The building housing 88 Armenian was restored from a Straits Eclectic style colonial building, which was burnt down years ago. Now, it stands proudly with traditional wooden doors adorned with Chinese calligraphy, exposed brick walls (from its original structure), and the hotel even has decorations made out of repurposed burnt wood from its past.

Another prominent feature in 88 Armenian is the use of copper materials, a nod towards the street’s history of being known as “Coppersmith Street” thanks to the number of Malay vendors who used to set up shops on Armenian Street to sell brass and copper wares. Pictured here is the air well with copper light fixtures.

One of the suites in 88 Armenian.

Again, paying homage to copper is the Copper Bar & Restaurant. It features a delectable menu that prides itself on using locally-sourced produce to create a menu that shows off a bold reinterpretation of traditional Malaysian flavours and classic dishes. Guests with a keen eye for design will recognise the Tom Dixon Etch lamps in the restaurant flanked by the air well that brings in natural light. The bar doesn’t disappoint as well, offering a good variety of well-crafted cocktails, small-batch spirits, and a list of non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer not to indulge.

The Rodin Room is named after French artist Auguste Rodin who was widely regarded as the father of modern sculpture. His iconic works include The Kiss and The Thinker. This room measures at 519 sqft, and is decorated with contemporary fittings, an open-concept wardrobe, and copper trimmings for a seamless copper element.

The en-suite bathroom of The Rodin Room is bathed in natural sunlight, airy, and the place you’d want to have a long soak in. Luxurious materials are featured here, from the natural stone bathtub to the Gessi spa shower.

The Pearson Room is named after John Pearson, one of the finest copper craftsmen of his time. He was one of the pioneers of the Newlyn Copper style, which is the practice of beating the copper on lead and not pitch. It soon became known as the trade secret of the Newlyn School, an art colony of artists based in or near Newlyn, on the south coast of Cornwall during the 1880s until the early 20th century.