Adler Hostel & Coffee Bar

The words “luxury” and “hostel” aren’t typically united in one sentence, never mind one name, but the Adler does seem to represent both. Opened in late 2012 to much acclaim, this clean and stylish property made its way onto many “poshtel” and luxe hostel lists across the internet. Situated in two narrow shophouse buildings (the second, two doors down, was added after the opening), the Adler features a cozy reception area and breakfast lounge with a self-described “Colonial Eclectic" theme. It feels a bit like a boho cafe with tables; armchairs; bookshelves stocked with toys, games, and knickknacks; and free coffee and tea to welcome guests. The vibe is a little more grown-up than at some hostels -- this property attracts a slightly older crowd, with couples or friend duos taking advantage of double-bed cabins. Some guests miss the more social atmosphere of those younger hostels, but few miss the dirt. Still, at the end of the day, this is a hostel with simple amenities, dorm-style rooms, and shared bathrooms.

The Adler Luxury Hostel is situated on a busy street full of shophouses and eateries in the heart of Chinatown. The area is bustling, and sometimes loud, with many venues staying open until late. The Maxwell Food Centre, a two-minute walk away, is a popular destination among the hostel crowd for cheap eats. It’s also an two-minute walk to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and an 11-minute walk to the Boat Quay. Across the bay is the Parliament building (a 14-minute walk), National Gallery (a 17-minute walk), and Marina Square (20 minutes by public transit or a 30-minute walk). The Chinatown MRT Station is just a four-minute walk for easy access to most Singapore sights. Changi Airport Singapore is an hour away by public transit and as little as 20 minutes away by car. 

Designed with a train-car cabin in mind, the "cabins" at Adler are single or double beds in dorm-style male, female, or mixed rooms. Cabins could more accurately be described as “pods” -- they’re better than bunkbeds, but they’re nonetheless mostly just beds. Each has an in-cabin locker, a universal plug, an individual light, and a blackout curtain that can be drawn for privacy. Wi-Fi is free for all guests, and each guest gets a free bottle of water and earplugs. 

For money-savers, Economy Cabins feature fewer frills. Guests in Economy Rooms will have to bring their own towels and the showers here are wet-room style, with the shower and toilet in the same stall. On the flip side, Premium Cabins offer in-cabin shelf space, air-conditioning, down duvets and pillows (instead of foam), bath towels, and bathrooms with hairdryers and separate shower and toilet stalls. Bathrooms here are stylish with white subway tiling, chrome fixtures, and even rainfall showers. Dorms can sleep up to 21, with cabins stacked three high in some dorms. 

Decor varies from room to room, but most have wood floors, light wood cabins, and ladders for climbing into pods. Some rooms have special features: the Chamber Suite has a balcony, the Vault has an old silver fault door (and boutique-chic accents -- but no windows). Note that some rooms are situated in a second building, two buildings away from the main property. There is no elevator.

Unlike some hostels, there are no organized social events here, but amenities do include a comfy lounge and reception area in the main building, which features sitting areas, boardgames, a TV, brochures and books, free coffee and tea, and a few soft drinks for sale. The breakfast area is bright with lots of spots to sit. The continental style breakfast tends to be pretty simple -- bread, cereal, a few fruits, and maybe a hot item like scrambled eggs -- but it's included in the rate. The hostel also has a computer for guest use, free Wi-Fi, a common fridge, and a laundry room. Laundry is coin-operated, or can be done by staff for an extra fee. The front desk is open 24 hours.