Hotel 81 Premier Star

There’s food everywhere once you head out in Geylang, and the location is good. The room was clean and neat, with a comfortable queen bed and a nice comforter. They provided free tea and coffee, hot and cold water, and WiFi. The air con worked well, and the customer service was good. It’s a budget-friendly hotel.

The location is the thing to know upfront: the hotel is in Singapore’s red light district, with women sitting outside and brothels across from the entrance. Walking past didn’t feel unsafe to us, but I’d keep it in mind if you’re traveling with children. Getting around was manageable. It’s about a 15-minute walk to either of two metro stations, and we preferred the walk from Mountbatten. For a tight budget, the hotel was workable, though accommodation in Singapore doesn’t go far for your money. I’d look for somewhere a little better if you can, since where you stay can shape how you feel about the city. Our room was cramped, very basic, and poorly maintained. The bathroom drain sometimes smelled faintly of sewage, and the air conditioner was so loud we couldn’t sleep, though it did work. The thermostat was temperamental too. The TV had no remote of its own, only the smart box remote, but at least we could watch YouTube.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and our room was clean. There’s a bus station nearby, which was handy. We hadn’t realized before arriving that the hotel is in the red light district, and walking around at night made us uneasy. That was our oversight, but keep it in mind, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone or have children with you.

The room was cleaned and the receptionist was friendly and helpful. We stayed two nights and had a good time, even though we’d been a bit concerned about the red light district before the trip. There are men on the street at night, but nobody bothered us. The hotel is about 800 metres from the MRT and close to a bus stop. There’s no AC remote, so staff have to adjust it. Some drawbacks, but acceptable for the price. I’d recommend it for a budget trip, though you might feel safer staying with a friend.