The Initial Residence

The condo-style one-bedroom with a sofa bed was really comfortable for us. It came with a full kitchen, microwave and washing machine, which were all great. The room was clean, the location was good, and the people were super friendly and helpful. It’s not especially close to an MRT station, but buses make it convenient to get around. There’s lots of good food nearby, including the large Whampoa hawker center within walking distance. We had two suggestions to make the stay quieter. A seal under the main door could reduce noise from people walking by the lift area. The chairs are also very loud when guests or housekeeping drag them across the tiled floor. They could replace the chairs, add noise-reducing pads to the legs, or put small carpets where the chairs sit. We had a great, enjoyable family stay at The Initial Residence and hope to come back soon. Thanks to everyone for the lovely hospitality. 🥰🙏

Shaw Plaza is right opposite Initial Residence, with almost everything you might need, and there’s even a theatre showing midnight movies. Public transport is really convenient, with Novena just a few stops away and a direct bus to orchard road. The neighbourhood has all sorts of eateries, from local to Asian and Western food, and a local wet market is within walking distance. The location is great, and my stay here was super good.

There’s plenty of food around and the location is convenient. AZRIEL LEE is especially friendly and thorough in their work. 👍

I stayed for about two weeks and found it a decent home away from home. The room was clean, with cleaning provided three days a week. There’s a small kitchenette with basic cutlery, a fridge, washing sponge and kettle, plus a washing machine and washing powder if needed. The central location gives you plenty of ways to get around, though the train station isn’t within walking distance. Bus 124 goes straight to Orchard, while 145 or 130 will take you to Bugis. For Novena MRT, take bus 21 or 131. Shaw Plaza is just across the road, and Zhongshan Mall is about a 10-minute walk away. There are lots of restaurants and food centres along Balestier, plus Whampoa Food Centre within walking distance. If you’re into food, explore the area, there’s also a famous old-school bakery nearby. I stayed on level 4, and there was a smell in the lift lobby. You could hear chairs being dragged from above. A foldable laundry drying rack would be handy, and it would be good to have a recycling bin and offer disposable toothbrushes on request for a more eco-friendly stay. Other than that, all good from me as a local staying in.