Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong – Review

The one hotel that I recommend family and friends to try at least once is The Hotel Indigo Katong, located  about 8km from the city centre. The Indigo chain from IHG is their fun brand usually located in an area with more vibe and decorated appropriately. The Indigo Katong is often rated in the top 10 hotels in Singapore.

Having lived and worked  in Singapore, I know there are lots of fantastic hotels, many that I have stayed in from the classic Fullerton Bay Hotel to the modern Intercontinental Robertson Quay further up the Singapore River. Over the years I have tried nearly all locations in Singapore.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

The Indigo is co-located with the IHG’s Holiday Inn Express. We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn a few times on shorter layovers. It’s your usual Holiday Inn Express, it just does not have the vibe or rooftop pool of the Indigo.

When you arrive at the Indigo you will notice that it has a distinctly Singapore from the 1950’s feel. Behind check in are local Peranakan tiles, and the lift lights  and foyer are lantern inspired.

Check in was friendly and efficient. They had an unusual lucky draw where everyone’s a winner. My prize was a local breakfast delicacy Kaya toast. As I had booked breakfast already I let that pass. I should have asked what first prize was.

I am somehow a Gold IHG member so I was also provided with a couple of drinks at the bar which was a good way to start the holiday.

The rooms are gorgeous. We had room 701, an end room. When you walk into the room  the first thing you notice is the traditional 50’s influenced furniture. The wall has a mural of a local scene, and there is plenty of space to spread out. The views across Joo Chiat and Katong are wonderful thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. 

There is an unusual washbasin inspired by tin enamel wear and a sewing machine table. 

If you want you can soak your feet after  big days touring. They provide bath salts,  a traditional plastic tub and towel. 

They are  complimentary traditional sweets to top things off. Our favourite was the old-fashioned milk chews. Demolishing our daily allowance. 

The Pool

When I stay in a hotel in Singapore I have three key metrics: Location, Pool and Price. Sometimes I include breakfast, however Singapore has so many great local breakfast choices.

When it comes to pools there are the classics such as Marina Bay Sands or the Fullerton, however the pool at the Hotel Indigo is one of my favourites. 

The rooftop pool overlooks the low rise of Katong and Joo Chiat across to the high rises in the distance. Get there for sunset and watch the suburbs come alive with their night lights.

Unlike many other hotels the pool is not actively manned which means you can even do a cheeky BYO. As we had a room credit we had a wine and negroni delivered to the top. 

On the same level as the pool is the Gym. On Sundays they have Yoga at the Gym, I was tempted but had so much to do. Maybe next time.

Unlike many other hotels the pool is not actively manned which means you can even do a cheeky BYO. As we had a room credit we had a wine and negroni delivered to the top. 

On the same level as the pool is the Gym. On Sundays they have Yoga at the Gym, I was tempted but had so much to do. Maybe next time.

Baba Chews Restaurant a breakfast option

Baba Chews is located on Katong Road and was a former police station. It is linked to the Hotel Indigo by a covered walkway and is the Indigo’s restaurant and bar.

Breakfast can be included in your room rate and it is a combination of buffet and order off the menu. We had local Singapore fare Kaya toast and coddled egg. Kaya is a type of jam made from sugar palm. It is paired with extra thick butter. This is my go to breakfast in Singapore. As part of Weekend special booking we had breakfast and a $60 room credit included.

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While breakfast is good, next time I will skip it and visit the Hawker Centre just 300 metres away. If you are unsure about what to eat look out for the hawkers with five star rating stickers and a queue forming. We were recommended the Duck Rice and plan to try that on our next visit.

Why visit Katong and Joo Chiat?

Whenever I travel to Singapore I rarely (read never) head up to Orchard Road or the “resort” (their words) of Sentosa Island.  One of the areas I enjoy spending time in is Katong and its next door neighbour Joo Chiat, both currently being gentrified.

Katong is famous for its painted houses, back alleys,  laksa and frog porridge (yep, it’s a thing). Its is also incredibly close to East Coast Parkway. We visited 328 Laksa which is quite famous and always full.. They really only have two items on the menu, medium laksa and large Laksa. It is a pungent spicy hot broth, unlike anything you get back home.

Once you finish your laksa  head 20 metres up the road to the Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique. They serve floral inspired icecreams in a Thyme flavoured cone (you can also get a cup). I had lychee and raspberry and it was a taste sensation.  We waited around 15 minutes to be served but it was worth it. After we had left the queue had almost doubled!

East Coast Parkway

The East Coast Parkway is a short 15 minute walk from the Indigo. To get there turn left outside the hotel, under the adjoining building to the pathway that goes past the shops. Cross the busy road at the lights and walk past the Hawker Center and Housing Development Blocks. You will then arrive at the underground pass.

East Coast Parkway is one of the Singapore green belts. Popular with cyclists, roller bladers, fishermen, Thi Chi groups and an array of local social groups. There is also a great Starbucks nearby (i just outed myself)  if you need a caffeine hit and air conditioning.

You get a great view of all the ships that are offshore waiting to be processed.

You can walk as long as you want and then just turn around and come back or better still visit the East Coast Crab restaurant. Then just get a grab taxi home.

Summary: If you want a more authentic Singapore experience try the Hotel Indigo in Katong. Give yourself enough time to explore the local area and eat the local food.