Painting The Town Red

As far as hotel design goes, Singapore is typically associated with understatement and restraint. But then, most travelers haven't stayed at the Scarlet, tel: (65) 6511 3333.

The Lion City's newest boutique hotel is a testament to the delightful surprises that sometimes occur when people with neither experience nor inhibition try their hand at something new.

Opened last month, the 84-room hotel — housed in an immaculately restored 1924 shophouse — is owned by first-time hotelier Geeson Lawadinata, and is the vision of first-time designer Michael Tan, who amazingly professes no formal design training. Not that you can tell. Extravagance is the order of the day, with Venetian crystal chandeliers, Victorian-style wall sconces, beaded lamps and gilded mirrors abounding in a space richly bathed in crimson, gold and black. Textures such as faux snakeskin, suede, silk and organza add gloriously theatrical touches, and the opulence is carried through to the restaurant, Desire.

The Scarlet's luxe in-room amenities include a gourmet minibar and a whirlpool bath. But if that's not enough, check into one of the five suites, named Splendour, Passion, Opulent, Lavish and Swank. Understated they are not.