The Use of Urban Built Heritage for Boutique Hotels: Examples from Malaysia and Singapore

Abstract

This article examines aspects of the adaptive reuse of old buildings in historic urban districts for the purpose of boutique heritage hotels, seeking to illuminate opportunities and problems. A case study approach was employed whereby a selection of properties housed in vernacular architecture in Melaka, Penang, and Singapore were surveyed. Fieldwork was undertaken that included informal and more structured interviews with hotel owners and operators. Relevant secondary data were also analyzed. There appears to be a growing demand for and supply of boutique heritage hotels, characterized by smallness of size and distinctiveness expressed in the occupation of converted older buildings. Heritage is a key element, although it may be fused with modern design, and these enterprises have the potential to contribute to urban conservation and sustainability. Insights are afforded into the boutique heritage hotel trend within a Southeast Asian context, highlighting some of the challenges confronting both hoteliers and authorities.