Parc Sovereign Hotel – Albert St.

Set in a modern, unassuming 10-story building, The Parc Sovereign Hotel - Albert St. doesn't make much of an impression, and that doesn't change with its interiors. The narrow lobby sports a few faux baroque furnishings -- gently distressed, velvety chairs and couches with button-tufted backs -- though nothing else in the hotel particularly speaks to this theme and this area functions more as a check-in spot than a lounge. Throughout, a clean-lined, basic look of white walls and beige tiled floors keep things tasteful, but staid. During our visit, we saw a few bus loads of tourists checking in. It's ideal for this crowd, as it's a practical choice with competitive rates and a location convenient to Singapore attractions. 

Aside from rates, location is a big reason travelers book the Parc Sovereign. Shops, restaurants, public transit, and Little India are all walkable from its front door. The side road it's situated on is fairly quiet, with a residential apartment building across the street, though bars, cafes, and shopping malls are close, including a big electronic's shopping center (SimLim Square) just a two-minute walk from the hotel. The closest subway station, Rochor MRT, is just a three-minute walk, while the Little India station is a seven-minute walk. Using public transit, guests can get to most city attractions in 20 minutes or less. 

• Seven-minute walk to Bugis Street
• 12-minute walk to the National Museum
• 14-minute walk to Mustafa Center
• 18-minute walk to Raffles City
• 12 minutes to the Esplanade via public transit
• 15 minutes to Orchard Road shopping via public transit
• 15 minutes to Clarke Quay via public transit
• 17 minutes to Gardens by the Bay via public transit
• One hour to Changi International Airport via public transit 

With white walls, wood laminate furnishings, and plain tiled floors, rooms are austere but clean-lined and modern. While they're sorely missing artwork or decor offering a hit of color, textured brown accent walls do add a touch of visual interest. Rooms are surprisingly small -- even for space-conscious Singapore -- starting at just 150 square feet for entry-level double rooms, and topping out at 172 square feet for the largest Superior Family Room. Thankfully, massive windows let in plenty of natural light helping the spaces feel light and airy. Bathrooms, like the rooms, are compact and basic, with beige walls and showers covered with shower curtains. But here, too, spaces are streamlined and contemporary.

All rooms are decked out with up-to-date amenities including SMART TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mobile phones for guests to use during the length of stay, which include free internet and free calls to some countries. Safes, coffee/tea service (with electric kettles), and free bottled water add in a few more helpful extras. Bathrooms have slippers, free individual toiletries, and hairdryers. Guests can choose rooms with one queen or two twin beds. Upgraded rooms don't add much space, but everything above the entry-level Superior Room comes equipped with mini-fridges. 

Given its size, the hotel packs most of its extra property features into small spaces. There's a 7/11 convenience store connected to the hotel, as well as a small cafe where the daily breakfast is served. Breakfast, which may more may not be included in the room rate depending on your booking, consists of a serviceable buffet spread with mostly Indian options but also standards like eggs, fruit, and cereal. The cafe is open throughout the day, and also provides room service to the hotel. 

The Sovereign's narrow, mosaic-tiled pool is certainly on the small side, and it's location, tucked right next to the hotel's property wall, isn't particularly scenic. But it is clean, pleasant, and ideally shaped for swimming laps. Behind the pool, there's also a small playground area for kids, though this mostly just consists of a slide. The hotel also has a compact gym with just a few pieces of equipment, including a treadmill and elliptical.

The front desk is open 24 hours and guest find the staff helpful. Some concierge services are offered, and the hotel can arrange laundry service. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.