The new name celebrates the rich history of the 95-year-old building and is a tribute to the key role it played in Singapore’s progress as a global business hub
SINGAPORE, 7 September 2022 – One of Singapore’s most iconic heritage buildings is being renamed to celebrate its rich history as a cornerstone of the Central Business District. Aptly called the Hotel Telegraph, Singapore, the name change of the rebranded luxury hotel is a tribute to the building’s rich history, in which it was first established as the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company building. It then became the Cable and Wireless Building and in 1995, the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore. It was also the Ogilvy Centre in 2001 and was most recently a hotel.
Viva Land Group, which finalised the purchase of the 134-room five-star hotel for $240 million this month, said the rebranding of the hotel reflects the desire of the new owners to position Hotel Telegraph as one of the most iconic heritage hotels in Singapore. The new hotel will officially open on 28 September.
Said Viva Land Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Anthony Chua: “The building played an important role in Singapore’s coming of age as an international business hub. Renaming it the Hotel Telegraph is a direct tribute to its rich history and our ambitions for history to repeat itself. “While it previously provided the foundation for the communications of a thriving city 95 years ago, we want Hotel Telegraph to also play a key role in today’s bustling Singapore, as the luxury hotel of choice for both business and weekend travellers.”
ICMI to manage hotel
Heritage hotel specialist Inverlochy Castle Management International will operate the hotel.
The Scotland-based group operates a number of castles and resorts in Scotland and the Caribbean. It also offers hotel operation management services and runs some of the best hotels in the world.
Said ICMI spokesperson Mr Norbert Lieder: “ICMI is honoured to be part of the exciting Hotel Telegraph, Singapore, journey.
“We specialise in managing luxury hotels and are excited to be working on our first Singapore project. The Hotel Telegraph building, in itself, is already an icon. What we aim to do is to further enhance the hotel’s offerings, combining exquisite service with an impeccable setting to deliver the ultimate in a luxury heritage experience.
“We are excited to work with the owners to see how we can position the hotel to complement the thriving CBD area, through events and activities, and restore the building’s status as one of the mainstays of the district.”
Something old, something new
Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
The four-storey building at 35 Robinson Road was built in 1927 and designed by F.G. Lundon, an architect from Singapore’s oldest architectural firm Swan and Maclaren. The building is just across from Lau Pa Sat, another of Singapore’s heritage icons.
Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, Hotel Telegraph offers business travellers a centrally-located home away from home in which both C-Suite visitors and junior executives can enjoy a comfortable place to rest and host business meetings.
Four MRT lines are just minutes away by foot. Key business hubs like the Marina Bay Financial Centre and Raffles Place are just a stone’s throw away.
Also located within walking distance are some of the city state’s best restaurants and nightlife, making Hotel Telegraph also a perfect place to extend one’s stay and unwind after a business trip.
Hotel Telegraph is also the perfect weekend getaway to wine, dine and party – especially during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, with the circuit park and concert venues just a 15-minute stroll away.
At the end of a long day, pamper yourself in the luxurious comfort of the hotel’s 134 rooms and suites, each designed and furnished with today’s modern traveller in mind. Each room is fitted with state-of-the-art modern amenities to ensure a restful night’s sleep for weary guests.
Hotel Telegraph will officially open on 28 September and will be part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World community. Guests can start booking their stays at thehoteltelegraph.com.
