Hotel Kai is one of the many boutique hotels in Singapore and centrally located in the busy Purvis Street. It’s very accessible to Bugis MRT Station and walking distance to attractions within Singapore’s civic district, Kampong Glam, and shopping centers such as Suntec City. On my stay, the hotel’s philosophy Small is More, provided a beyond the normal experience being offered by boutique hotels.
Coming from Bugis Station, the all-white façade of the hotel became the first sign of relief of finally finding the hotel. A push on the sliding door’s button led me to the small yet perceptible front desk office. A staff immediately assisted me with my needs. After verifying my reservation and getting the SGD200 security deposit, I handed her my backpack. It wasn’t time for check-in and I only did a bag-drop since I’ll be exploring Orchard Road that morning.
When I came back around 3 in the afternoon, a Bistro Kai crew greeted me by handing a glass of refreshing raspberry juice. You can select your welcome drink from fruit juices and even beer. I got an Urban Studio room which is about 8 to 9.5 square meters in size. Not that excessive but just right for a contented stay from tiring walks in Singapore’s busy boroughs.
The bed was perfectly fitted on one side of the room. Fluffy oversized pillows clustered near the lavender colored circles that serve as a headboard. Hotel Kai is proud of its remote-controlled bed that is ergonomically adjustable. The technology amazed me that I tried it on my first night. Indeed, it provided a revitalizing and relaxing slumber as you can customize the bed’s orientation.
But it wasn’t the bed that really surprised me; it was the wall facing it. The obsessive-compulsive in them made one of the walls of the room very organized. Alarm clock, flat-iron, hair dryer, coffee and tea making facility, remote controls, and television have their own slot. Speaking of television, Singtel serves as their cable provider so expect high-definition channels from sports, entertainment, news, and documentaries.
Adjacent to that wall is a cabinet where you can find your complimentary bottled water, coffee, tea and creamer packets, and Oreo cookies being replenished every day. Below it is a pull-out desk enclosing other in-room amenities such as a traveler friendly everything-fits power sockets, USB charger for smartphones, phone, Bluetooth speakers, and a travel magazine. I wish they could install more wall outlets though.
Sink is separated from the bathroom. Shower caps, razor, dental kit, vanity kit, and comb are added perks to the usual bath gel, shampoo, and fresh towels. By a single touch, you can turn on the large vanity mirror’s light that will also display the time of the day. Shower has overhead rain-shower spouts and is hot and cold capable. Bidet is not available and it was a bit off to have the trash bin, a colorful ceramic container, outside of the shower area. Not a problem for me since I was alone.
Complimentary breakfast is available at Bistro Kai. The buffet was simple having four entrée: fried sausages, chicken nuggets, grilled tomatoes, and scrambled eggs. The spread didn’t end there as bread, cereals, coffee and tea, fresh milk, premium yogurt, and cold juices were also available. Breakfast meal was considerably basic but the flavors of every dish make it extraordinary.
Your stay at Hotel Kai comes with complimentary use of personal 4G WiFi device, with island-wide internet coverage, that you can bring anywhere in the city. During my walk to downtown, I was able to update my Instagram account with some photos taken with the Merlion. In addition, I was able to check the must-rides in Universal Studios Singapore because of this convenience. Being connected online is not a problem anymore as Hotel Kai has already taken care of it.
In a city with the thriving hotel industry, it’s hard to stand out especially when you’re lined up with big and known international brands. What I like about boutique hotels, though they’re small, is the way management develops a warmer connection with their guests. On my stay in Hotel Kai, front desk and restaurant crews were merely your older siblings ensuring a comfortable hotel stay. Lastly, the attractions and destinations in Singapore are within reach, whether you’re a leisure or business travelers, with Hotel Kai’s prime location.
HOTEL KAI
14 Purvis Street, Singapore, 188593
Contact No.: +65 6643 9999
Website: http://www.hotelkai.com/
Planning to visit Singapore anytime soon? Check out my travel guide, click on the photo below.
Disclosure: Hotel Kai hosted my 2-night stay in Singapore. All notes and opinions are my own.
