The Vagabond Club, Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

"Another haven for artists, the Vagabond Club is the first hotel in Singapore to offer an artist-in-residence program. Creatives can apply for residencies that vary in length from a weekend to two weeks, with everyone from writers, poets, and musicians invited to apply. Residents are encouraged to mingle with one another and even conduct performances at The Salon, the hotel's restaurant. Artists are also asked to leave something from their work behind for the hotel after their stay. This program has been paused until further notice." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"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

"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. It has more personality than it knows what to do with. The rooms may be a bit small in season, but they're big on 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. This isn’t a stay you’ll be forgetting anytime soon." - Audrey Phoon

"The Vagabond Club in Singapore features giant brass rhinos at reception, showcasing Jacques Garcia's lack of design restraint. The hotel is a testament to Garcia's unique and bold design approach."