Champion Hotel

Champion Hotel is housed in a small traditional shophouse, yet behind this simple facade is a contemporary boutique hotel with a fresh atmosphere. The natural tones, flowering plants, and pops of color seen here and there lend it the air of a courtyard garden. Wicker furniture, a funky hanging chair, and lawn-colored carpet to the rear of the lobby continue that theme. A towering skylight lets in plenty of light and contemporary artwork hangs on the walls, making this an option with a lot more personality than some of the more staid hotels in the area. Elevators lead from the back of the lobby to the rooms above, and while there are a few places to gather, most guests are out exploring the city for much of the day. The hotel attracts a wide range of tourists from around the world, in particular young couples and families. 

Champion Hotel is located on Joo Chiat, a main road in the Geylang district. The neighborhood has had bad press as a 'red light' district, but in reality it's an up-and-coming neighborhood with many traditional Peranakan shophouses, most of which now house restaurants and cafes. It also has a good range of lower-priced hotels. There's a mini-market and several restaurants within a two-minute walk, and Paya Lebar shopping center is a 15-minute walk away. It's a 15-minute drive to Changi International Airport, and about the same to downtown Singapore. The nearest bus stop is a five-minute walk away at the Joo Chiat Complex, on the west-bound side of Changi Road for downtown destinations. The closest metro -- Paya Lebar -- takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot. It's a 30-minute trip on the bus to downtown, or 40 minutes by metro. Budget up to an hour to reach the airport via the bus and metro.

Rooms at the Champion Hotel are modern and simple, dressed up in natural tones and flashes of color in the green pillows and flowery details. Pendant lighting adds a dash of design consciousness, but overall there isn't much in the way of decor. Configurations range from compact Single Rooms to Family Rooms -- the latter have both double and single beds. It's worth noting that some rooms lack windows. The Swing Rooms feature unusual hanging armchairs, while the Tatami Rooms have a Japanese low-level beds. Mini-fridges, safes, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs are found in all rooms. Suites add single-cup coffeemakers as well as living rooms. Bathrooms are contemporary, with sharp gray surfaces plus roomy showers, pump-dispensed toiletries, hairdryers, and a decent amount of counter space (though this varies). Suites add bathrobes. 

The Champion Hotel has little in the way of features, but for those wanting simple rooms and a convenient location, there's enough here. Breakfast is available in a restaurant next door (though it's not included so explore your options). There's a vending machine as well as two internet workstations in the lobby. A self-service laundry is a useful addition and free parking is also a bonus. The front desk is manned 24-hours a day and there's free Wi-Fi throughout.