With five and six- star hotels opening almost monthly, Singapore has also taken time to think about the budget traveller. Recently, a number of boutique hotels have opened aimed at the new Flash Packers, the group of affluent, worldly backpackers who enjoy a holiday that doesn’t compromise on luxury or style.
Cutting edge design goes together with the latest technology, air-conditioned rooms, complimentary breakfasts, free beauty products, luxurious bed linen, and free Wifi. Many have entertainment rooms in which guests can relax and socialize and some even offer guided tours to the city. Here are the top new hostels offering that touch of something different.
Matchbox, The Concept Hostel
Located in the Chinatown district, The Concept Hostel has just opened this month, a hotel whose design elements are accentuated by the use of bright colours. There are 3 types of rooms, the SunKiss, Flamingo and Spring Mist with exclusive pod style dormitories and 2 entertainment areas including a sitting room and an entertainment loft furnished in designer beanbags. From S$45 per pod per night with complimentary breakfast and including Wifi.
The Wink Hostel: Opening in September 2011
Also located in Chinatown, The Wink Hotel is housed in a 3-storey pre-war shophouse with a Chinese Baroque façade. It offers queen sized pod beds with soundproof walls, air/con, anti-glare LED reading lights, luxuriously soft duvets and plenty of room for storage of belongings. There is also a café, a large kitchenette, laundry room and entertainment room with flat screen TV and internet stations. At check-in, guests receive a Smart Card programmed with their preferences and secure access to rooms and personal lockers. Opening prices S$50 per pod per night.
The Betel Box Hostel
This is an award-winning hostel located in the cosmopolitan district of Joo Chiat and it offers a unique insight into the Singapore culinary scene. The owner of the hostel, Tony Tan, organizes a ‘Foodwalk’ in the famous Geylang Serai and Katong areas, where guests can sample up to 30 dishes within a day whilst taking in the cultural sights of Singapore. This tour is priced at S$60 inclusive of all food, but not beverages.
The Sojourn Hostel
Located in the centre of the city, this is hard to beat, being five minutes’ walk from Somerset MRT and the Orchard Road shopping area. Dormitories are named after spices including Nutmeg, Lemongrass & Ginger and Turmeric & Cinnamon and the rooms range from three bed family rooms to an eight bed mixed dormitory. In addition, the hostel offers free Wifi and entertainment space. It is less than one year old and costs S$40 per night including fee Wifi.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
