YTL Hotels Adds New Stripes to Singapore’s Chinatown

YTL Hotels has announced that a lifestyle hotel located at 181 South Bridge Road, Singapore will be transformed into Hotel Stripes Singapore Chinatown, Autograph Collection, following the acquisition by YTL Hotels and a private fund managed by BlackRock (“BlackRock”).

The acquisition creates an opportunity to reposition the 304-room, 16-storey property as an upper-upscale hotel under Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, while bringing the Hotel Stripes brand to Singapore for the first time. The property will transition to new management and began its transformation on 1 October 2026.

Located at the intersection of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) and historic Chinatown, Hotel Stripes Singapore Chinatown will build on the ethos of its sister property while developing its own distinct identity. It will blend urban edge with local heritage, offering a chic, design-forward hotel that honours the neighbourhood’s rich architectural tapestry while serving the needs of the modern, tech-driven global traveller. Guests can expect thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect the storied character of Chinatown reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

“We are thrilled to expand our footprint into Singapore alongside BlackRock and deepen our long-standing relationship with Marriott International,” said Dato’ Setia Mark Yeoh, Executive Director for YTL Hotels. “The remarkable success of Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur proved beyond doubt that today’s travellers crave distinct stories and deeply localised experiences. They want to feel connected to a place, not just stay in it. Hotel Stripes Singapore Chinatown will deliver exactly that, weaving Singapore’s unique cultural narrative into a cosmopolitan hotel experience that redefines the boutique landscape in the Lion City.”

“This acquisition underscores our conviction in Singapore’s enduring appeal as a leading global business and leisure hub,” said Andrew Lee, Head of Singapore, SEA & South Korea for APAC Real Estate, BlackRock. “Together with YTL Hotels, we see a compelling opportunity to transform a prime asset into an Autograph Collection hospitality offering for modern travellers. We aim to create a distinctive boutique hospitality experience in the heart of the city for the long term.”

The acquisition marks YTL Hotels’ second major hospitality investment in Singapore alongside BlackRock in less than 18 months. It follows the purchase of the 299-unit Citadines Raffles Place in May 2025, which was subsequently rebranded as Oakwood Premier Raffles Place Singapore earlier this year.

The partnership builds on BlackRock’s local market knowledge and disciplined approach to asset repositioning with YTL Hotels’ hospitality operating and brand expertise. The latest investment builds on their established collaboration and shared confidence in Singapore’s attractiveness and resilience as a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Hotel Stripes Singapore Chinatown will join Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, a curated portfolio of independent hotels celebrated for their distinct perspectives, rich character, and design-led excellence. Through its affiliation with the Autograph Collection, the hotel will benefit from Marriott International’s global distribution networks and the powerhouse Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme, broadening its reach among international travellers and supporting its repositioning for discerning guests who value authenticity, design, and a sense of place in their travel choices.

The launch of Hotel Stripes Singapore Chinatown draws directly from the success of Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also part of the Autograph Collection. The original Kuala Lumpur location successfully captured the vibrant, urban grit and artistic pulse of the historic Heritage Row neighbourhood, appealing to modern travellers seeking authentic local narratives. Since its debut, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur has become a reference point for design-forward hospitality in Malaysia, earning acclaim for its bold architecture, curated art programme, and immersive guest experiences that celebrate the surrounding community.