Hotel Royal at Queens

The Hotel Royal at Queens is simpler than its regal name implies. It's a mid-sized gray tower with equally straightforward interiors. The lobby’s practical setup is reminiscent of an office building, with plain granite tiles, black leather seating, and recessed lighting. Other common spaces, including the restaurant, gym, and pool, also lack character and look dated. Hallways have old carpeting and are especially dark. One upside is that elevators are exceptionally fast. The property’s focus on functionality over fanciness frequently attracts school or tour groups, who can considerably add to noise levels. 

The hotel is well-located in Bras Basah, Singapore’s fairly central arts and heritage district. It's near several popular institutions, landmarks, and neighborhoods. The Singapore Management University and the SAM at 8Q contemporary art museum are under a two-minute walk away. The Peranakan Museum, National Museum, and lush Fort Canning Park are each about a 10-minute walk away. The famous Raffles Hotel is seven minutes away on foot, as are the city’s largest market on Bugis Street and the historic (and newly hipster) Tiong Bahru area. Clarke Quay’s buzzing nightlife is a 15-minute walk away.There are three metros stations and at least two bus stops within 10 minutes on foot. Using public transportation, it’s seven minutes to Orchard Road’s luxury department stores. Budget between 15 and 30 minutes to other tourist favorites like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and Little India. Changi Airport is about an 18-minute drive away. 

Rooms are divided into three categories here. Executive rooms, with one double bed or two twin beds, are large for a city hotel. Interconnecting Family Rooms have three beds and two bathrooms. Serviced Apartments for long term guests have living areas, additional sofa beds and washer/dryers, plus full kitchenettes. However, units include bare walls, ordinary white bedspreads, and simple furnishings in various bland shades of brown. Large windows do let in lots of light and offer striking city views on higher floors.Room amenities include 37-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, and desks. Central air-conditioning can be inconsistent, making rooms either too cold or overly warm. Free Wi-Fi is limited to two devices. Tea-and coffee-making facilities and ironing equipment are provided, and mini-fridges are partially stocked with cold drinks.Bathrooms are simply outfitted with cream tiles, large mirrors, and glass vessel sinks (many with vanities). All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries, including dental kits, are provided. However, bright tube lighting is harsh and towels are threadbare. Past guests have complained of rusted walls and moldy grouts. 

Features at Hotel Royal sound good on paper, but there are some definite misses. The Queen’s Brasserie restaurant is spacious, but feels cafeteria-like with rows of wooden tables. The breakfast buffet (not included with rates) offers yogurts and fruit alongside Asian fare like noodles and rice porridge. Vegetarian options are provided, but the food quality gets mixed reviews. The restaurant is also open for dinner, but is mostly deserted in the evenings. The Queen’s Bar, located a few steps off-site, has a limited drinks menu and a retro, rather dark look. The indoor gym squeezes three cardio machines into a narrow room. The outdoor pool area is sunny, but also short on space, with just three deck chairs. Three meeting rooms have boardroom or banquet-style setups, but their dated red chair covers and table skirts, plus clinical white lighting, need significant updates. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. On-site parking is free.