to squeeze in a couch and even a work desk. The same wooden panels adorned the divider wall (between sleeping area and a space for the desk and mini-bar). The bed looked inviting and had five pillows. I like being overwhelmed by pillows (they knew I was coming?)! The spotless bathroom, though unexpectedly small given that the actual room is massive, is well laid out. One can still use the sink while someone’s in the shower (if you don’t mind the glass wall, that is). We had a view of Keong Saik Road, but being on the ground level meant pedestrian and traffic noise — which can be easily muffled with the ear plugs provided if you’re a light sleeper. Naumi Liora Hotel have three other rooms: Heritage Single, Quaint (no windows but with high ceilings), and Porch (with a private, alfresco terrace which overlooks Duxton Plain Park.

Naumi Liora Standard Amenities:

Minibar
Free local calls
Coffee and tea
Kettle
Hair dryer
Branded toiletries
Safe Deposit Box
Iron and ironing board, dedroom slippers (upon request)
Toothbrush, sanitary bag, shower Cap (upon request)
Ear plugs (upon request)
Access to gym

We only had 24 hours in Singapore (we were actually en route to Africa), and Naumi Liora’s location in Chinatown allowed us to maximize our precious vacation time. Restaurants and quirky/indie shops are literally at its doorstep. We wasted no time that evening and explored the neighborhood. Had it not been for our booking with Naumi Liora, we would not have ventured to this eclectic part of Chinatown. An area that will certainly get the nod from selfie-obsessed millennials me included.

Naumi Liora provided us a much-needed cocoon of comfort. We were able to re-energize for our three-flight journey to our destination in Africa. “Liora” means “my light” in Hebrew. Naumi Liora “hopes to be the glowing lamp that guides travellers back into its reassuring and warm embrace at the end of a long day”. Naumi Liora was the light that rekindled my affinity for this part of the country. It has, indeed, guided me back.

How to get to Naumi Liora: Taxi ride from Changi Airport costs about SG$25, travel time 20-30 minutes. Nearest MRT station is Chinatown Station or Outram Station.

Naumi Liora
55 Keong Saik Rd
Singapore
Tel: +65 6922 9000
www.naumihotels.com/naumiliora