Hotel Bencoolen @ Bencoolen Street

We chose this hotel because of the reviews and location. The only positive is the location. The lady who greeted us scowled and did not converse. We asked was the room a nice room she said it was. Wrong. Super tiny, rising damp, hair and grit on floors. When we queried was it the correct room as booked she said yes. Asked could we change told no, fully booked. Breakfast was included it was inedible. We only went the first morning out of 4. Paper plates, cups and cutlery. You exit the hotel and enter from street a door down. Staff not friendly we asked for a towel for the pool first evening. Told it was closing in 10 minutes so come back next day for towel. Room towels were threadbare and had holes. No face washers or hand towels provided. Lift super slow and creaked as if it was going to get stuck each time it was used. The TV was not working properly, reported it twice, told was fine and working as it should. Didn’t actually see someone come to check it but this could have happened when we were out, which was most of the time. The room had an adjoining room. The door was locked however the noisy neighbours were not blocked out nor asked to keep quiet. We tried ringing to ask for assistance in the middle of the night however the room phone was not working. We complained each morning. Pool although pleasant to use was in need of super maintenance. Gym was poorly appointed. Unless desperate for a room would never recommend this hotel and even then wouldn’t advise it. We did enquire at other nearby hotels to change but either booked out or over $1000 per night. All in all the staff were unconcerned at best and rude most of the time. No help or attention was offered or provided. Avoid this hotel all together.

Overall the stay experience is withing expectation. There are some minor hiccups along the way with some minor issues but nothing too serious. The hotel condition is abit worn down as compare to the pictures shown on trip.com website.This includes everything, from the reception area, to the facility and room. The room looks clean overall, but there are some areas being missed out. I still find some food bits on the floor/cabinet and the desk is have some oil stain. I have a bad experience with the reception as the way she responded to my question. Not offended, but it is not the usual response hotel staff should give to guest. A few more things to take note: -they provided luggage storage, but it is placed in a public area opposite the reception. -the lift is small. -the breakfast food selection and seating are limited. Lastly, the pricing will put you into considering this hotel, topping up with some value added item coming the room size and location, and not to mention breakfast included. Location is consider good with it being situated in the center of most major attraction. Other attractions are easily accessible with MRT. There are a few selection of MRT lines available within a short walking distance, if the nearest one requires some detour (exchanging trains).

The hotel is at a convenient location. Walking distance to all the major attractiions. The surrounding area is clean and calm.