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Few hotels in Singapore can say they’ve stood unchanged for over half a century. Copthorne King’s Hotel, which first opened in October 1970, is one of them. Sitting quietly at the junction of Havelock Road and Outram Road, the hotel has witnessed the city’s riverside transformation, from godowns to gleaming apartments, all while preserving its distinctive semi-circular balconies that still curve gracefully along its façade. This was my first time actually staying overnight in a place I had visited countless times for meals and gatherings. Familiar as it was, checking in still carried a hint of curiosity. What would it be like to sleep within this long-standing landmark? Arrival and Navigating the Two Wings Check-in was straightforward, and I was assigned Room 1926. I headed for the lift in the main lobby only to notice there was no button for the 19th floor. That was when I discovered the hotel’s unique layout: the Main Wing (13 storeys) connects to a Tower Wing (20 storeys) via an internal corridor. Rooms in the Tower Wing are accessed through this link, typically between the third and 12th floors. The transition from one wing to the other also reveals a subtle design shift: the Main Wing carries beige and brown tones and business-like decor, while the Tower Wing has been refreshed in calming blue-grey shades with delicate chinoiserie touches. On the third floor, between both wings, lies a simple white coin-operated laundry area—a minimalist, almost meditative “pause” in contrast to the surrounding styles. Room 1926: Signature Studio Perched at the curved corner of the Tower Wing, Room 1926 is a Signature Studio, slightly larger than the Signature Rooms on the same floor. Its most charming feature is a semi-circular window area fitted with a chaise longue—a cozy perch overlooking the Singapore River. The Tower Wing was renovated in 2020, featuring soft pastel blue walls accented by a crane-and-plum-blossom artwork above the bed. Beneath the TV, a long cabinet provides generous storage space, with a compact desk positioned alongside, complete with USB charging ports for convenience. The bathroom upgrade focused on cleaner finishes and a new mirror, though its vintage “stand-over-bathtub” shower layout remains. The former shower curtain has been replaced with glass panel, but adjusting water temperature still takes a little finesse. Bath amenities now come in Christian Lacroix refillable dispensers, a shift away from single-use plastics. Complimentary bottled water has also been replaced by an in-room kettle—part of the property’s sustainability effort. A small AI assistant on the desk handles voice-activated room requests, a modern contrast to the hotel’s otherwise classic personality. Facilities and Lounge Access Guest facilities are mainly on the third floor. The Executive Club Lounge is compact and straightforward, offering a small indoor space and outdoor seating area – a feature rarely found in most hotel lounges. During the evening cocktail hour (from 5pm), light bites are modest, with two savoury and two sweet options, while alcohol drinks limited to Tiger beer and red wine from the Millennium Hotels group. A few steps away is the outdoor swimming pool, alongside a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. While modest in scale, these facilities add a gentle resort touch to what is otherwise an urban business hotel. Dining Experience The hotel houses two restaurants. On the second floor, Tien Court serves Cantonese and Teochew cuisine; once known for its Taiwanese dishes, the menu has evolved but retained a similar quiet elegance. On the ground floor, Princess Terrace remains a beloved institution among locals for its Penang-style buffet, a nostalgic favorite that has changed little over the years. Breakfast is also served at Princess Terrace. The spread is not extravagant but pleasantly diverse – Western selections, Wonton noodles, Indian pancakes, and even Putu Mayam. Location and Surroundings Facing the Singapore River, the hotel sits within easy reach of Chinatown, Tiong Bahru, and Clarke Quay. With Havelock MRT Station now just a short walk away, connectivity has improved significantly. The surrounding stretch of riverfront cafés and bars makes the area an appealing spot for relaxed evening walks. A Stay with a Sense of Continuity Copthorne King’s Hotel isn’t chasing modern trends or designer gloss. Instead, it leans on quiet continuity, maintaining its familiar structure, dual-wing layout, and signature balconies while introducing subtle updates like refillable amenities and digital guest assistance. For travellers who appreciate hotels with a sense of history, honest comfort, and a slower rhythm of hospitality, this long-standing riverside property still holds its own. It’s a reminder that longevity, when tended with care, can be its own form of luxury. 55 Years of Warm Hospitality This year marks a special milestone for Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore – its 55th anniversary. To celebrate, the hotel is offering a limited-time 55th Anniversary Staycation package (S$550++ for two nights), available from 1 October to 31 December 2025. The offer includes a two-night stay in a Signature Room, daily buffet breakfast for two, and a Penang buffet dinner for two at the much-loved Princess Terrace. For more details on booking, visit the website here.
