Aside from
the rate, what else should you consider when choosing a hotel in Singapore?
Obviously, there are hundreds of accommodations you can find if you plan to
visit Singapore, such as those hotels near Little India, Orchard and Geylang. Finding the most suitable hotel is
truly essential to make you stay comfortable and memorable. So, how are you
going to decide which hotel to book? Well, here are a few nuggets of advice to
help you.
If you have to choose between a high-end hotel
in a bad location and a budget accommodation in an excellent location, which
one would you pick? Choose the latter! Apart from the rate, location is one of
the most important things to consider when searching for hotels. Booking a
budget luxury hotel in an awful location only to spend most of your time and
money in long distance commute is never worth it. You’ll be wasting time and
money. A good location simply suggests that you have plenty of choices on where
to eat, have a drink, shop and to wander around within walking distance or at
least a short commute. For instance, hotels near Little India are perfect options with several dining places and
shopping districts nearby.
Is the hotel accessible by bus or MRT? Some
hotels in Singapore are within a short walking distance from the MRT stations
and bus stops while others you need to walk for a few minutes. So, you should
always check if public transportations are readily available. A couple of
blocks away from bus stops or train stations are fine, but if you need to walk
more than 20 minutes or to take a cab to get to the hotel, it’s not a good
choice.
Breakfast
In most
cases, breakfast is not included in the room rate of the hotels in Singapore.
However, there are few hotels that offer free breakfast in their packages.
Depending on the hotel, smaller hotels usually serve simple breakfast
consisting of toasts complete with butter or jam, egg omelettes, cornflakes
with milk or chocolate, orange juice, coffee or tea and fruits. Other hotels
may offer breakfast buffet with several food choices. If the hotel doesn’t
include free breakfast in their packages, make sure there are nearby
restaurants or hawker to get decent food at affordable prices.
Location
Wi-Fi Connection
Today,
wireless internet connections are pretty standard in most hotels. Without a
doubt, majority of hotel guests would want to stay connected with friends and
family back home. But Wi-Fi connections are not always free. Yes, some hotels
charge their guests for internet connection. Ironically, one and two-star
hotels usually let their guests connect to Wi-Fi for free, while few three and
four-star hotels sometimes charge for Wi-Fi connection. So, be sure to check
with the hotel whether the Wi-Fi connection is free or with additional charge.
Also note that not all Wi-Fi connections are created equal. Some hotels installed
wireless routers on every floor to make sure that all rooms are properly
reached, whilst others only have at the reception area.
Transportation
Airport Transfer
Does the
hotel offer airport transfer? Some hotels in Singapore provide free round trip
airport transfer, meaning you can score yourself a ride to and from the
airport. Meanwhile, there are hotels that can arrange for pick-up for an extra
charge, which can be practical if it’s your first time in Singapore and no one
will pick you up at the airport. Booking in hotels near Little India or within the city proper can be
advantageous since they are easy to find, but if you stay somewhere else, it is
advisable to request for airport transfer. Remember, taking a cab during the
night until dawn can be a bit expensive in Singapore since there is an
additional charge.
