Singapore’s one and only Kempinski property has a lot going for it. Sited within Capitol Building and Stamford House, linked heritage structures now restored to its full glory, the hotel is inextricably associated with the two building’s historical significance. Guests staying here will find that association in the interior decor (the work of late designer Jaya Ibrahim), the dining offerings, it’s identity and more.

The German five-star brand is itself a storied European hospitality provider, and that air of old-school prestige can be felt upon stepping into its property here. It’s not traditional grandiose you’ll find (there are no high ceilings nor monumental chandeliers hanging overhead), but a more muted, refined sense of elegance exuding from the architecture and the way staff (like their Kempinski’s Lady in Red ambassadors) carry themselves.

Its 157 rooms come in almost 50 different configurations spread across seven room types – from entry level Deluxe to the opulent Heritage Suite – partly due to the limitations of working within conserved buildings, and it’s a good a thing. Repeat guests will likely never see the same room format twice, and depending on whether you’re assigned a room in the Capitol Building or Stamford House, you’ll enjoy either more colonial art deco or more Victorian aesthetics.

Heritage aside, the rooms take comfort seriously with spaciousness (even in the Deluxe rooms), plush pillows, padded headboards and the snuggliest bathrobes you’ll find in a hotel here. Even the toilet bowl is fully equipped with a bidet, warmed seats and automatic night lights. Sensor-activated curtains and blinds plus wireless phone chargers complete the message: that this heritage hotel does not shy away from high-tech conveniences.

There’s no lack of restaurants and bars in and around the hotel too. Capitol Kempinski itself offers many options, starting from flagship restaurant 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, that offers up elevated, Asian-inspired comfort foods. Local cuisine is prominent here, with dishes like laksa and rendang being key highlights. Beside the restaurant is The Bar at 15 Stamford, where you’ll find German beers on tap, over 150 labels of rum (which you can purchase by the bottle at the adjacent retail space), and a dedicated Champagne bar area at the back. On the other side of 15 Stamford is an upcoming wine lounge, and finally, there’s The Lobby Lounge where you can enjoy high-tea sets and cocktails.

There are two more in-house F&B offerings – Frieda and Berthold Delikatessen – that are not found in the hotel but at the adjoined Capitol Piazza (where Capitol Theatre is) retail space. The former is an all-day diner that sports an indoor garden and day bar (just as well, since it is now where Tap used to be), while the latter is a German delicatessen and bakery.

Other amenities the hotel offers are a 24-hour gym, luxury spa, and outdoor saltwater relaxation pool all found in a cosy corner space on the fourth level (which is the top floor) of the building.