Aloft Singapore Novena officially opened in November 2023 with 781 rooms and spanning from 18 to 48 square metres across two towers – East and West. This is Marriott International‘s first Aloft property in Singapore and also the world’s largest Aloft hotel. Its debut follows the unveiling of the world’s largest W Hotel in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia, by just one month.
Hiap Hoe Limited, the owners announced in February 2023 that they would rebrand the Ramada and Days Hotel to Aloft. The Days Hotel opened in December 2012 and Ramada Singapore opened later on 18 May 2013.
With personality and passion for music as the philosophy of Aloft Singapore Novena, guests staying here will experience different music-related elements. The 2.5-metre musical notes-inspired crescendo sculpture at the hotel entrance, the menu at Yuè features dishes named after Chinese songs from the playlist and a live band performance at W XYZ on Fridays and Saturdays are just some examples.
We were first introduced to the Aloft brand when Aloft Kuala Lumpur first opened in 2013. Subsequently, I have stayed at the Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 and Aloft Gangnam in Seoul. These have given me a good brand immersion to the Aloft concept.Aloft belongs to the select hotel category, providing convenient and intelligent amenities and services to a tech-savvy and music-loving crowd. It falls under the same classification as other Marriott International select brands such as AC Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Fairfield by Marriott, and others. There are currently over 220 Aloft Hotels in 30 countries and territories.
“We are excited to grow our global portfolio and introduce the Aloft Hotels brand to Singapore. Singapore goes beyond its title as a global financial hub, as it also offers travellers a melting pot of cultures, cuisines and ideas, making it a perfect destination for a dynamic brand like Aloft. We look forward to welcoming our business and leisure travellers alike to experience Aloft’s unique spaces that are infused with a sense of connection and personality.”
Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Aloft Hotels
Video Highlights of Aloft Singapore Novena
The hotel’s Balestier neighbourhood offers many food selections, perfect for gourmands. Nearby hawker centres and coffee shops lining the streets offer renowned dishes like Boon Tong Kee chicken rice, bak kut teh, and the well-loved Long Fatt Tau Sar Piah, among others. Staying at the Aloft Singapore Novena promises a vibrant culinary experience.
Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to Novena Square, Square 2, and Velocity makes it convenient for guests to explore shopping opportunities. For those visiting for medical purposes, Mount Elizabeth Novena and Tan Tock Seng Hospital are also within close reach. The hotel provides free shuttle to Novena MRT Station.
The hotel is also connected to Zhongshan Mall which offers a supermarket, dining options and other retail options. Be sure to visit the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for some culture and history of Dr. Sun Yat Sen at his former Chinese Revolution Alliance headquarters. It is just in the backyard of the hotel,
“Primed to deliver experiences that are fuelled by an eclectic fusion of music and design, we are poised to offer unparalleled experiences in the midst of the ever-changing travel landscape. With the hotel’s strategic location, we are also ideally positioned for both business and leisure guests, allowing us to provide a dynamic and vibrant space that caters to the evolving needs of modern travellers.”
Tony Cousens, General Manager of Aloft Singapore Novena
The Rooms
Guestrooms are inspired by the lively shophouses found within the Balestier neighbourhood. These comfortable rooms feature a 55″ flat-screen television, complimentary wi-fi access and local calls, in-room coffee and tea. Basic yet functional bathrooms are fitted with a standing and rain shower.
There are numerous considerate electrical outlets and USB charging ports available, which we appreciate greatly, especially when USB-C ports are included since many smartphone and electronic device cables are USB-C.
Last November, we were hosted to a comfortable overnight stay in an Urban Guest Room overlooking the city. The room featured various amenities, including a wooden side panel by the window where guests could relax, read a book, or attend to some work tasks.
Amenities at the Aloft Singapore Novena
Swim and Work Out
Whether you’re looking to relax or work up a sweat, Aloft Singapore Novena has you covered. You can take a dip in the serene splash pool located in the West Wing or hit the RE:charge Indoor and Outdoor gym also situated in the West Wing. Additionally, there’s another RE:charge Indoor gym available in the East Wing for your convenience.
Get your Laundry Done
Self-service laundry can be a lifesaver especially if you are travelling light or staying in Singapore during a long trip. More hotels should offer the convenience of self-service laundry. We were impressed with the self-service laundry at the Hotel Resonance Taipei where the status of free self-service laundry could be monitored from the comfort of our room by checking the television.
Dining at Aloft Singapore Novena
Yuè “乐”
Yuè “乐”, which means “music” in Mandarin, is the modern Chinese restaurant at Aloft Singapore Novena, occupying the space previously held by New Ubin Seafood. Executive Sous Chef Awyeong Kin has dished out the creative contemporary twists of traditional Chinese fare on the menu that is renamed after song titles from the restaurant’s daily playlist, hoping to evoke fond memories of the yesteryears.
Read our post about the dishes we had at Yuè. We like the menu here, and its value-for-money price point. Since our first visit last November, we’ve been returning monthly with family and friends. We’re already anticipating our next gathering with friends scheduled for later in March.
21 on Rajah
21 on Rajah, the hotel’s Halal-certified restaurant, is housed in the East wing and serves up Mediterranean and Asian buffet cuisine. We had our breakfast here, which offers a selection of self-service breakfast items and stations that cook up eggs in your preferred way or a bowl of noodles cooked in a minute.
A hearty selection of breakfast items is available on the buffet spread. I was happy with the noodle and egg station. We’ll be back again another time to try out the lunch or dinner buffets here.
W XYZ bar
At the W XYZ bar, guests can indulge in creative and Instagram-worthy cocktails starting from S$23, alongside refreshing mocktails from S$12. Treat yourself to bubbly delights priced at S$26, including favourites like the Bellini, Elderflower Fizz, or the classic W XYZ Tradition crafted with brandy, Cointreau, Maraschino liqueur, and sparkling wine. The extensive cocktail menu spans four pages. The rest of the menu offers options ranging from spirits served by the glass or bottle to beers available in bottles or on draft. You can enjoy bar bites as well as coffee or tea here.
Moreover, W XYZ bar fosters local musical talent, providing a platform for performances every Friday and Saturday night. During our stay, Vivienne Wong and Caleb Tay entertained the crowd with a mix of English and Chinese pop songs, even accommodating requests from the audience.
This space is buzzing with locals as well as hotel guests as they come together to unwind.
RE:fuel by Aloft
RE:fuel by Aloft is located at 21 on Rajah in the East Wing. Grab-and-go 24/7 from a selection of flavourful light meals and drinks.
Indulge in the convenience of a canned cake, Lays potato chips, or irresistible treats like Melvados‘ Salted Caramel Brittle or Pisang Goreng Brittle. Opt for a cup of noodles if you’re craving something warm and comforting. These tempting snacks are perfect for any time of day.
Aloft Singapore Novena
Address 16 Ah Hood Road, Singapore 329982
Tel +65 6808 6846
Web www.aloftsingapore.com
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