238 Joo Chiat Road Venue Hotel the Lily, Singapore, Singapore | (618) 248-8274
Located in the Joo Chiat district in East Singapore
Colorful, heritage-rich neighborhood with lots to see and do
Contemporary air-conditioned rooms with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs
Free-to-use computers in lobby
Rates are reasonable for Singapore
Wi-Fi is free throughout
Some rooms have no windows
Rooms are small with no wardrobes or closets
Less-than-ideal location -- far from city center and train stations
Lack of on-site restaurant and other features
Complaints of thin walls and noise in hallways
Floors get wet after use in some bathrooms
Venue Hotel The Lily is a two-pearl property in Joo Chiat, a colorful east-side neighborhood that's known for its popular eateries and rich history. The boutique hotel has a fresh and modern look, and its contemporary rooms are kept compact and simple, with amenities like air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Rates are reasonable here, though there are a few trade-offs, like the hotel's location, which isn't near the city center or any MRT train stations, and the lack of on-site features, like a restaurant. Additionally, some rooms lack windows and none have dressers or closets. Guests who don't mind paying a little more and want to be based in central Singapore, with access to hotel features like a cafe and a pool, can check out Santa Grand Hotel Bugis instead.
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Scene
Sleek, minimalist hotel for easy-going leisure travelers who don't need many frills
The hotel is located along a row of charming heritage shophouses -- typical of the Joo Chiat area -- and sticks to a straightforward black-and-white color scheme with hints of gold throughout. The place is clean and well-maintained, and the elegant, sleek lobby with minimalist furnishings sets the tone for the rest of the property. There are no common areas beyond the lobby -- a drawback for those who want to spend time outside of their rooms without having to leave the hotel. Though the rooms are small, the hotel attracts all sorts of leisure travelers, including families, couples, and solo travelers, most of whom are taking advantage of the affordable rates and don't mind walking and taking cabs to get around.
Location
In Joo Chiat, East Singapore; far from main attractions and a 20-minute walk to trains
Venue Hotel The Lily is situated in the Joo Chiat district, in eastern Singapore. The neighborhood has a laid-back vibe compared to other popular parts of town like Orchard Road and Clarke Quay, and it's filled with indie stores, heritage museums, and famous local eateries. Visitors who want to reach the city center and other main attractions in central Singapore will have to find their way there by taxi, or walk to either Dakota or Paya Lebar -- the nearest MRT train stations. Both are 20 minutes away on foot. It's a 13-minute drive to Bugis for shopping, or to the Little India cultural precinct, and for places like Marina Bay and Chinatown, it takes 20 minutes. Via taxi, Sentosa can be reached in less than 30 minutes, and it's about 15 minutes to Changi Airport.
Rooms
Clean and contemporary rooms with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, though some lack windows
The hotel's 83 rooms are clean and modern, though they are on the small side, measuring between 151 to 215 square feet (14 to 20 square meters), and appear even tinier in rooms with no windows. Like the rest of the property, the interiors follow a pleasantly straightforward monochrome color scheme with touches of gold. There's a good range of room configurations, including the Family Room, which has two queen beds and additions like a bathtub. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, 40-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, hairdryers, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and in-room Wi-Fi. There are no dressers or proper closets in any of the rooms, only wall hooks and bars with hangers, so the general lack of storage space might be a deal-breaker for those with large suitcases in tow. The taupe-and-black tiled bathrooms are small and simple, with basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, and shower caps provided. Do note that the toilets and shower areas are not separated in some rooms, and the floors tend to get wet after use. Also, there have been complaints about the room's thin walls and noise from the hallway can sometimes be heard, so request for a room far from the elevators if this concerns you.
Features
Limited to free property-wide Wi-Fi and internet-ready computers in lobby
The features are slim here, but this isn't too uncommon for budget hotels in Singapore as many offer only the basics. There is no on-site restaurant and the hotel doesn't serve breakfast, but it has free Wi-Fi throughout and internet-ready computers in the lobby for guests to use. Also, the reception desk is staffed 24 hours and provides concierge services and luggage storage.
