February
Singapore seems to be the hippest playground for young hotel entrepreneurs wanting to open cool hostels. We recently reported the opening of Drop Inn, Beary Nice! and Matchbox. Now it’s Wink Hostel that opened its doors on Sep 19. True to the cheap-but-chic template of its peers, Wink boasts a Sino-Portuguese façade and a contemporary modern interior.
The latest chic hostel to feature stylish accommodation at affordable prices is Matchbox Concept Hostel (Ann Siang Rd., Singapore, +65-6423-0237, www.matchbox.sg), situated in a recently-renovated, three-story, Sino-Portuguese shophouse. Warm light and colorful décor pieces offset the white space, making the three dorm rooms (ranging from two to 16 beds) look larger and airier than you’d expected. Rates are from S$52 (B1,288) per bed per night with all-day breakfast, Wi-Fi internet and local phone calls included.
Accommodation choices for backpackers and budget travellers have long been limited to dorm-style hostels and low-quality rooms down dodgy alleys. No longer. It’s 2011, and we have to thank all the young entrepreneurs who have pioneered much nicer options for flashpackers (aka upscale backpackers). Here are our favorites around the region.
Wherever you travel in Asia, cool rooms don’t have to cost the earth.
