30 Bencoolen Singapore: The Hidden Gem You NEED to Discover!
30 Bencoolen Singapore: My (Almost) Perfect Hotel Heist! (A Review That's Almost as Messy as My Suitcase)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea… or maybe the kopi? Anyway, I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Singapore, and amongst the hawker stalls and Gardens by the Bay, I stumbled upon a little slice of heaven called 30 Bencoolen. And let me tell you, it's got me rethinking my entire travel philosophy. Prepare for a chaotic, honest, and hopefully helpful romp through my stay – consider this less a review and more a therapy session disguised as a travel blog.
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- Keywords: 30 Bencoolen Singapore, Hotel Review, Singapore Hotels, Luxury Hotels Singapore, Accessible Hotel, Family Friendly, Spa, Swimming Pool, Best Hotels Singapore, Free Wi-Fi, Bencoolen Street, Singapore Staycation, Clean Hotel, Modern Hotel, Restaurant, Bar, Fitness Center, Central Singapore Hotel
- Metadata Description: Honest review of 30 Bencoolen Hotel in Singapore. Find out about my experience with accessibility, amenities, dining, and overall service. Tips for planning your stay!
(Rambling Begins - Consider Yourself Warned!)
Okay, so let’s start with the… Accessibility. I didn't personally need wheelchair accessible features, but I’m always on the lookout for them. 30 Bencoolen actually does a decent job. The elevators are spacious (essential!), and I noticed ramps and accessible routes throughout the hotel. Always a huge plus in my book, and I’ve seen some real horror shows elsewhere. (And speaking of horror shows, have you ever tried to navigate a cobblestone street with a suitcase? It’s a nightmare, I tell you!) So, yeah, good job, 30 Bencoolen, you’re not actively trying to exclude anyone.
Food, Glorious Food (aka, My Wallet’s Nemesis)
The dining options? Oh boy. Where do I even begin? The restaurants are plentiful. They have a great Asian breakfast spread, which is a total win for me. Think dim sum, congee, and enough noodles to make my carb-loving heart sing. Their buffet breakfast is top-notch. I also had a delicious a la carte meal at the restaurant, and I swear, the presentation was almost too beautiful to eat… almost. They also cater to different dietary preferences. (And for those of us with very particular tastes, they even have alternative meal arrangements if you need them!). Oh, and did I mention the coffee/tea situation? Spot on. The coffee shop, by the way, is a lifesaver for a quick caffeine fix before a morning adventure. They also have a snack bar, just in case you're feeling peckish in between meals. The restaurant features Asian cuisine in the menu and some Western options too. And for a night stroll, try going to the Poolside bar.
Then there's the Breakfast service and the tempting Breakfast takeaway service, I might add. I am not the biggest fan of hotels that serve the breakfast in room unless I am really tired. And I have one story to tell about the Happy hour. I spent one happy hour at the Bar. Drinks were strong, the atmosphere was lively. The only downside? I almost missed my evening plans because I got so engrossed in the conversation!
Relaxation Central (Spa-tacular!)
Now, the spa… this is where things get REALLY good. After a day of pounding the pavement, my feet were begging for mercy. I dove straight into the foot bath. Then, pure bliss: a massage! They have a whole range of treatments – everything from a simple rubdown to a full-blown body wrap and body scrub experience. They have a Spa/sauna combo, too! I mean, come on! It was absolute heaven. I was seriously considering moving in. I just spent like three hours there and it almost cost me everything.
They offer other ways to relax too. Did you know they have a Steamroom? And a Sauna? I didn’t try them, but they looked tempting. A Pool with view and a Swimming pool [outdoor] are also available. Although they did not have a Swimming pool.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and Source of Minor Mishaps)
My room was, shall we say, well-equipped. Let’s start with the Air conditioning: a must-have in Singapore’s tropical climate. The Bed was extra-long, which was excellent because I’m tall and my feet usually hang off the edge… always a bad look. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, and the mini-bar was a dangerous temptation. The Free bottled water was a nice touch, especially after sweating buckets while exploring. The Bathroom was clean and modern, complete with a Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub. My room had a Window that opens, but I’m not sure why I bothered, I never actually opened it. They had a Coffee/tea maker, which, let’s be honest, is a necessity. The Desk was perfectly sized, perfect for me to do my job, which is mostly blogging. And I could go on. They basically thought of everything. I also liked all of the Room decorations.
