Hotel Bencoolen at Hong Kong Street

Not worth it!

2.0

− The room was very tired and several things were falling apart. One of the towels had a stain on it. The iron was also cracked and leaked water.

Avoid, unless you're a crime novelist looking for inspiration

2.0

Let’s start with a positive: the location is fabulous. A five-minute walk to Boat Quay gives you easy access to many of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, including the Merlion, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Little India, Raffles Hotel, and CHIJMES. Now for the property itself. This is not a hotel, it’s a very basic hostel pretending to be one. The moment we walked into reception, I had a feeling we were going to be disappointed. The lobby was dull, dark, and completely lacking any sense of warmth or welcome. The woman at reception seemed thoroughly uninterested, although thankfully another staff member eventually stepped in and was friendlier. She quickly informed us that the room was “compact” and offered an upgrade, which really translates to pay more if you don’t want the worst room available. The room itself was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and not in a good way. There were no opening windows and no natural light whatsoever. Beyond the window was just a dark access corridor, yet there were no proper curtains, only netting, meaning we had to keep the lights on constantly and anyone walking past could see directly into the room. The bed was a standard double and, to be fair, it was clean. But there was nowhere practical to hang clothes apart from a tiny rail awkwardly positioned above the tea and coffee station. The bathroom was equally ridiculous, the door wouldn’t properly close, and you had to squeeze past the main entry door just to use the sink or shower comfortably. The air conditioning sounded like a Singapore Airlines A380 preparing for take-off. The only alternative was to slowly roast in what felt like a dark, coffin-like box. Even coffins probably have more appealing interiors than the plastic faux panelling in this room. At several points during the night, death almost felt preferable. Thankfully, we only stayed one night, though I suspect the experience will haunt me for much longer. Singapore is such a beautiful city, I genuinely didn’t realise places like this still existed. Avoid at all costs unless you’re a crime novelist looking for inspiration.

Poor staff attitude, much better hotels out there for the£108 we paid

4.0

So we arrived early, 0930 12/03, and asked if there was early check in but didn't expect the room to be ready so sat in the small reception area with another couple who were in the same position. The receptionist lady was very very miserable and spoke very little. We sat in reception in front of the lady for thre and a half hours. The other couple got up and asked if a room was ready at 1230 and were told no rooms were free. At 1300 the receptionist changed and a nice guy sat down behind the reception, as another third couple arrived who had arrived even earlier than ourselves, and they asked if a room was ready. It was. We asked, the room was also free. The remaining third couple asked for room and their room was also ready. Ask the rooms cleaned and ready. It transpired the lady receptionist simply couldn't be bothered and had three couples wait between 4 and 5 hours for rooms that at some stage had become ready. In spite of the large room, nice reception guy and free breakfast I cannot recommend this hotel. And that is primarily because of the awful lazy attitude of the female receptionist. For £108 a night there are much better places.

Short stay in this hotel.

4.0

Next to a building site. Atmosphere ok. Rooms basic, but called delux?? Value poor. Cleanliness needs attention. Never a 4* hotel, not really a 2*. Previous reviews were not accurate.

Avis client

8.0

Excellent location