Singapore remains the ultimate destination for the flash packer
Singapore has seen a dramatic rise in the number of boutique hostels opening across the city throughout 2011 and this month sees the addition of the best yet.
Five Stones, which opened last month, boasts the best beds amongst Singapore hostels and is conveniently located in the Clarke Quay area within 10 minutes walking distance to the majority of the city’s key tourist attractions. Designed to provide guests with an immersive backpacking experience it will showcase themed rooms designed by local artists.
Creature comforts are aplenty here with top grade 8-inch orthopaedic and anti-dustmite mattresses, firm pillows, warm quilts and individual reading lights at each bed but despite the boutique feel beds start at an affordable S$30 per night.
Guests are also entitled to an exclusive deals and discounts scheme enabling them to benefit from discounts at tourist attractions, spas and F&B outlets across the city.
Five Stones is the latest hostel addition to Singapore that is aimed at the Flash Packer, an emerging group of affluent backpackers who are well connected, worldly and seeking a nomadic style of holiday without comprising on luxury or style. This discerning group are flocking to the city attracted by the combination of cutting edge design with the latest technology and all at fantastic prices. Recent openings across the city include;
Matchbox - The Concept Hostel
Matchbox The Concept Hostel opened in August this year in the trendy Chinatown district. Matchbox is a unique hostel combining bold design elements accentuated by the use of bright colours alongside complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary custom blended beauty products from the Singapore lifestyle brand Spa Esprit. Guests can choose from three rooms: Sunkiss; Flamingo and Spring Mist with exclusive pod style dormitories as well as two dedicated entertainment areas including a sitting room and an entertainment loft furnished in designer beanbags in partnership with Ministry of Chair, a renowned Singapore brand created by award winning designers.
From S$45 per pod per night including complimentary Wifi and breakfast. matchbox.sg
The Wink Hostel
The Wink Hostel, opened in September, is housed in a three-storey pre-war shop house with a Chinese Baroque façade. Located in the heart of Chinatown the hostel exceeds expectations in terms of design, quality and conveniences and has anticipated all the needs of this new style of traveller. The Wink Hostel has created custom built Queen size pod beds with soundproof walls, air conditioning, dedicated ambient lighting and anti-glare LED reading light alongside comfortable backrests, luxuriously soft duvets and a generous room for travellers to store their belongings.
In addition to the sleeping areas, Wink has extensive facilities including a homely café, large kitchenette, laundry room and an entertainment lounge complete with a flat screen TV, surround sound system and multiple internet stations to ensure the flash packer is kept connected throughout their stay. As part of the technological advancements in flash packing upon check-in, guests receive a Smart Card, pre-programmed with their profiles and preferences, and which authorizes secure access to rooms, personal lockers and even illuminates the guests pod creating a bespoke experience.
To celebrate its opening Wink is starting at S$50 per pod per night. winkhostel.com
Betel Box Hostel
For those seeking a more cultural exchange, the award winning Betel Box Hostel located in the cosmopolitan district of Joo Chiat offers a unique insight into the Singapore culinary scene. Owner Tony Tan organises a ‘Foodwalk’ in the famous Geylang Serai and Katong area, where guests can sample up to 30 dishes within a day whilst taking in the cultural sights of Singapore. The hostel was one of the first to open in the city and remains unique with a female only dormitory and a family room, which can sleep four people alongside communal dining areas, computer games, a library and free internet access.
From S$20 per pod including free wifi and breakfast. The Foodwalk Tour priced at S$60 inclusive of all food, beverages excluded. betelbox.com
The Sojourn Hostel
In terms of value and location it is hard to beat The Sojourn Hostel. Located in the centre, the hostel is five minutes walk from Somerset MRT and the Orchard Road shopping belt. Less than a year old, the boutique hostel offers a minimalist design with optimum comfort for the flash packer. Dormitories are quaintly named after spices including Nutmeg, Lemongrass & Ginger and Turmeric & Cinnamon with the rooms ranging from three bed family rooms to an eight bed mixed dormitory. In addition, the hostel offers free Wifi, a Business Centre alongside a dedicated herb garden and entertainment space. For the flash packer seeking to explore Singapore’s famous shopping and music offerings this boutique hostel is hard to beat. From S$40 per night including free Wifi. thesojourn.com.sg