That brings me to the imperfections. I have one story to tell. See, I was using the Internet access – wireless, which was great, but the one time I needed a desk, I had trouble setting it up. I got frustrated. And since I failed at setting up the Internet access. And then, I accidentally splashed my drink on the Carpeting.
Cleanliness and Safety: Can a Hotel Be Too Clean? (Almost)
30 Bencoolen clearly takes its Cleanliness and safety seriously. With all those hotel rooms I have been too, I always find something that I don’t like. But here I found Anti-viral cleaning products, how awesome is that? The rooms were sanitized between stays. But they were extra stringent with the COVID-19 precautions, which, let's face it, is probably a good thing. Lots of Hand sanitizer stations, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They also have options for those of us who are extra cautious - I really appreciated the Room sanitization opt-out available. And I must say, seeing all these things happening daily gave me a certain peace of mind. Also, all the Rooms sanitized between stays are a big plus in my book. I can't comment much about the Hygiene certification, but I'm pretty sure they had one. The Individually-wrapped food options didn't hurt either.
The Quirky Bits (and the Stuff I Really Liked)
- The Staff: Honestly, they were amazing. Always friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. I was constantly asking for directions (I have a terrible sense of direction), and they'd patiently point me in the right direction.
- The Location: Super convenient! Close to MRT stations, and a short taxi ride from most attractions. This made my life so much easier.
- The Cashless payment service: I love this! No need to rummage around for cash.
- The Elevator: Perfect!
Things I Didn’t Love (because, let's be real, nothing’s perfect)
- The Price: It’s not the cheapest hotel in town (Singapore isn't cheap, after all!), but the quality justifies the cost. I mean, you get what you pay for.
Overall Verdict: Going Back? Absolutely.
Look, if you’re looking for a place that's got it all – location, comfort, great food, a fantastic spa, and a staff that genuinely cares – then 30 Bencoolen is it. It's the kind of place that makes you feel pampered and relaxed, even if you’re as chaotic as I am.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I’m already plotting my return and dreaming of another foot bath and a massage. And this time, I’ll try to keep my drink off the carpet.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (minus .5 for the slightly premium price)
Paddington Perfection: Your Dream Stay at Norfolk Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished travel brochure itinerary. This is real life, Singapore edition, 30 Bencoolen and beyond, warts and all. Let’s see if I can remember everything… my memory, like my laundry pile, is a chaotic mess most of the time.
Project: Bencoolen Brain Melt & Singaporean Soup… (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (Probably Vomit-Inducing Curry)
Morning (Chaotic Airport Arrival): Landed in Changi. Holy moly. Smug air, clean air, organised air. I almost felt like a criminal just for breathing. Immigration was a breeze, actually. My passport photo looked like I’d just escaped a prison. Found my way to the MRT (that train system is like… well, it's organised, that's a theme here). First hiccup: forgetting where I was going. After asking three people, and nearly tripping over my own feet, I got on the right one.
Afternoon (Bencoolen Blunder): Arrived at 30 Bencoolen. Checked in. The room? Tiny. Smaller than my walk-in closet at home, which is saying something. The view? A brick wall. Ah, Singapore. First impressions: air conditioning needs a new level of setting, everything is clean, and I felt like I lost all my senses at once. Took a walk (probably the most active thing I do all year). Every smell, every sound, every colour, was MORE intense than my senses could handle.
Evening (Curry Catastrophe): Dinner. Found a hawker centre. My mission? Authentic Singaporean food. I saw a huge pot of curry. Beautiful, steaming, inviting. Ordered the chicken. It looked amazing. First bite… fire. My mouth felt like it had been kiss-burned by a dragon. Tears. My nose ran. People stared. Did I finish it? Absolutely. I'm not a quitter. Regrets? A few. Still, it was an experience. I’ll call it the Great Curry Catastrophe of 2024.
Rambling Thought: The humidity here. Sheesh. My hair is currently attempting to defy gravity. It's like I'm constantly draped in a damp, warm towel. Pray for me.
Day 2: Art, Altitude and Aggravations
Morning (National Museum & Mild Panic): The National Museum of Singapore. Actually, genuinely very cool. Lots to see, lots to learn. But, I got distracted. Lost in the exhibit on local traditions, I began to get a bit claustrophobic. The crowds. The noise. I had to escape for a breather in the cafe which had a nice air conditioner.
