Betel Box Hostel

Wow, what a great place Betel Box Hostel is. It is everything a hostel should be. The staff are super friendly; free tours are organized, such as city bike tours, beach tours, beer tours; and they sell discount tickets to major tourist hotspots such as the zoo/night safari and riverboat rides.

The Location

The location itself isn't all that great as it is a 15 minute walk from the sky train and a thirty-minute walk from the beach. There is also internet and a number of decent restaurants nearby. Just make sure that when you are coming here you know what to look for, as if you blink you will miss it. Assuming you are coming from the sky train, you walk down Joo Chiat road. After passing the second 7-11 on the left, you come to the Blue Lagoon lounge a few doors past it. (This causes some noise pollution at night fro the hostel as locals love this place.) The Betel Box is right beside it with a festively painted green door.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are massive and very spacious considering there are twenty beds inside. They are also quite clean considering there are so many people here all the time -- backpackers no less. An en-suite bathroom and several very cramped but clean shower stalls are available here with hot water. If there is a line, there are more available upstairs.

Common Spaces

The common area is exceptional and a main draw of this hostel. There are a number of big wooden tables (mainly to eat the free breakfast on), a couple couches and a television with DVDs for use, four computers (each person gets a free half-hour per session), and to top it off a pool table overlooking the street. Reception also sells beer and drinks.

Summary

This place is our favorite out of the three hostels we stayed in Singapore, hands down. You are well understood here. The general atmosphere of the place puts everyone in an even better mood. Just be sure to book ahead, as they are quickly becoming popular and do not accept phone reservations.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review