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Published on March 29, 2008

Link Hotel, which opened last July, claims to be Singapore's biggest boutique hotel - if that's not too much of a contradiction in terms. Straddling Tiong Bahru Road, the different sides of the hotel are linked by a bridge - hence the name. The Lotus Block has 150 guestrooms while across the road the Orchid Block has 138.

Somewhat ironically, though, the hotel suffers from the poor rail links in the city.

The Link claims to be situated in a "privileged" location. The reality is that Tiong Bahru Road is, by local standards, out in the middle of nowhere, in the suburbs of the small city-state. The nearest MRT stations (Outram Park or Tiong Bahru) are at least a kilometre away. Given the fact that the subway is the best way to get around on this tiny island, the hotel is not that conveniently located. You either have to take a bus or make that trek to the MRT to get around. At least the hotel offers a free shuttle service to Orchard Road and Chinatown that runs from 8.30am to 8.50pm. The bus leaves every 40 minutes and can take up to 15 passengers at a time.

The four-storey hotel consists of two buildings that have been converted from old residential flats. The structure of the original buildings has been preserved; only the bridge is brand new. The two blocks date back to the 1930s, when the then British government in Singapore started building public housing in the neighbourhood to deal with overcrowding and a lack of sanitation, water and electricity.

The rooms have been fitted out using four themes - Chinese, Malay, Indian and contemporary decor - to reflect the multicultural make up of Singapore. And though the most prominent architectural style is contemporary, you do get the feeling that the place embodies a Singaporean heritage. As the rooms were once flats, they are relatively small with hallways that are quite narrow.

From S$280 (roughly Bt6,100), Link Hotel offers five room types: Superior, Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, Executive Suite and Home Office. All rooms have air-conditioning, LCD television with cable channels, mini fridge, Internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. The suites come with an extra living room, king-size bed and DVD player.

The hotel offers cosiness and comfort. The only thing that might annoy you is the noise spilling in from the hallway or other rooms, especially when the walkie-talkie-carrying maids are making them up. Even with the door closed, you can hear footsteps and voices.

If you're in town for a shopping spree, festival or business trip, Link Hotel might not be a great option. But if you're here to soak up the uniquely Singaporean atmosphere, it's a good place to hang out and spend the night.

The eateries in the surrounding area mostly cater to locals. Since the hotel's Chinese-based cuisine is nothing to write home about, go across the street for tasty authentic Singaporean food at affordable prices. Most eateries open from 6pm till late. It's also nice to walk around the neighbourhood and observe the locals' lifestyles. The market just across from the hotel is a good outlet for local products such as Chinese herbal medicine.

Once in a while, staying far from the tourist hordes of Orchard Road and Clarke Quay can be fun.

Manta Klangboonkrong

The Nation

Singapore

At a glance

High Points: Affordable; close to a strip of local eateries and a local market

Low Points: Far from the subway, shopping centres and nightlife; dull views

Pay For It: Room rates start at S$280 (Bt6,100) for a Superior, $380 for a Deluxe, $460 for an Executive Deluxe, $600 for an Executive Suite and $680 for a Home Office. An extra bed costs $50.

Find It: 50 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore

Phone It: (65) 6622 8585

Browse It: www.LinkHotel.com.sg