OWNING a piece of property in Singapore, which is reputably known as among the most luxurious in the world, is not cheap.
What more of renting or just booking a small space to stay in for a while, thus making traveling in this city state quite a challenge, particularly for low airfare-hunting Filipino globetrotters?
But not until disruptive online marketplace and hospitality-service provider Airbnb and budget-accommodation facilities have sprouted and dotted across this small yet economic power in Southeast Asia. Amid the high cost of living, staying there for a few days or longer is now possible even for those on a tight budget—a choice that only the moneyed people used to afford.
Along the entertainment and clubbing district of Geylang, for instance, Lemon Grass Hotel started welcoming guests in January 2008, and since then has become the preferred “pocket-friendly” property to billet in from among local and foreign travelers.
“With its very friendly room rates, guests can further stretch their brief hiatus in Singapore with a very reasonable yet quality experience,” Froilan Martinez, a backpacker from Quezon City, told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview.
A travel junkie himself, he is among the local tourists who have come to Singapore more often—five times to date—and stayed in budget lodging facilities.
At 34 Geylang Lorong 22, Lemon Grass, according to him, is his “go-to” hotel because it’s “unassuming” compared to other establishments of similar kind around the area.
“From a distance, the façade is simply designed like the frontage of any regular inn. Upon entering, however, its quaint yet well-kept premise greets the visitors,” he noted, while citing that he has recommended it to his other friends who, in turn, had the same feedback about the property.
The reception area is minimally equipped with comfortable seats for guests checking in or out of the hotel. Adjacent to this is the hallway leading to the elevator that brings them to their assigned lodgings.
At the upper levels, modern rooms—deluxe double, superior twin, triple, quadruple and family suite—open up to views of the city. Each is equipped with regular hotel amenities, such as single or double beds with soft pillows and comforters, desks, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning, LCD/plasma-screen television, safety-deposit boxes, minibar, ironing facilities and en suite restrooms with showers, bathtubs and toiletries, among others.
Each of the accommodating and courteous hotel staff members make sure that Lemon Grass Hotel is always in its great appearance for guests to enjoy. From the lobby to the guest’s beddings, they are well appointed, tidy, new and amiable looking.
Outside of the building is an al fresco terrace/garden with verdant foliage. Here, tables and chairs are spread for dining or a simple hang-out place for lodgers and their visitors. There’s also a breakfast area. Glass-walled, it serves as a pantry for a light to heavy morning meal and a business area to hold a simple meeting and tete-a-tete that needs privacy.
The newspaper and magazine stand, as well as the vending machine at the entrance, offer guests a daily dose of current events and cold refreshments. Those who come with their cars can avail themselves of the space for their vehicles free of charge at the parking area fronting the hotel.
A vast array of services include Internet connection, daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, laundry, facilities for disabled and fax/photocopy machine. The hotel also understands the needs of its guests, especially those coming from the Philippines, when traveling: Spacious room for luggages.
“When checking out early, but the time for airport departure is scheduled toward the end of the day or delayed as the usual problem of our Filipino guests, we offer them free luggage-keeping service to help them still maximize their Singapore adventure without letting them carry heavy bags of pasalubong for their loved ones back home,” said Ewoud van Woerkom, owner of Lemon Grass Hotel Singapore. According to him, they follow world-class standards in maintaining the entire facility—this way, they can ensure that cleanliness and comfort are on top of their priorities.
“Here at Lemon Grass Hotel Singapore, we love the appreciativeness and openness of our Filipino guests, so we’re just returning them the hospitality they deserve tenfold. Also, we are believers of spending more on travel experience than the hotel stay. We’re just here to let you feel you’re home even if you’re miles away from home—providing you with spacious rooms and comfortable beds after a long, fun day outside the beautiful city of Singapore,” he stressed.
Lemon Grass Hotel is strategically located near all main attractions in Singapore. Approximately, it’s half-an-hour distance via MRT, bus or taxi. It is also close to the Changi International Airport, which adds up to the total convenience of staying guests.
www.lemongrasshotel.com