Near plenty of local restaurants and a 10-minute walk to the MRT
Smart but compact rooms with flat-screen TVs, fridges, and kettles
Guest PCs in the lobby for internet access
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Underground parking garage
In the red light district, which won't suit all travelers
No lounge or vending machines
Rooms are compact and lack wardrobes
Hotel 81 - Star is one of the chain's no-frills properties, many of which are in the Geylang district (which can be a slightly seedy part of town). It's ideal for young travelers on a tight budget, who don't mind hailing a taxi or using public transit to get into town. There are two MRT lines within a short walk, and plenty of street food to try at the Old Airport Road hawkers market nearby. The hotel itself is smart and fresh, with 206 compact rooms that include mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It's a shame there is no real lounge or vending machines, so it's worth comparing rates with nearby Fragrance Hotel - Ruby, which has both indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
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Scene
No-frills budget hotel with sharp interiors that's favored by young travelers
Hotel 81 - Star is a large, no-frills outpost that's similar to many in the citywide chain. It's a traditional building with some pretty detailing, and interiors are fresh and modern. Inside, the lobby has a contemporary style, with angular lines and a monotone finish, save for the huge wall art. While there are a few places to sit, it's not exactly made for hanging out, and the hotel is really only a clean and contemporary place to sleep at night. It's favored by a range of travelers, mostly younger couples or friend groups looking for a cheap base to explore the city.
Location
In Geylang red-light district, within walking distance of shopping, dining, and two MRT lines
Hotel 81 - Star is in the Geylang district of Singapore, a location that may not suit everyone, but has a good range of budget hotels. There are a few restaurants (and brothels) along the street, and it's a few minutes on foot to main thoroughfare, Geylang Road. The popular food market along Old Airport Road is a 10-minute walk away, as are the fresh fruit stalls around Sims Ave. There are the two MRT lines within a 10-minute walk. Aljunied -- on the East West Line -- connects directly to Raffles City downtown in 30 minutes and to the airport in just over an hour. Mountbatten is on the Circle Line, so is ideal for heading to attractions on Marina Bay -- like the ArtScience Museum and the Gardens, with a journey time of about half an hour. The Circle Line also goes directly to Bras Basah and Dhoby Gaut for the museum district and Fort Canning Park. Connections via MRT can be made for Little India too, or buses run from Geylang Road, taking about 30 minutes.
Rooms
Compact and contemporary, with mini-fridges, kettles, and TVs, plus small shower rooms
Rooms -- as you might expect in a budget hotel in Singapore -- are compact. They have an unfussy Scandinavian-inspired style, with pale wood-effect walls and floors. Otherwise, there is no decor. Amenities include mini-fridges, electric kettles, safes, flat-screen TVs, bottled water, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There are no wardrobes, but there is hanging space for short garments and some coat hooks. Space-saving bathrooms mean sinks are in the sleeping area, with separate water closets for toilets and shower stalls. A few basic toiletries, towels, and hairdryers are provided.
Features
Guest PCs with internet, car park on-site and free Wi-Fi
Features at the hotel are thin -- after all, it's a no-frills property with prices to match. There are a few armchairs in the lobby and two guest PCs with internet. It's a shame there isn't a better lounge, or even a vending machine, but what with the slightly dodgy area, the main attraction here are the low rates. The on-site parking garage is a plus, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout.
