sangu16
Avoid, unless you're a crime novelist looking for inspiration
Let’s start with a positive: the location is fabulous. A five-minute walk to Boat Quay gives you easy access to many of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, including the Merlion, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Little India, Raffles Hotel, and CHIJMES. Now for the property itself. This is not a hotel, it’s a very basic hostel pretending to be one. The moment we walked into reception, I had a feeling we were going to be disappointed. The lobby was dull, dark, and completely lacking any sense of warmth or welcome. The woman at reception seemed thoroughly uninterested, although thankfully another staff member eventually stepped in and was friendlier. She quickly informed us that the room was “compact” and offered an upgrade, which really translates to pay more if you don’t want the worst room available. The room itself was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and not in a good way. There were no opening windows and no natural light whatsoever. Beyond the window was just a dark access corridor, yet there were no proper curtains, only netting, meaning we had to keep the lights on constantly and anyone walking past could see directly into the room. The bed was a standard double and, to be fair, it was clean. But there was nowhere practical to hang clothes apart from a tiny rail awkwardly positioned above the tea and coffee station. The bathroom was equally ridiculous, the door wouldn’t properly close, and you had to squeeze past the main entry door just to use the sink or shower comfortably. The air conditioning sounded like a Singapore Airlines A380 preparing for take-off. The only alternative was to slowly roast in what felt like a dark, coffin-like box. Even coffins probably have more appealing interiors than the plastic faux panelling in this room. At several points during the night, death almost felt preferable. Thankfully, we only stayed one night, though I suspect the experience will haunt me for much longer. Singapore is such a beautiful city, I genuinely didn’t realise places like this still existed. Avoid at all costs unless you’re a crime novelist looking for inspiration.