Hotel Royal

The hotel is recognized for offering spacious rooms and budget-friendly value, making it a memorable choice for many visitors. Its prime location is consistently highlighted, providing easy access to public transport and local attractions. While the hotel's age is a recurring theme, many guests find it to be well-maintained and comfortable, offering a unique "old school charm." The staff generally receives praise for their helpfulness and friendly demeanor, contributing positively to the guest experience. This hotel is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and sightseers who prioritize accessibility and room size over modern amenities. Families also find the generous room dimensions appealing. To ensure a pleasant stay, guests should manage their expectations regarding the hotel's older infrastructure and be prepared for potential inconsistencies with in-room Wi-Fi connectivity.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though their condition often reflects the property's age. The swimming pool receives mixed reviews; some guests enjoy its cleanliness and quiet atmosphere, while others note its dated appearance and occasional maintenance closures. Wi-Fi connectivity is a frequent point of concern, with many guests reporting weak, inconsistent, or frequently disconnecting signals, particularly on higher floors. The lifts are often described as slow and insufficient in number, leading to long wait times, especially during peak hours. The lobby area is noted for its spaciousness but is frequently mentioned for distinctive odors, including cigarette smoke and, at times, marijuana, attributed by some to an adjacent KTV establishment. A small gym is available, though some guests find it poorly equipped. A self-service laundry room is a convenient addition for longer stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room comfort is generally rated positively, with many guests appreciating the spaciousness of the accommodations, which are notably large for the city. The beds are often described as comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep, though some found them quite firm. While many reviews commend the daily room cleaning service and overall tidiness, feedback on cleanliness is mixed; some guests reported issues such as dusty rooms, dirty windows, mold in bathrooms, or even the presence of cockroaches. The air conditioning system is a point of contention, with some reporting it to be old, noisy, or ineffective, and occasionally leaking. Bathroom fixtures are frequently cited as outdated, with some experiencing leaking bathtubs or showers, and general wear and tear. Noise levels vary, with some guests noting poor soundproofing allowing conversations from hallways to be heard.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, is varied. Many guests describe the breakfast as nice, good, or even excellent, appreciating the availability and convenience. However, a significant number of reviews express disappointment, citing limited variety, unappetizing selections, or food that was often cold. Some guests found the breakfast not worth the price, and specific complaints included a lack of Indian or vegetarian options. The hotel features a cafe and a restaurant, with some noting that the cafe's food portions are small and may use frozen or canned ingredients. The Trishaw Coffee House in the lobby also received mixed comments regarding service. Overall, while convenient, the dining experience appears to be inconsistent, with many guests opting to explore local food centers instead.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering excellent accessibility to various parts of the city. A bus stop is conveniently situated directly in front of the hotel, providing frequent services to key areas. While not directly adjacent to an MRT station, both Newton MRT and Novena MRT are within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance, making public transport readily available. Guests appreciate the proximity to several shopping malls, including Velocity and United Square, and the famous Newton Food Centre, which is also within walking distance. This central yet slightly quieter setting is ideal for exploring the city's attractions. Parking is available, with some guests noting the benefit of free parking, though one experience described the carpark as challenging during a busy period.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives positive remarks for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests commending their attentive and accommodating nature. Specific instances of staff going out of their way to assist guests, such as facilitating room changes or providing prompt service, are frequently mentioned. The check-in and check-out processes are described as efficient by some, though others reported slow check-in times due to limited open counters. However, there are also instances of less satisfactory service, including unfulfilled requests for extra towels or pillows, delayed responses to maintenance issues like non-working electrical outlets, and occasional reports of staff being unaccommodating or exhibiting poor customer service. One concerning report mentioned a housekeeper entering a room without prior warning, impacting guest privacy.

Additional Information
A recurring and significant point of feedback concerns the pervasive and distinctive odors in the lobby, frequently described as cigarette smoke and, at times, marijuana, which guests often attribute to an adjacent KTV establishment. This smell can extend to other common areas and even some rooms, impacting the initial impression and overall comfort for many. Another highly consistent observation is the hotel's outdated infrastructure and general need for refurbishment, with many elements like bathrooms and air conditioning systems showing significant age and wear. A very common specific complaint across numerous reviews is the absence of a bidet in the bathrooms, which many guests found to be a notable inconvenience. The hotel also provides water dispensers on each floor for self-filling, a sustainable alternative to in-room bottled water.