Five Stones Hostel

Five Stones Hostel is housed in a modern building and has a well-kept interior that’s as playful in decor as the traditional children’s game the property is named after. The lobby is a bit cramped with a desk, “Welcome to Singapore” sign on the wall, brochures, and a snack and a drink vending machine. Further in, there’s a lounge that doubles as a breakfast area. It’s not particularly large which allows for the young backpackers that generally stay here to easily interact. A few tables, small kitchenette, and cozy sofa make up the room. Colorful art displays found throughout the property keeps the atmosphere upbeat. 

For a budget property, the Five Stones Hostel has a convenient and walkable location in Singapore's neighborhood of Kampong Glam. It’s a three-minute walk to the Sultan Mosque or Haji Lane, a popular area for shopping and restaurants. If Haji Lane doesn’t have enough shopping to satisfy you, the malls of Suntec City (13-minute walk) and Raffles City (16-minute walk) are nearby. Other attractions are within walking distance from this hostel. The Singapore Flyer takes 25 minutes to reach on foot, while the Gardens by the Bay is a 28-minute walk away. There are plenty of museums, churches, and businesses in the city center, which takes only 15 minutes on foot to reach. A bus stop is right outside the hotel, while a metro stop is a 10-minute walk away. Changi International Airport is a 13-minute drive from the hostel. 

Five Stones Hostel offers a variety of room types from a women’s-only floor of dorms to private or twin rooms to six-, eight-, and 10-bed mixed dorm rooms. Though rooms lack windows, and therefore views, the hotel tried to brighten them up with colorful wall designs by a local artist. As far as shared rooms go, they’re equipped with silver bunk beds with made white bedding, reading lights, and individual sockets. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ear plugs, and individual lockers with keys are also provided. Private rooms are small as well, and include flat-screen TVs, desks, and small dressers. Overall the rooms are clean, but generally a bit noisy which isn’t uncommon for hostels. Bed sharing and food in rooms is not allowed.

None of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, so most floors are equipped with toilets and showers. However, some guests will have to go to other floors for gender-specific showers or toilets. The bathrooms are clean, modern, and offer free toiletries and hairdryers. Towels cost a fee. 

Amenities at this hostel are limited, in the general sense that most hostels have limited amenities. There’s no gym, bar, or restaurant. However, there is a free daily breakfast of toast, Nutella, cheese, cereals, milk, coffee, and tea in the public kitchen each morning. The lobby morphs into a lounge with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, video games, board games, books, and two public computers. Free Wi-Fi is found throughout. Umbrellas can be borrowed from reception which sells snacks, knickknacks, and overnight items. There’s daily luggage storage, though no overnight luggage storage option. A free laundry room with a modern washer, dryer, and ironing equipment are heaven sent for long-term travelers.