Jayleen 1918 Hotel

The hotel is on the small side, and although the main color scheme here is white, the dated Victorian-inspired interiors and decor make the property's spaces feel tight and more cramped than they really are. Areas like the narrow lobby and multi-use dining hall and function areas (that can be combined or separated as needed) can be chaotic and dingy on days where the hotel is running at full occupancy and hosting events at the same time. Still, some visitors -- especially families -- like the fact that the place looks and feels more like a home than a hotel.

Jayleen 1918 Hotel is situated between nightlife hot spot Clarke Quay and the fringe of Singapore's Central Business District. It's easy to get to the aforementioned areas (a seven- to 10-minute walk), as well as vibrant cultural precinct, Chinatown -- which is 11 minutes away by foot. The nearest MRT train station, Clarke Quay, is a four-minute walk from the hotel, and those who need to make a trip to a convenience store can find about five of them within the vicinity. The hotel is surrounded by local eateries, restaurants and bars, but visitors who want to venture out towards Orchard Road and the Marina Bay area can take the train -- the journey is quick and won't exceed 30 minutes. Other destinations, like Sentosa Island, are best reached by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes. Depending on traffic, it's a 30- to 40-minute ride to Changi Airport. Otherwise, it'll take an hour by train.

The hotel offers six room types that come in a variety of configurations. Entry-level Economy Rooms have no windows, though they're generally best for the elderly and guests with disabilities as they're fitted with grab bars. Higher-tier options like Deluxe (Triple) and Executive Rooms sleep up to three and four, respectively, and are ideal for families. Also, there is no charge for cribs and they are available upon request.

Like the rest of the property, the rooms follow a Victorian-inspired design concept, though some details -- like the embroidered bedsheets and heavy wallpaper in some rooms -- can feel a touch passe. Many rooms are small, and even ones that are larger appear dwarfed; it's an effect the patterned and weighty interiors and furnishings have.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms, but some guests have noted that connection can be slow. The hotel is located along a street and near bars that can get loud at night, but rooms are quiet thanks to the soundproofing that helps minimize noise from outside. Bathrooms are a mixed bag, with some looking modern (compared to the rest of the hotel), and others featuring marble sinks and brass shower fixtures. Some also have bathtubs while others feature showers, and the sinks for smaller rooms are located in the sleeping area. Basic toiletries like soap and shampoo are included.

Features here are basic, but sufficient enough for visitors who will be out most of the day. The dining hall is where a combination of Western and Asian food is served daily for breakfast, which is mostly a buffet but when there are only a few guests, there's an a la carte menu. The dining hall also doubles as a function area after breakfast. The hotel hosts a few corporate and community events from time to time and when this happens, the row of function areas starting from the dining hall is usually packed. Additionally, the hotel has two rooftop terraces -- one of the fourth floor and the other on the rooftop (views of the city skyline are terrific here). Sometimes hosting spots for events as well, these open spaces are fitted with a few tables and chairs, though we have to say these areas are somewhat underutilized.