YMCA One Orchard

The YMCA is a large white building located on a busy intersection -- yet inside, the huge lobby is calm and restful, with a scattering of sofas and massage chairs. Wooden wall-hung plaques showing notable members of the YMCA are some of the only decoration on the white walls and floors. The adjacent member lounge has a warmer feel, with leather sofas and bookcases, and the cafe has more bustle, with guests coming in and out all day. Elevators lead away to the rooms, where corridors are simply decorated with Christian messages and prints. At the top of the building, the pool deck offers superb city views. The hotel appeals to a range of guests, mainly families or friend groups, all of whom are drawn by the (relative) bargain rates. 

The YMCA One Orchard has a convenient location for exploring the city. It sits at the east end of Orchard Road, just a few minutes on foot from the National Museum and a 10-minute walk into pretty Fort Canning Park. It's about a 15-minute stroll up Orchard Road to the malls and designer shops, and 15 minutes south on foot to shopping and dining on lively Clarke Quay. For travelers who prefer to stay on foot -- Chinatown is just a bit farther (25 minutes from the hotel). Alternatively, buses leave from outside the Rendevous Hotel on Bras Basah which will zip there in about 10-minutes. Buses also connect with attractions on the Bay Front such as the ArtScience Museum, and for downtown. Dhoby Ghaut Metro station is a five-minute walk, which offers an alternative way of getting around the city. However, links to airport are on the East West MRT Line from City Hall, a 10-minute walk away (an hour-long trip altogether). By cab, budget up to 30 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel.

Rooms at the YMCA come in a variety of configurations, and are ideal for groups or families. Most have twin beds. Family Rooms can sleep up to four, and Junior Suites have a double bed with more living space. As with the rest of the hotel, decor is minimal and although some more modern rooms have warmer tones, the style can feel a little bare. There are bibles, and artwork featuring Christian quotes, but little else. All have a decent amount of space, and good amenities including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, mini-fridges, desk areas, safes, irons, and wardrobes with both drawers and hanging storage. Wi-Fi is free. Some connecting rooms are available. Bathrooms are white throughout and have glass shower cubicles, plus small packages of toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. 

For its low rates, the YMCA offers a good range of features. There's a rooftop swimming pool with loungers, and a gym with a nice selection of equipment. The cafe serves a buffet breakfast, which is sometimes included in rates, and both lunch and dinner menus are available with local and international options. There are massage chairs and two guest PCs in the lobby, plus a members lounge that's open to everyone and is stocked with comfortable sofas and books. The reception is manned 24 hours, and the free Wi-Fi works well. There are several event spaces available, from a large auditorium to seminar rooms and outdoor terraces -- including a pretty private rooftop seating area.