Afternoon (Marina Bay Sands & Heightened Anxiety): Marina Bay Sands. The iconic hotel. Went to the observation deck. The view was… breathtaking. Seriously, I struggled to breathe. Heights and I haven't always been the best of friends. The city sprawled beneath me like a shimmering, sprawling mat. My stomach, however, took a break. Afterwards, a cocktail at the bar upstairs. Expensive and possibly not worth the view. The people were dressed to impress, but the atmosphere… was just people watching each other.
Evening (Street Art & Culinary Redemption): Wandered around the art district (a bit after the Curry Catastrophe!). Found some pretty cool street art. Colourful, vibrant, and a welcome change from the sterile, spotless environment of the city. Dinner: Found a restaurant with a slightly less aggressive level of chili. Victory!
Quirky Observation: Singaporeans… They’re organised. So organised that it's almost unsettling. Almost.
Day 3: Gardens, Ghosts (Maybe) & a Deep Dive into the Hawker Life
Morning (Gardens by the Bay & Overwhelming Beauty): Gardens by the Bay. OKAY, fine. I'll admit it. It's stunning. The Supertree Grove is like something out of a sci-fi movie. I was completely captivated. Spent hours wandering around, feeling small and insignificant in the face of such beauty. The Cloud Forest… chef's kiss. The air conditioning in the Cloud Forest was such a welcome reprieve.
Afternoon (A Bit of Investigation and Mysterious Sightings): Explored some smaller, less touristy areas. Rumour had it there might be a ghost tour. Found a guy, wearing an oddly serious expression telling stories about old buildings and the history of the area. The eerie tales gave me a chill, but it was probably just the humidity.
Evening (Hawker Centre Immersion & Fried Delights - or Disasters): Back to a hawker centre! This time, I was determined to be a master of the Singaporean food scene. I tried everything – char kway teow (delicious!), satay (heavenly!), and… well, another dish with chili. Less fiery this time, but my tastebuds were still having a party. Found a table, fought like a lioness (OK, maybe a Chihuahua) for it, and devoured everything thrown my way. This time, I was rewarded. I think.
Emotional Reaction: Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed. The beauty, the efficiency, the sheer everythingness of Singapore is a lot. But then, I eat a bowl of char kway teow and I think, "Yeah, I can handle this."
Day 4: Shopping, Spices & Singaporean Style (and a possible meltdown)
Morning (Orchard Road & Retail Therapy Overdose): Orchard Road. The shopping mecca. I walked around. I looked. I got dizzy with all the shiny things. I briefly considered buying an entire designer outfit, then remembered my bank account. The pressure to shop was intense. Ultimately, I bought a postcard and a packet of pineapple tarts. That's more like it.
Afternoon (Little India & Aromatic Adventure): Little India. The colours. The smells. The spices! A sensory explosion. Wandered through the markets. Bought a ridiculously ornate incense burner (because, why not?). The noise, the vibrant everything, I LOVED IT! Got a head rub. It really helped.
Evening (Farewell Feast & Reflective Rambles): Had a farewell feast. More hawker centre goodness. Ate until I felt I would explode. Reflecting on the trip, I realised I'd experienced everything. The beauty, the chaos, the humidity, the food, the moments of "what have I got myself into?" It’s been a brilliant mess. I definitely got the taste of Singapore. Goodbye to Singapore, thanks for the adventure!
Final thoughts: Singapore is… a lot. It's beautiful, and overwhelming. It’s clean, and it's messy. It's a cultural melting pot, served with a side of chilli. Would I come back? Absolutely, if only to taste the amazing food again. And get lost in the Gardens by the Bay a few more times.
… Now, to unpack and start the laundry! Wish me luck…
Uncover Hidden Gems: Do Drop Inn's Fleurieu Peninsula Escape!
30 Bencoolen: The "Gem" You've Probably Missed & My Honest Thoughts
So, WHERE THE HECK is 30 Bencoolen, and why is it, according to... *some* people... a "gem"?
Okay, buckle up, because the location of 30 Bencoolen is... well, it's *on* Bencoolen Street in Singapore. Groundbreaking, I know. It's this unassuming building, kinda tucked away, next to what feels like a million other buildings. The "gem" thing? That's what the marketing folks call it. And I'm here to tell you, after... well, let's just say *experiencing* it, that the "gem" label is... debatable. But hey, maybe *you'll* find the sparkle! I certainly tried.
What kind of 'gem' are we talking about here? Hotels? Restaurants? And is it actually worth my precious time?
