WHAT’S IT LIKE? Quirky is the best word for this property, and it’s as close as you can get to a bohemian crash-pad in the likeness of a NewYork SoHo prototype.
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown – the older members of Singapore’s population will also recognise tha address as right smack in the city’s former red lightdistrict. (Get ready for knowing looks from elderly cabbies.) Karaoke bars and clubs are still a couple of blocks away, but this just adds to the local colour.At any rate, can anything in Singapore be actually sleazy? On the plus side, there is an array of Chinese eateries in all directions from the hotel.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 32 guestrooms, including three suites. If you suffer from claustrophobia, the Superior Single isn’t for you; better to go for any higher category. A suite is the best choice.
ROOM FACILITIES: WCs are found in the shower stalls in the single and double categories (a bit strange,we thought). Since guestrooms were hewed out of shophouses from another era, most have an awkward angularity – which the hotel management uses to display a sense of humor. So if your plasma TV faces the shower (and not the bed), and if the bathtub is in the glorious outdoors of the balcony,well, it’s all pretty much in the spirit of good fun.
BUSINESS CENTRE: None, but each room does come with free broadband services.
RESTAURANTS: Just the one: Ember,which has established a reputation for French nouvelle as quickly as the modishness of Hotel 1929. Buffet breakfast comes with the rate.
BAR: None, although there is a stylish mini lounge that shows off the proprietor’s highly interesting chair collection,which includes a barbershop chair as well as the iconic Eames plywood model.
FITNESS CENTRE: None, but since this is Chinatown, reflexologists abound as do New Age therapies in wellness boutiques down the road.
VERDICT: A combination of totally affordable rates and loads of character. It’s essentially comfortable and despite the design orientation has none of the snootiness associated with western boutique hotels. Front desk staff and the rest of the crew are attentive and friendly.
PRICE: Superior Singles start from US$71.33; Deluxe Doubles from US$95; and suites from at US$112.94. (Taken from their website.)
CONTACT 50 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089154, tel 65 6347 1929,www.hotel1929.com
Lizza G Nakpil
