The Vagabond Club
"How did it strike you on arrival?The scarlet windows and doorway on the exterior of this Art Deco building only hint at what's inside: a golden rhino, a floor-to-ceiling bronze tree, a baboon (sculpture) overseeing the bar. What’s the crowd like?Jetsetters tired of the usual cookie-cutter accommodations, boutique hotel fans, lovers of over-the-top design. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.My attic-level, skylit Junior Executive Club Suite was small in size, but big in character. The shabby-chic boudoir was decorated with sultry red touches like a velvet bed bench and an Oriental folding screen. The bedside lamps were shackled to the walls – a naughty touch. Yup, this is not your grandmother’s attic. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The king-sized Rosewood mattress, goose-down comforter and 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets made it very difficult to get out of bed. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The selection of arthouse movies is a fitting extra in this arty Parisian play, as is the mini-bar of bespoke spirits. I may have stashed the Roberts Radio in hand-sewn Scottish leather in my bag… Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Surprise! The bathroom is behind the leather-and-fabric folding screen, with separate toilet and shower. The vixenish theme continues here, with the shower stall tiled with red glass mosaic. The Etro products are a classy – if slightly staid – touch. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?High-speed and free. Anything stand out about other services and features?The in-house Bar Vagabond showcases guest DJs and the occasional themed party night. There’s no restaurant in the hotel – the food comes from an Asian-fusion restaurant outside the hotel. What was most memorable about your stay?The golden rhino in the lobby. Wait, maybe the bronze baboon. Or the bizarre metal tree… Bottom line: worth it?The interiors are whimsical and wonderful, the service is great, the location is hip. This isn’t a stay you’ll be forgetting anytime soon." - Audrey Phoon
