Hotel G Singapore

Hotel G is popular with leisure travelers (mostly millennials) and business travelers who want easy access to shopping malls, attractions, and offices in the Downtown Core. Guests who enter the hotel via street level might find the layout confusing at first; the elevators to reception on the second floor are hidden in a corner, after a short flight of stairs (which may prove problematic if you have heavy bags) near the bar area of the hotel's French restaurant, Ginett. Exposed duct work, bold-colored accent furniture, and wood tones paired with concrete and bits of greenery give places like Ginett and the lobby an industrial-chic look. However, the space for the latter is small and can get packed during peak check-in and check-out times. The hotel has put a huge focus on art and design, and it's impossible not to notice some of the quirky pieces throughout the property -- some of which are actually for sale.

This hotel's location is excellent. It sits between Orchard Road and Bugis -- two of the city's biggest shopping districts -- and is surrounded by cafes, stalls selling local food, and commercial buildings. Bencoolen, Rochor, Bugis, and Dhoby Ghaut are the train stations nearby, and you can reach all four on foot in less than 10 minutes. Also within walking distance are precincts like Little India (11 minutes away) and the Civic District (15 minutes), which is where you'll find many of Singapore's museums. Other areas, like Marina Bay and Raffles Place in the Central Business District are 15 to 20 minutes away via public transit. To get to Changi Airport, it takes about 20 minutes by car, or approximately 55 minutes via public transit. 

Rooms at Hotel G are compact, with sizes ranging from 11 to 27 square meters (118 to 291 square feet). For some guests, this is a deal-breaker as some of the smaller units don't have enough room to store large suitcases. However, those checking in for a short stay might not mind the fact that bags can be stored under the beds, and in place of a proper wardrobe, there are wall hooks and bars with hangers. The hotel's 308 rooms were designed with simplicity in mind, though decor like stunning, black-framed photographs and beautiful dream-catcher inspired ceiling lights add a touch of fun and color to otherwise plain, neutral-toned rooms. All rooms come with memo boards (where you'll find your hotel FAQs answered), wall-mounted flat-screen smart TVs, and safes under the bed to save even more space. Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are by METIS -- an Australian skin and hair care brand -- and the bathrooms have walk-in showers, but they're tiny and sinks are in the sleeping area. The higher-end rooms are slightly different, with toilets and sinks in one room and showers in another. Also, the higher-end rooms come with Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV (as opposed to the 31-inch set in other rooms). Other amenities for all rooms include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB power ports, hairdryers, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Also included in all rooms are extras like free-to-download newspapers and magazines as well as smartphones with unlimited data and free local and international calls to select countries. 

There are just enough features here to make this a solid value for a mid-range property. French restaurant Ginett and burger-and-liquor bar 25 Degrees -- a concept that originated from Los Angeles -- are the hotel's on-site dining spots. Both are located at street level and offer food and drinks that are easy on the wallet. Ginett is where the buffet breakfast is held daily; the spread includes Asian favorites and French pastries, but do note that it costs extra. Ginett is also where the hotel's limited open-air communal spaces are found, though it's shared with the public and can sometimes feel overcrowded. Surprisingly, the hotel's prized gem seems to be its fitness center. Aside from being spacious and having features like six flat-screen TVs, the 24-hour space has an interior that's best described as sexy and moody. Inspired by traditional boxing gyms, the space is fitted with dark teal walls, vintage cabinets (where you'll find towels, water, and free refreshments like green apples), old-school pictures of athletes, and leather punching bags. Equipment like cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls are all available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and smartphones are handy for staying connected out in the city.