Link Hotel

There's something to admire or a fun fact to learn nearly everywhere you find yourself in this hotel. Even the decor is a nod to the region's history. The centerpiece behind the front desk is made to resemble Chinese medicine cabinets, and the golden pillars on either side look like large brown Chinese abacus beads. Above, ceiling lights enclosed in giant bird cage-like structures are the hotel's way of paying homage to Tiong Bahru's legendary bird corners -- where exotic caged birds were kept by older folks in a bygone era. In the rooms and corridors, you'll find beautiful photos and other artwork illustrating how Singapore has evolved and transformed based on themes like fashion and famous landmarks. Business travelers and solo visitors find the cozy indoor lounge (which holds a collection of books) above the lobby a nice little hideaway to get some work or leisurely reading done. However, because of the hotel's location, plenty of families and couples stay here to explore Tiong Bahru and the rest of the city easily.

The hotel's Tiong Bahru setting is great for travelers who want a more local experience of Singapore. The neighborhood's main sights and sounds are just across the road, where you'll find quaint cafes, snazzy brunch spots, indie shops carrying local labels, cool wall murals, and an open-air food center with stalls selling local favorites (some of which have Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awards). The neighborhood is also packed with pre-war and post-war Streamline Moderne-style buildings and traditional shophouses, which are great attractions for architecture enthusiasts. Although Tiong Bahru is home to a few bars, this part of town's nightlife scene pales in comparison to nearby haunts in Chinatown and Clarke Quay -- the latter is only six minutes away by car. Hop on the free shuttle bus that drops off and picks up guests daily at places like Clarke Quay MRT station and Concorde Shopping Centre along Orchard Road (a 10-minute drive from the hotel), or take advantage of the city's shared bicycle scheme directly from the hotel. It's a 25-minute drive to Changi Airport.

This 274-room hotel offers seven categories across Orchid Block or Lotus Block (where reception is located). Outfitted with dark wood furniture and laminate wood flooring, all rooms have big windows that let in lots of light. They're also soundproofed -- an important feature that blocks out noise from below. The 161-square-foot (15-square-meter) Superior Rooms are the most basic options, while the top choices are the 527-square-foot (49-square-meter). Most rooms here are on the small side, with the exception of the Executive Deluxe, which is the most in demand. Each room also has a dual-comfort mattress, which means that it's soft on one side and firm on the other when flipped over. You can also ask for firmer pillows if you prefer. The bathrooms are small and simple, with amenities like soap and shampoo, and most have standing showers (some of the higher room categories do have bathtubs, though). All rooms feature smart TVs, hairdryers, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free and free-to-use smartphones with unlimited data are currently available. However, during our visit in early 2018 we were told that this feature sadly won't be available anymore later in the year.

Features are fairly numerous given this hotel's relatively low profile, though note that there is no pool. The Lotus Block holds three casual eateries that each specialize in something different, including Japanese at Teru Sushi, Chinese at Lao Si Chuan, and seafood at No. 3 Crab Delicacy. The seafood restaurant is also where the continental buffet breakfast is held, but note it costs extra. In the evening, the rooftop bar -- LIN -- is great for Asian-inspired cocktails and bar snacks, as well as views of Tiong Bahru. Discounts at these food and drink spots are available to hotel guests. The indoor lounge area has a collection of reading material and more than enough space for makeshift workstations, making it a popular hangout for those who want some quiet time within the hotel. There is also a small air-conditioned gym on the rooftop with a flat-screen TV, free weights, and a few machines. Corporate groups that require a meeting room can book either the 40-seater Heritage or the Lotus, which fits a maximum of eight. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.