Rochor, United States
Convenient and safe location near central business district
Surrounded by restaurants and close to several MTR stations
Good free breakfast with variety of Western and Chinese options
Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and up to three beds
Small outdoor pool and hot tub
Indoor bar for beer and cocktails
Simple, small gym
Noise and inconvenience from nearby construction project
Rooms are on the small side (typical of urban hotels)
Complaints about lackluster housekeeping, particularly in bathrooms
Cardio machines are dated and some are out-of-order
Located on a busy street filled with hotels, shops, and restaurants, the three-pearl Hotel Bencoolen is a reasonable option for business travelers and tourists seeking convenience and value. This 84-room budget property is straightforward with small, spare rooms and dated bathrooms that could benefit from a good scrubbing. Breakfast included in the rates is a good mix of Asian and Western choices. There's small outdoor pool and an open-air gazebo on the second floor that houses a selection of cardio machines. Construction on a new metro station directly in front of the hotel creates noise and impedes pedestrian flow during daytime hours. Travelers might want to check out One Farrer Hotel & Spa, a chic, well-priced hotel with two spas and multiple dining options.
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Scene
Dingy urban hotel in need of a style update
A narrow lobby with coffered ceilings and wood-paneled walls features a neutral color scheme of white, gray, and black. Simple decor includes a gray-and-white botanical print behind the reception desk, speckled marble floors, and a long black leather sofa. Glass doors lead to a green-tiled breakfast area with bright orange accents. A dimly lit bar has a tropical vibe that includes bamboo window blinds, raw timber paneling, and dark wood barstools and high-top tables. Surrounding exterior views are of fenced-off construction areas. Guests here range from business travelers to couples and families on a budget.
Location
On bustling Bencoolen Street, near shops, restaurants, and the Bras Basah metro station
The hotel is located on leafy Bencoolen Street in the southern section of Singapore's urban core. Travelers will appreciate its proximity to the Central Business District, the city's Bugis arts district, and the MRT train network. However, a long-term construction project on a new metro station outside the hotel (estimated completion in 2018) makes the area difficult to access, especially for cars. The Bras Basah metro station is within a three-minute walk, and a bus stop to the airport (a 75-minute trip) is within a minute's walk. The hotel is also near the restaurants, bars, and shops of Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Prinsep Place. The Marina Bay Sands Casino is within a seven-minute drive.
Rooms
Small, simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and plain tiled baths
Small, minimally-designed rooms are box-like, with plain white linens on built-in platform beds, wood-paneled feature walls, and open shelving. All feature flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea facilities, and free Wi-Fi; some come with mini-fridges. Family Rooms provide a double bed, and a single twin bed. Narrow tiled bathrooms are mostly utilitarian (though some have pink tiles and shower curtains), with small sink areas and combination tub/showers. Some rooms have interesting (though not always picturesque) views of the city.
Features
A rooftop pool and gym, free breakfast, meeting space, and free Wi-Fi
Features at Hotel Bencoolen are limited, which is to be expected from the low rates and size of the hotel. The second-floor roof space is equipped as an outdoor fitness and relaxation area, with a small but attractive mosaic tile pool, a hot tub, and several cardio machines within a shaded gazebo. The cardio machines are dated and some were out-of-order on our visit. The free morning breakfast buffet is the highlight of the features. The meal includes Western and Asian items. This smoke-free hotel has one meeting room, a small bar, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