Alright, alright. 30 Bencoolen houses a hotel – the Hotel G Singapore. And it's NOT a dive. It's a modern, stylish place. They also have restaurants, including 25 Degrees (a burger place) and Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar, which is supposedly quite popular, especially at night. Is it worth your time? That really depends. I'll be honest, I went there with high hopes. Instagram made it look amazing. I felt like I saw photos of every single person enjoying delicious food or drinking wine, and I felt left out.
My honest opinion? It's... fine. Not life-altering. Not a total disaster. Think of it as a solid, dependable, but maybe slightly generic, experience. It's a perfectly acceptable option, but it's not like you're going to stumble upon the holy grail of Singaporean experiences. Unless... *unless* you can find a deal. Deals, people! Always a key consideration.
Let's talk about the food. Is it any good? Because honestly, I prioritize good food.
Okay, *food*, the heart of the matter! I only tried 25 Degrees, the burger joint. And honestly? It was… okay. The burgers were decent, the fries were crispy, the milkshake was, admittedly, pretty darn good. But it wasn't a religious experience. I've had better burgers. I've had worse burgers. It was squarely in the "middle of the road" category. I ordered a burger, ate it, and didn't immediately feel the urge to write poetry about the experience.
My friend, on the other hand, *loved* Ginett. He raved about the wine selection and the atmosphere. Said the food was "surprisingly good". But he's easily pleased. He'd probably rave about a ham sandwich. So, take his opinion with a grain of salt. My take? Explore. Be open to it. But don't go expecting Michelin stars.
I wanted so badly to have that ‘WOW’ moment. I pictured the food stylist spending hours arranging the perfect angle of the burger, and I was supposed to have a taste bud orgasm. I am still wondering if that’s me, or the burger.
What's the *vibe* like? I'm all about ambiance, especially during a hot, humid day in Singapore!
The vibe... it’s trying to be cool, I think. Modern, sleek. Lots of glass. A bit minimalist, but not in a cold, sterile way. It's the kind of place you'd feel comfortable grabbing a drink with friends, or even doing some work if you like that sort of thing. Not really a place to strike up a conversation with the person next to you, unless they're your pre-arranged friend, which is fine too. I definitely saw a fair share of influencers snapping photos, which, you know... adds to the overall atmosphere.
Honestly, it's the kind of place that tries to be too many things at once. Is it trendy? Is it relaxed? Is it somewhere to meet people? It hedges its bets. You're going to have a good time, but don't anticipate a particularly memorable experience.
Tell me about the *hotel* experience. Is it worth the stay?
I didn't stay overnight at the Hotel G, so I can't personally vouch for the full hotel experience. But I wandered through the lobby, peeked at some of the rooms on the website, and got a general impression. It looks... nice. Modern, clean, well-designed. The reviews seem generally positive. They're going to need to have a really good bed for me to be on board, and the wifi needs to be strong.
From what I've seen, it's a good option if you want something central, and you appreciate a stylish, contemporary aesthetic. It's probably preferable to a dingy, old hotel. Just check the price. There are a lot of hotels in Singapore. Shop around. Compare. Then decide if the "gem" is worth the sparkle.
Okay, spill the tea. What was your *personal* worst moment, or what did you *hate*? (Because let's be real, nothing's perfect.)
Alright, okay, getting to the juicy stuff! The biggest letdown? The lack of soul. I felt like I was in a beautiful, well-curated, but ultimately *soulless* space. It felt a bit… manufactured. Almost like the whole thing was designed by a committee whose primary objective was not to create an authentic experience, but to build a pretty backdrop for Instagram photos. And sometimes, that's okay. But I'm after something… more.
I went with high expectations, and I left… underwhelmed. And a little bit melancholy, if I’m being completely honest, because I always want to enjoy things. This is an unpopular opinion, because my friend said he loved it. That's the worst part -- when you want to enjoy something but the experience is just, *meh*.
If I'm already in the area, should I swing by? Or is it worth making a special trip?
If you're *already* in the area, absolutely pop in. Grab a drink, try a snack, see what you think. It's worth checking out, especially if you're looking for a convenient and stylish place to eat or drink. No harm, no foul.
But! Is it worth a *special* trip? Unless you're specifically seeking a particular restaurant or bar there, or maybe if you're on a shoestring budget and a particular online deal seems incredible… I'd say... maybe not. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Singapore. And honestly, I wouldn’t go out of my way to. It’s not going to changeHotel Bliss Search
