48, Arab Street,
Singapore 199745
#GoSinga was a budget trip. 2 of us are getting married but we've bought tickets earlier and we really really really wanted to go but didn't want to spend too much. So, I challenged myself to work within a certain budget. For accommodation, I shortlisted 8 places within 6-minute walk from/to Haji Lane and we chose Shophouse the Social Hostel!
I booked directly on the hostel's
website and it was super easy. When I phoned a day earlier to remind them that we're coming, a nice lady assured me that all was in order. So I was a bit irritated to find no one minding the reception when I arrived past 2.30 p.m.
The reception desk is at a corner inside the a cafe. My friend asked one of the cafe staff where the person in charge was and told to wait. I phoned a couple of numbers listed on the sign for help but neither answered. It was less than 15 minutes before a lady showed up and apologised. They were understaffed and she was preparing the rooms upstairs.
We paid the balance of the rent plus deposit for access cards (SG$10/card) and was given a pouch containing locker keys and key cards during check-in. Then, the nice lady took us to our dorm and switched on the air-cond :D
Booking - Easy, multiple platforms available.
Rate - Affordable. SG$212 (RM583) for 4 beds, 3D2N.
Location - Very Good. The room we got wasn't noisy at all. Near plenty of halal eateries. Haji Lane is just next street, Kg. Glam/Sultan Mosque within walking distance and Bugis MRT nearby.
Dining - Breakfast included. Basic selection- bread, cereal, coffee, tea, jam & butter.
Service - Fair. Friendly staff aside from the no one manning the reception incident. Check-out was quick and efficient without incident.
Let's look at the pictures!
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Double decker beds! |
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Lockers big enough to store standard hand-luggage bag |
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My bed! And pretty Moroccan lamp |
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Shared bathroom |
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Hair-dryer, iron, "basin" and 3 bathrooms |
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Ladies' choice |
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Social Lounge |
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Social Lounge |
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Sink to wash your plates after breakfast on the Social Terrace side |
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Breakfast view from Social Terrace |
I recommend Shophouse the Social Hostel for able-bodied youngsters (stairs to climb) and people who appreciate clean, cozy accommodation in the right tourist area at affordable rates. There was even a showcase held at Social Terrace on the day we arrived. Idk if it's special but there was a table at entrance (maybe the local kids gotta pay) so the hostel is definitely the social space you want to be at to meet new people.