Fragrance Hotel – Riverside

The Fragrance Hotel Riverside has a corner plot on one of Singapore's notable gleaming city streets, sandwiched between a cafe and a 7/11. The tiny lobby is a welcoming space -- its white walls and contemporary red chairs create a bright, modern feel -- though it does get cramped with people and suitcases, especially at check-out times. There's a friendly atmosphere, and though there's no restaurant, the next door cafe is busy with guests. The rooftop pool is another popular hang-out spot, and a real treat in a budget hotel with such a central location. Fragrance mostly attracts couples and friends traveling through the city, due to the small rooms and limited facilities, though the family rooms also attract some young families. 

The Fragrance Hotel Riverside is in Singapore's Central Business District, just off New Bridge Road. Surrounding buildings are mainly hotels and offices, though there's a 7/11 and a Killiney Cafe next door, and some restaurants down on South Bridge Road. It's a great central spot, with shopping and dining on Clarke Quay and Boat Quay less than a five-minute walk away, and Chinatown a 10-minute walk in the other direction. The metro from Chinatown links with downtown attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands in about 10 minutes, or it's a nice 30-minute walk along the river for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot. Fort Canning Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and attractions further afield can be easily accessed by bus and metro from Clarke Quay Central, a two-minute walk across the road. It's 15 minutes by metro to historic Little India, 20 to shopping on Orchard Road, and a 25-minute trip to Sentosa Island. The airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, or around an hour via the metro from Raffles Place. 

Rooms at the Fragrance Hotel Riverside have pleasant enough decor, with a neutral color scheme and crisp white linens, though there's little storage space and the entry-level Superior Rooms lack windows. All rooms are air-conditioned and have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, hairdryers and smartphones that guests can use around the city. Unfortunately, free WI-Fi is limited to three hours and then comes with fees. Family Rooms have additional single beds, and add kettles, mini-fridges, and smart TVs with keyboards. Executive Rooms also include these extras, plus a little more floor space. Bathrooms are also compact, with no counter-space, featuring shower/tub combos, some toiletries and pump-products.

The Fragrance Hotel Riverside has a rooftop swimming pool, which is a decent length and big enough for a proper swim. The views over the city are great and there are a few loungers and a stylish cabana around the pool, plus a basic fitness room with a treadmill and exercise bike. A fifth floor outdoor terrace is a nice place to chill out, but it's not always open. There's no restaurant per se, but breakfast is served in the attached cafe, though it's worth noting the place can get a bit swamped at this time of day. They serve food all day, so it's handy, though it's not far to walk to other restaurants in the area and there's a 7/11 next door. Rooms are equipped with free smartphones for calls/internet around the city, and within the hotel Wi-Fi is good -- it's free for three hours, and then there's a fee per day. The lobby has a tourist desk, two guest PCs, and elevators to all floors. Laundry services and luggage storage can be arranged.