The newest lyf property in Singapore blends vibrant and high quality co-living with excellent convenience for accessing heritage and lifestyle attractions
Location: In the heart of buzzing Chinatown
The 90-key property occupies a row of conserved shophouses and a new-build wing, and boasts a location that is within stone’s throw from two MRT train stations serving different lines. This makes the hotel a convenient base from which to explore Singapore.
Its location in Chinatown is also stellar for experiencing iconic heritage landmarks in an area where Singapore’s early migrants – both the Chulia community, comprising Tamil Muslim immigrants from southern India, as well as Chinese forefathers – once built their lives and businesses. Trace the laneways to arrive at the Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Chinatown Heritage Centre. Keep an eye out for murals that tell the stories of the communities that once called Chinatown home.
Numerous eateries span out from lyf Chinatown Singapore, ensuring that guests will find something that whet their appetite and fit their budget.
A longer stroll away lies Ann Siang Hill Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and a collection of conserved shophouses that now house stylish eateries, cafes and bars.
Accommodation: Rooms rate high on aesthetics and functionality
lyf Chinatown Singapore is a co-living serviced apartment, which means guests are presented with opportunities to get out of their rooms and socialise across numerous shared spaces.
Apartments here are may be smaller in size than regular serviced apartments, but they rate high on functionality – expect quality bedding, smart TV, high-speed Wi-fi, excellent air-conditioning, spacious writing desk, clear lighting throughout the unit, and eco-friendly bath amenities.
There are nine room categories at lyf Chinatown, with the smallest and simplest option being the Nano Single, which comprises a single bed, ensuite bathroom, smart TV, desk, and basic room amenities such as hair dryer and bedroom slippers.
The other room types are Nano Twin, Nano Queen, Nano Queen Plus, Level Up, Level Up Plus, Side by Side, One of A Kind, One of A Kind Plus. They accommodate two guests in each unit.
Families or groups of friends can opt for the Two of A Kind or All Together Two-Bedroom room types, which are perfect for four guests in each apartment. Two of A Kind apartments feature a shared kitchenette and two bedrooms with their own bathroom. All Together units feature two bedrooms with queen beds, one shared bathroom, and a shared kitchenette.
I spent a night in a Two of A Kind unit, where two bedrooms stand across each other at the end of an elongated kitchenette. Individual keycards are issued for each bedroom, but guests have the option of leaving doors open if they so desire. Both keys will unlock the main door. Both bedrooms offer a queen bed on a raised platform with ample storage underneath, a desk, and ensuite bathroom with shower. The kitchenette in our unit is well-equipped for simple cooking: induction cooker and hood, sink, glassware, crockery, cutlery and utensils.
The décor is cheerful – brightly-lit, bathrooms sport rosy glazed tiles, and windows open up into the beautiful Unwind Social Space, which is furnished with cosy benches and dressed in adorable murals featuring the Queen’s Crepe Myrtle, a flower native to South India’s Coromandel Coast, and whimsical traveller figures.
In fact, these murals flow across lyf Chinatown Singapore, from public spaces to guestrooms, and feature recurring and familiar icons such as historic shophouses, lanterns, durians, prosperity cat, and koi fish.
I enjoyed exploring all floors of lyf Chinatown Singapore to uncover different artworks.
All indoor murals are the creation of Benedict Tay while the outdoor ones are by Lucas Goh.
Units enjoy housekeeping support: light cleaning is provided every three nights while full cleaning is conducted every seven nights
F&B: Options aplenty within steps
There are no onsite restaurants but Bond: Social Kitchen is well-equipped for residents to whip up a storm and trade beloved recipes with fellow guests. This facility comes with a spacious double-door refrigerator, stove, and utensils that guests are welcome to use. There are also several dining tables in this space that guests are free to use.
Access to a host of casual eateries and restaurants is easy from lyf Chinatown Singapore. Guests are also welcome to enjoy their take-outs back on property.
Facilities: Shared spaces that make sense
It is easy for guests to meet, connect with, and build new friendships during their stay.
This starts from the lobby’s Connect communal lounge, where guests can work, rest, socialise or dine in comfort. A traditional food cart offers complimentary nuts and tea for guests using this space.
Guests can also gather at the Attic on the fourth floor, Outdoor Courtyard on the second floor, and Collab meeting room on the second floor. The latter requires an advanced and paid booking.
For fitness buffs, lyf Chinatown Singapore offers the 24-hour Burn: Social Gym and Dip: Swimming Pool on the rooftop. The pool is an attractive spot for social media photos – it adopts a palette that brings the Amalfi Coast to mind and is surrounded by sights of old Singapore.
Service: Neighbourhood connections
One glorious advantage of staying at lyf Chinatown Singapore is the opportunity to interact with the local community through curated programmes led by the property’s well-connected ambassadors of buzz.
Guests have access to lyf Hacks, an insider guide curated by the lyf crew to help guests experience Chinatown, as well as a rotating line-up of programmes that connect guests with the neighbourhood’s culture and character. A highlight is the 1.5-hour guided Heritage Walk that introduces guests to significant landmarks in Chinatown and spills interesting fun facts – this is perfect for those who are just settling into their stay and need an informative orientation.
Throughout their stay, guests can join workshops on Chinese calligraphy, henna artistry, Muslim-friendly perfumery, and making local snacks. These activities are developed with local partners.
Verdict: Is lyf Chinatown Singapore worth a stay?
The location is stellar for experiencing a side of Singapore that is not all skyscrapers and swanky malls, while still being conveniently connected to the crucial train system that weaves through the country. Rooms are cheerful, functional and comfortable. As this is a serviced apartment, guests will need to book a minimum six nights here.
Contact details:
http://www.discoverasr.com/en/lyf
Frequently Asked Questions about lyf Chinatown Singapore
How do I get to lyf Chinatown Singapore from Singapore’s Changi Airport?
Taxi and private hire rides are easily available, and guests have the option of taking the MRT city train. lyf Chinatown Singapore is a two-minute walk from Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19) and a five-minute walk from Maxwell MRT Station (TE18).
Does lyf Chinatown Singapore have family rooms?
Apartments at lyf Chinatown Singapore welcome families and groups of friends. Pick the Two of A Kind or All Together room types, which are perfect for four guests in each apartment. Two of A Kind apartments feature a shared kitchenette and two bedrooms with their own bathroom. All Together units feature two bedrooms with queen beds, one shared bathroom, and a shared kitchenette.
Does lyf Chinatown Singapore offer breakfast?
The co-living hotel does not offer breakfast service. However, there is a shared kitchen with a spacious double-door refrigerator, stove, and utensils that guests are welcome to use. Access to casual eateries and restaurants is also convenient from lyf Chinatown Singapore.
Is there a minimum stay requirement at lyf Chinatown Singapore?
Yes, lyf Chinatown Singapore requires a minimum length of stay of six nights.
