Former Singapore military barracks becomes new Starwood hotel

Starwood has relaunched its Le Meridien brand in Singapore, following the conversion of a former military barracks on the resort island of Sentosa.

Designed by DP Architects and Super Potato, Le Meridien Singapore Sentosa is set in a restored pair of barracks which housed Southeast Asia’s first Malay artillery back in 1940. Set alongside a contemporary building, the hotel becomes the first Le Meridien in Singapore for almost a decade.

“We are excited to welcome Le Meridien back to Singapore with a property that can truly represent the new direction of the brand,” said Stephen Ho, Starwood’s president for Asia Pacific. “Le Meridien’s mission is to expose the creative-minded traveller to the most unexpected and engaging experiences, inside and outside the hotel. We are confident that we will be able to offer this distinctively memorable experience at Le Meridien Singapore Sentosa.”

Situated directly opposite Imbiah Station on the Sentosa Express monorail line, Le Meridien Singapore Sentosa offers guests access to nearby attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, the SEA Aquarium and the newly-opened KidZania Singapore.

Currently in its soft-opening phase, the property features 191 rooms and suites, including units with outdoor Japanese onsen pools and a duplex penthouse with its own rooftop garden and pool. Other facilities include a swimming pool and 243m² of function space, including a 198m² ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. Two restaurants and a bar will also be added in future.

“Le Meridien has been experiencing phenomenal growth in the past few years, thanks to its distinctive new positioning as well as a conversion-friendly strategy,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Starwood’s senior vice president of acquisition & development for Asia Pacific.

“Le Meridien continues to forge a presence in new and established markets worldwide; in 2015 alone we opened eight hotels in Asia Pacific including the brand’s debuts in… destinations such as Thimpu and Paro in Bhutan, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Dhaka in Bangladesh.”

Le Meridien Singapore Sentosa becomes the fifth Starwood hotel in the Lion City, following its existing Sheraton, Westin, St Regis and W Hotel properties. And the company’s expansion will continue next month with the opening of Singapore’s first Four Points by Sheraton hotel.