Hotel 81 Dickson

In an area of town that's packed with boutique properties, there's not too much to set aside this hotel, but it still manages to provide a modern, clean place to crash at night. Features are slim here, and the hotel remains a popular pick for the area. The only common area is the spacious lobby, which tends to be quite busy with tourists (and big tour groups) coming and going. It has a few flashy touches, including a large crystal chandelier, long leather banquettes, mirrored panels, and marble walls. Still, the hotel has a decidedly in-transit vibe that suits the clientele -- mostly couples, families, and groups -- who spend most of their time out exploring and dining in Little India and beyond. 

The hotel sits on a narrow street surrounded by boutique hotels and restaurants in Singapore’s Little India neighborhood. There are two 24-hour coffee shops by the hotel, which keeps the street busy throughout the day. Restaurants, grocery stores, and shops line the surrounding streets. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, is a five-minute walk away. For a locals-only breakfast, Ya Kun Kaya Toast is only an eight-minute walk away, and comes in handy for sampling the runny eggs and kaya toast for which the city is famous. Public transportation is also readily accessible: it's a five-minute walk to Rochor MRT station and 10 minutes to Little India station. City center attractions, such as the Singapore Flyer and Clarke Quay, are 25 to 35 minutes away via public transportation or walking. Changi Airport is 20 minutes away by car, or 60 minutes by public transportation.

The 196 rooms are simple and spare, with contemporary decor that makes them a pleasant-enough budget option. White walls and bedding along with light wood laminate accents and furniture keep everything bright, and there are cheerful paintings of yellow and pink flowers above the beds. Most bathrooms are separated from the sleeping areas by panes of frosted green glass, which may not please all guests. The shower, sink, and toilet are together in one small area, and it's worth noting that most bathrooms are wet rooms, meaning that the shower lacks a curtain or door and empties into the entire bathrooms area. Hot water is also prone to running out before a shower is finished, according to previous guests.

Options include small Standard Rooms (Twin, Double, or Triple), slightly larger Deluxe Rooms, and more spacious Family Rooms. Standard Rooms lack windows, so claustrophobic travelers might want to upgrade. Family Rooms -- which have two full beds -- are much more spacious and have bathrooms with curtained shower/tub combos. All rooms are clean and come with small flat-screen TVs, electric kettles for tea and coffee, and bottled water. Some have mini-fridges. Air-conditioning comes standard, but is not individually controlled, and guests have complained of overly chilled rooms. 

The hotel's best feature is its convenient location in bustling Little India, with easy access to dining, shopping, and public transportation. However, there's not much offered on-site. The property has two computers in the lobby for guests to use, and some long leather couches for relaxing. Reception staff can help with travel assistance and laundry service, and luggage storage is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.