Hello everyone, please stay safe and healthy amid this difficult period. Let us tide over this difficult period and everything will become better than before. From my end, I have cancelled my Korea trip in March, and my family trip to Eastern Europe in May is a gone case too. Albeit feeling disappointed, safety is of our utmost importance at this juncture.
Meanwhile, my boyfriend and I took the opportunity to explore the beauty of the little red dot. Sometimes, as we get too used to staying in the city, we forget how adorable it can be and indeed, there are plenty of hidden gems that we've never paid attention to previously. Noting this is a highly sensitive period, I would like to make a few disclaimers here. Firstly, our staycations took place before the recent, sudden surge of unlinked cases in Singapore. Next, we also practiced social distancing and personal hygiene to minimise the risk of exposure. Lastly, we have been closely monitoring our health status and we are in a good state thus far.
For a start, I am going to share about the first stop of our short trip - The Great Madras. This photogenic hotel has been on my watch list since I first saw its photos on Instagram. Taking advantage of the lowered price due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, I fulfilled my wish to spend one night here. Continue reading to know my verdict on the stay!
Nearest MRT: Rochor
Cost per night = ~$120.00 for Deluxe room
(+) Highly instagrammable, strategic location
(-) Simple breakfast, small bathroom, a lot of noises at night
Let's start with the bright side of this boutique hotel! It truly lives up to its name as the most Instagrammable hotel in Singapore. We couldn't stop snapping photos because every single corner makes a picture-perfect background. And I really fancy their chic retro decor; we can hardly observe this style in local hotels. This boutique hotel offers affordable hostel options as well as rooms that come with ensuite bathrooms for those who value privacy.
We opted for the Deluxe room as it was the only room type left on the day. It's relatively spacious with a wall lined with prints of a handpainted forest. However, the tiny and squeezy bathroom was not too satisfactory. Depending on your room location (i.e. whether it faces the main street or a quieter alley), you may suffer from disturbing noises during midnight, which is not ideal for the fellow light sleepers.
Moving on to breakfast, the options include toasted bread, pastries, fried eggs, coffee and tea. Do not expect a sumptuous buffet breakfast and you will be fine. In terms of lunch and dinner options, nothing to worry about as the hotel is located near to food hubs such as Bugis, Little India and Arab Street/Kampong Glam (Singapore's Muslim Quarter). In fact, you can run your very own cultural food tour.
The Deluxe Room
The Great Lobby
Known as the hippest place in Singapore, Haji Lane houses chic fashion boutiques, quaint handicraft shops, and of course, a myriad selection of restaurants and bars. We went in the early morning to beat the crowd before the shops start their business. This place usually turns lively (and crowded) at night after people knock off works or during weekends.
Meanwhile, my boyfriend and I took the opportunity to explore the beauty of the little red dot. Sometimes, as we get too used to staying in the city, we forget how adorable it can be and indeed, there are plenty of hidden gems that we've never paid attention to previously. Noting this is a highly sensitive period, I would like to make a few disclaimers here. Firstly, our staycations took place before the recent, sudden surge of unlinked cases in Singapore. Next, we also practiced social distancing and personal hygiene to minimise the risk of exposure. Lastly, we have been closely monitoring our health status and we are in a good state thus far.
For a start, I am going to share about the first stop of our short trip - The Great Madras. This photogenic hotel has been on my watch list since I first saw its photos on Instagram. Taking advantage of the lowered price due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, I fulfilled my wish to spend one night here. Continue reading to know my verdict on the stay!
The Great Madras
Address: 28 Madras St, Singapore 208422.Nearest MRT: Rochor
Cost per night = ~$120.00 for Deluxe room
(+) Highly instagrammable, strategic location
(-) Simple breakfast, small bathroom, a lot of noises at night
Let's start with the bright side of this boutique hotel! It truly lives up to its name as the most Instagrammable hotel in Singapore. We couldn't stop snapping photos because every single corner makes a picture-perfect background. And I really fancy their chic retro decor; we can hardly observe this style in local hotels. This boutique hotel offers affordable hostel options as well as rooms that come with ensuite bathrooms for those who value privacy.
We opted for the Deluxe room as it was the only room type left on the day. It's relatively spacious with a wall lined with prints of a handpainted forest. However, the tiny and squeezy bathroom was not too satisfactory. Depending on your room location (i.e. whether it faces the main street or a quieter alley), you may suffer from disturbing noises during midnight, which is not ideal for the fellow light sleepers.
Moving on to breakfast, the options include toasted bread, pastries, fried eggs, coffee and tea. Do not expect a sumptuous buffet breakfast and you will be fine. In terms of lunch and dinner options, nothing to worry about as the hotel is located near to food hubs such as Bugis, Little India and Arab Street/Kampong Glam (Singapore's Muslim Quarter). In fact, you can run your very own cultural food tour.
The Deluxe Room
The Great Pool
While the pool is smaller than I thought, it stands as another fabulous spot for photos. The swimming pool is located at the second level, and therefore, it's only accessible for the hotel patrons with access card (and not for the diners). The hotel designers definitely knew how to grab attention by giving us a soft pink hue and chic round opening.
The Great Lobby
The iconic spot. Neon lights represent the latest hype!
The Great Entrance
I hope you don'd mind the mess behind because I like the cute pink door and "The Great Madras" sign behind, haha.
Not the perfect photo but I just want to show you the eye-catching hotel entrance. Not a joke because a lot of passerby paused for a few of glances and even took out their phones to take photos.
Attractions nearby
Tan Teng Niah Residence
Admission fee: Free
The former house of late businessman, Mr Tan Teng Niah is believed to be the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. It's a two-storey bungalow with a vibrant explosion of bright colours. And you know what that means? An ideal place for photography!
Haji Lane
Admission fee: FreeKnown as the hippest place in Singapore, Haji Lane houses chic fashion boutiques, quaint handicraft shops, and of course, a myriad selection of restaurants and bars. We went in the early morning to beat the crowd before the shops start their business. This place usually turns lively (and crowded) at night after people knock off works or during weekends.
Love the effect. :)
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