So, we wanted a few leisurely days in Singapore on the way to Bali, to do the shops, food etc, but I was keen on a real luxe hotel, rather than one of the big chain numbers which we have stayed in a few times. I found good rates on a local website (compared to the rates on the SLH website) and decided to book Naumi. The foyer is a funky, cool oasis on a quiet street opposite the Raffles complex. The staff were very welcoming and efficient. We booked a bigger suite with a bath/patio. The only point we marked down the hotel was the stale smell of smoke in our suite. Despite the hotel's no-smoking policy, obviously previous occupants had used the patio room to smoke in. That was disappointing for the level of the hotel, though the aircon soon moved the stale air around. The finishes in the room were great, the bathroom huge and rain shower very enjoyable. Breakfast was not in the rate and a little exy... though service was great and a tasty range. (eggs cooked to order).
A note about the front office staff - they are really great. Nothing was too much trouble -they chased down a few problems for us without a second question.
The location was very central - an easy walk to MRT. rooftop pool is the best in Singapore.
The only thing that annoyed us was that, staying for 4 days, seems to mean that the floral displays are not refreshed during the stay - just thrown out after a couple of nights (and you get the empty vase!) - the welcome tray of biscuits and nuts not renewed after day 3... and had to chase down the complimentary Fiji bottled water before bed on the final night. Its little things, but you pay a rate for each night and expect the same standard.
Anyhow, we will stay again. It was a true luxe hotel.

My wife and I are frequent travellers on the prowl for hip and chic hotels. We have been to most in the region and I really must say that the people at Naumi have the right formula.

THE EXTERIOR of the building is easily recognisable by the steel mesh facade. Most cab drivers are still unfamiliar with the place as its quite new. Luckily Seah Street is quite short, but if you mention the old Metropole Hotel, most people will respond with an aaahhhh... In terms of MRT connectivity, its a short 10 mins walk to either City Hall or Bugis Stations.

THE INTERIOR and especially its lobby is very open and spacious. A combination of granite, steel and glass is very chic,.. Cool but not Cold. I cannot help but notice that it is a head turner for most passersby walking along the street, gazing in curiosity through the glass wall along the entire lobby lounge.

THE FACILITIES are aplenty with yoga, weight and cardio rooms. However it is the pool deck that takes the cake. Its views are spectacular, looking through to the Esplanade in the short distance. However, the setting seems to yearn for a hot jacuzzi tub to complete this sexy atmosphere.

ROOM 405 is 54sqm large (which is similar to most small apartments). We had a free upgrade as occupancy rates were quite high during New Years eve. It felt like home to us during our 3-night stay, as it has all the domestic amenities like; a small kitchenette with a cool nespresso machine, fridge stocked to the brim with drinks, a study desk with FREE wifi access and FREE VOIP calls within Singapore. The large sofa could easily sit 8 guests while staring at the 42 inch plasma screen. The separate bedroom (also with an LCD TV) has a cordless phone (usable throughout the entire hotel) and a docking station for ipods.. way cool! The bath is huge, with italian Volakas marble cladded wall to wall and not to mention the provision of Aesop toiletries.... class! Did I also mention that the drinks in the fridge are re-plenished daily... FOC? Call me a FREE loader but I think small gestures like these makes guests feel welcomed and at ease. As opposed to the traditional hotels and their high charges for mini bar consumptions.

THE BAD#1...... Our NEW YEARS eve was slightly dampened as we had expected to view the esplanade fireworks from the rooftop pool deck. The staff had not informed guests that there was a private function held there, so we had to make alternative plans at the last minute.

THE BAD#2..... Sound insulation on the room walls and windows are also noticeably bad. Even with doors closed, we could hear the guests from the room across the corridor, although I must admit they were quite loud in their game of cards. Noise from the room above also penetrated into ours easily, as did the street noise from passing motorists and pedestrians talking. I had much trouble sleeping over the noise but soon learned that the free Heineken in the fridge was provided for a reason. The noise problem was quickly rectified after downing 2 bottles in a hurry.

THE VERDICT was not hard to reach. Despite the baddies, The Naumi Hotel is still a hip and chic hotel which I would highly recommend. I would put it on the top 10 list of boutique hotels in SE Asia. A definite must for the hipsters but a quiet room would be my first request upon booking.