Hotel 1929

A quirky retro-styled hostel-meets-boutique hotel in Singapore’s colourful Chinatown

Hidden behind a beautifully renovated shophouse exterior, 1929 offers reasonably priced accommodation with witty contemporary designer flair and whimsical touches in the heart of Chinatown. Once the infamous red-light district, the area is still home to many girlie clubs and karaoke bars alongside trendy boutiques and funky eateries.

Loh Lik Peng, a former lawyer and quite simply one of Singpore’s hippest people, is the brains behind the idea of turning 5 run-down shophouses into the island’s first tiny designer hotel. It also offers fine dining at the in-house Ember restaurant. Check out the designer chairs in every room and the space age lobby, where Art Deco influences and vintage photos mix with modern gadgets and funky fabrics. The 32 small but cleverly designed rooms have used every centimetre of available space to incorporate all mod cons - it's like being in a futuristic and sometimes psychedelic movie set. Always busy, it pays to book well ahead.

Highs

• Although the rooms are very small, they are perfectly formed, with ingenious space-saving gadgets and gizmos
• Beds are comfortable and bathrooms immaculately clean
• Helpful reception staff
• Excellent Ember restaurant next door
• Winner of Singapore's Architectural Heritage Award
• Great location in Chinatown, and close to transport for city sightseeing

Lows

• Avoid the rooms at the front if you suffer from insomnia as they tend to be very loud
• The bathrooms are actually in the room, separated only by a glass wall
• There are no cupboards, so if you have trouble getting down on all fours to use the safe and stow your clothes, don’t unpack
• Breakfasts are disappointing
• If you're looking for big hotel facilities - large rooms, a gym - this is not for you