Nine-minute walk to metro stop and surrounded by restaurants
Contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs and kettles
Outdoor lounge area with chairs and a vending machine
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free on-site parking
Lobby area with vending machines and public computer
Luggage storage at the front desk
No on-site breakfast, restaurant, or gym
Located in Geylang's red light district (pro for some)
Rooms and bathrooms are on the small side
Reports of cleanliness issues and noisy neighbors
Fragrance Hotel - Ruby is a two-pearl budget hotel with a less-than-ideal location outside of the city center in Singapore’s red light district of Geylang. It is within walking distance of public transportation, making it a bit more attractive to some. With only free Wi-Fi and parking and a few lounge areas with vending machines, most of the focus is on the 168 rooms. They’re contemporary in style, but not entirely spotless. All offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and kettles; upper-level rooms have mini-fridges. Budget travelers who don’t want to forfeit location or amenities when visiting Singapore should also consider Fortuna Hotel. It’s located in Little India, offers breakfast, and the rooms are slightly larger.
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Scene
Contemporary hotel with few public spaces and an affordable price
Fragrance Hotel - Ruby is situated in a building with a typical modern facade of that of a chain hotel. The interior decor aims for trendy in the lobby with black-and-white tiled floors, red walls, and hanging ball lights. However, upon closer examination, it’s pretty clear that the decor is a bit tired with occasional stains or scratches on the furniture. The only public spaces are available in the lobby, which has a few tables and chairs, and in a small outdoor lounge area which has armchairs and chairs placed on a patch of artificial grass. With few amenities and common spaces, this budget hotel is absolutely for those travelers who want to spend more time out of the hotel than in it. It’s no surprise then that most guests are couples or solo travelers who don’t mind the basics or a somewhat sketchy location in Geylang's red light district.
Location
Located a 10-minute drive from the city center in Geylang, the red light district
The location of Fragrance Hotel - Ruby might not be ideal for all. For one, it sits in Geylang, the city’s red light district and this likely isn't a good choice for families. Second, it’s about a 10-minute drive from the hotel to the city center. There are, however, plenty of dining options on surrounding streets, a bus stop outside of the hotel, and a metro stop that’s a nine-minute walk away. The closest attraction is the National Stadium, a 20-minute walk away. It takes 20 minutes by car to reach Changi Airport Singapore.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and kettles
The contemporary air-conditioned rooms at Fragrance Hotel - Ruby do little to mask the fact that this is a budget hotel. They have a cramped layout in the bedroom and bathroom with a neutral color scheme, a single textured statement wall, and white beds. Rooms all come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and kettles. Safes can be requested from the lobby. Executive Double Rooms and Premier Rooms have smart TVs and mini-fridges. The bathrooms are particularly small and come with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Take note that guests have complained about cleanliness and noise issues with loud neighbors.
Features
Lobby lounge, outdoor lounge, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
This hotel has a fairly typical set of amenities for hotels in this category -- which is to say, there are very few. Travelers won’t find breakfast options here, a restaurant, bar, or gym. There are two lounge areas -- one outdoors and one inside the lobby -- with vending machines for guests to grab a snack or drink. The hotel has a public computer for guest use. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking on-site.
