Jonker Boutique Hotel

While its location right on Jonker Street is undoubtedly this hotel's best feature, the Jonker Boutique Hotel is also one of the more attractive options in the area, even if it's not quite the picture of boutique style some travelers might expect. The building’s original aesthetics were beautifully preserved during construction, and the exterior still bears distinctive, old-school pillars and an Art-Deco facade. It contrasts starkly with the more contemporary interior, beginning with a wood-paneled lobby accented by gilded sculptures and hardwood floors. Despite its flurry of details, including little pops of color and patterns here and there, the hotel does have a fairly basic look overall. That simplicity carries over into the rest of the hotel, from the hallways to the cafe. Its appeal is fairly versatile, and guests across the board, from families to couples to those craving a little historic flavor, can be found here.

The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city on vibrant Jonker Street. It’s next door to Temple Chin San Kong, and also directly across the street from the wildly popular Jonker Street Market, held during the evening from Friday through Sunday. During these periods, the street is closed to traffic, so guests with vehicles are provided an alternate entry route. The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum is a five-minute walk from the hotel, while historic Christ Church is about nine minutes away by foot. The famed Portuguese fortress, A’famosa, is just shy of 15 minutes walking distance, but in the city’s oppressive heat it may be more comfortable to take a six-minute cab ride. The airport is a 20-minute ride outside of town by car.

Rooms at the Jonker Boutique Hotel are contemporary and simple, with little vintage touches, though there is a noticeable bit of wear on everything that keeps this hotel from feeling more upmarket. All rooms have hardwood floors, along with antique-style modern furnishings and bold headboards, from statement pieces in Family Rooms to the intricate vine cutout panels seen in some other rooms. Damask, floral, and paisley print accents walls do add some character. While the hotel is in the heart of the Jonker Street action, most guests find that rooms stay quiet, though sensitive sleepers should request to be away from the road.

Standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kettles, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Standard units, known as Superior Rooms, are small, coming in at 20 square meters (215 square feet), while the Deluxe Room offers a bit more space, at 22 square meters (237 square feet). The most spacious units are the Grand Deluxe Family Rooms, which, at 35 square meters (377 square feet) include separate sitting areas. Bathrooms are clean and functional. They include walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads or shower/tub combos. They're done in snazzy black-and-white tiling and have a decent amount of counter space plus towels and toiletries. 

From the start, the hotel does its best to provide a great welcome. There’s a complimentary drink upon check-in, and guests also receive a free smartphone rental at their request. The halal Jonker Cafe is a bright, open-air restaurant that evokes a tropical feel thanks to its wooden beams, ceiling fans, and it’s a cool, relaxed option among the many restaurants along Jonker Street. Breakfast is not included in room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there’s a computer in the lobby. Private parking is also free.

Unfortunately, the other advertised recreational facilities are all located at the hotel’s sister property, Jetty Suites, which is about 10 minutes away by car (it's sadly not within walking distance). All Jonker Boutique Hotel guests are welcome to use the Jetty Suites outdoor pools, gym, sauna, putting green, and tennis and squash courts.