An iconic mascot for the city, Singapore’s
merlion has been reconfigured into a one-of-a-kind hotel. A single, five-star
suite built around the 8m tall gleaming white sculpture, the Merlion Hotel was
conceived by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi as a key installation for this year’s
Singapore Biennale. 

Managed by the Fullerton Hotel, guests can expect the full
range of luxury suite services, which include perks such as personalized check-ins
and a dedicated butler, all while staring head-on at the massive half-lion,
half-fish statue’s face, whose mane you are welcome to stroke.

Indeed, the entire suite is scattered with other Singaporean
motifs—the wallpaper, for example, is stamped with images of Sir Stamford
Raffles and the Marina Bay Sands—and exhibitionistic guests may soak in a tub
in the minimalist bathroom facing the glittering waterfront.

This quirky little gem runs till May 15, 2011, after which the Hotel will be
dismantled and the merlion will resume its patriotic duty of spouting water
into the Marina Bay.

singaporebiennale.org