SINGAPORE-based hospitality group Grace International soft-opened its second boutique property, The Saff, in Chinatown late last year. Occupancy has been “better than expected” so far, according to The Saff’s marketing manager Velda Mah.
Business travellers make up 30 per cent of the clientele, Mah said, adding that the 79-room hotel is working closely with online travel agencies to move its rooms, as its target market is largely the “Internet-savvy”.
“The Saff is different from The Scarlet (Grace International’s other boutique hotel),” she explained. “It is more eclectic and cultural, compared to The Scarlet’s glamorous Baroque style. The Saff is also priced lower than The Scarlet, with published rates starting from S$230 (US$186).”
Meanwhile, Grace International will close The Scarlet’s Desire restaurant for a complete overhaul. The revamped outlet will open this September as a chic bistro under a different name, and will continue to welcome corporate and private events, said Mah.
The group is also surveying North America for opportunities to take its boutique hotel business beyond Singapore’s shores.
