The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel

This cool and modern boutique hostel offers capsule-like beds, hence its name. Interiors are sleek and contemporary, with an industrial-chic vibe and a dark color palette of gray and charcoal hues, yet despite the dark shades, the spaces are homey and inviting. The small lobby offers seating and adjoins the kitchen area where a free breakfast buffet is served daily. Funky lighting and stylish armchairs add a hip touch. Apart from this space, there's not much else in terms of common areas in which to gather or relax, which detracts a bit from the overall atmosphere. It's a good solution for budget travelers and backpackers that want to stay in a hostel yet have more of a sense of privacy.

The capsule hostel is conveniently situated close to plenty of dining options, cafes, and shops. Plus, it's well serviced by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping right outside the property and two MRT stations within a seven-minute walk. Nearby Arab Street (a minute's walk away) offers plenty of restaurants, cafe, shops, galleries. Bugis Junction mall is an eight-minute walk. Most of the city's top attractions are easily accessible via public transportation, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and Chinatown Food Street, all about 25 to 30 minutes away. Singapore's Changi Airport is about a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic, or about an hour via public transit.

Dorm rooms house pod-style beds, which offer a sense of privacy and various conveniences to guests, including individual lights and power outlets. The beds are either side- or front-entry. Each bed offers comfortable bedding as well as a small fold-down table/shelf, a clothes hanger, and privacy curtains, plus there are lockers beneath the beds. There's not much else in the rooms besides the capsules (and free Wi-Fi), which are stacked one atop the other like bunkbeds. Some rooms have additional seating like sofas as well as curtained changing rooms. Female-only rooms are available. Travelers looking for more privacy can opt for the Single Pod Suite or Queen Pod Suite, which comprise a pod bed as well as work space -- but note that these are not soundproofed, nor are any of the rooms here and guests complain of noise issues. Shared bathrooms are clean and attractive, with stylish decorative tiling on the floors, gray marble sink vanities, and modern fixtures. They're equipped with sinks and shower/toilet rooms with walk-in showers. Hairdryers and irons/ironing boards are provided for guest use. Towels are free, plus there's soap/shampoo supplied in the bathrooms.

The hostel offers a number of perks that add convenience to a stay and make this property a good value, including laundry facilities that guests are free to use and even free dry cleaning (one item per night). A free buffet breakfast includes hot items as well as tea and coffee (including cappuccinos), but it gets mediocre reviews from guests who complain that the meal is too simple. Breakfast is served in a small dining/seating space in the lobby, but there's not much more in terms of communal space at the hostel. Other amenities include computers and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hostel. There are shoe lockers near the lobby/entrance, as footwear is not allowed further into the property, so guests should note to bring slippers. Free eye masks and ear plugs are available at the reception desk.