V Hotel Bencoolen

The V Hotel makes a strong, stylish statement that carries through to its rooms -- which isn't always the case in mid-range properties in central Singapore. The glass corridor and monochrome marble floor that leads to the hotel lobby, hinting at what's to come. Once inside, expect striped walls and a large contemporary sculpture hanging above the hotel's front desk. The lobby space is bold, modern, and minimalist, with just two iMac workstations and a pair of chairs. Upstairs, the decor is continued throughout the hallways, and a small interior garden is a pleasant surprise, dotted with colorful garden chairs, though it is hard to imagine anyone wanting to sit for long on the small strip of green lawn. Overall, this is a calm, quiet place that's right in the heart of the buzzy arts district. The hotel is particularly favored by young families and couples, though it's popular with a range of both tourists and business travelers.

The V Hotel is located on Bencoolen Street in the city's Bugis arts district, nestled between two Art College buildings and three minutes on foot from both the Art Museum and the National Museum. Although it's currently difficult to reach by car due to long-term construction works on a new Metro station outside, a temporary entrance has been set up at the back of the hotel and the project looks to be completed by 2018. The local area has several restaurants and a 7-Eleven, while Singapore's top shopping street, Orchard Road, is a 15-minute walk away. The nearest metro station is Bras Basah, opposite the National Museum, a three-minute walk down the road, and there is a bus stop one-minute away, including the number 36 bus to the airport (which takes about 75 minutes). A slightly quicker route via the metro and bus takes under an hour. Historic Fort Canning Park lies just behind the National Museum, so it's a pleasant walk through -- or around -- it to reach lively Clarke Quay.

Although the heavy black-and-white stripes are kept to the corridors, the V Hotel's rooms maintain the minimalist design of the common areas. A light gray motif is brightened by the occasional pop of color from cushions or artwork. Furnishings are basic, but amenities are good, including mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, safes, tea/coffee facilities, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Room configurations include split-level Studios with two bedrooms: a double, and a single above on a mezzanine floor. Twins and triples are also available, although previous guests have found it a bit of a squeeze for three adults. Premier Rooms have a little more space and an extra armchair, while Deluxe Rooms have a small private furnished balcony with a city view. It's worth noting that some rooms are interior and face across to other rooms in the hotel. Bathrooms are uniform across all categories, and are likewise compact, with a glass-screened shower, a selection of toiletries and hairdryers. Slippers are a welcome addition in all rooms as the tiled floors can get slippery. 

The V Hotel has managed to pack a decent amount of features into it's city center location. The outdoor pool is of a decent length for swimming and fine for kids, with a handful of loungers and chairs around it. The adjoining leafy patio area has two outdoor showers and two coin-operated massage chairs, and the small lawned garden next door is a pleasant space. There is no full-service restaurant, but it serves breakfast in the Mediterranean Bistro next door (for a reasonable fee). The underground car park is a plus, and is free to guests who book directly through the website. Self-service laundry is also useful. The lobby has two iMac computers and a handy convenience store beside it. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.