Friday 19 June 2015

Shophouse the Social Hostel, Arab Street

Shophouse Hostel

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!

Shophouse 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!

Shophouse Hostel
Double decker beds!

Shophouse Hostel
Lockers big enough to store standard hand-luggage bag

Shophouse Hostel
My bed! And pretty Moroccan lamp

Shophouse Hostel
Shared bathroom

Shophouse Hostel
Hair-dryer, iron, "basin" and 3 bathrooms

Shophouse Hostel
Ladies' choice

Shophouse Hostel
Social Lounge 

Shophouse Hostel
Social Lounge

Shophouse Hostel
Sink to wash your plates after breakfast on the Social Terrace side

Shophouse Hostel
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.

Overall 4 <3<3<3<3 of 5 



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