I stayed there for one night only since I was meeting my husband in Singapore for a holiday (we were coming from different countries) and my flight arrived way earlier (4pm) than his (2am the next day); I didn't want to wait at the airport due to sheer exhaustion.
I wanted a really cheap accommodation since we were actually booked in a decent (though a bit more pricey) hotel for the rest of our stay in Singapore and this was just a meeting place for me and my husband anyway. However I didn't want to stay in Geylang (where all the cheap hotels are) mainly because I would be solo for a few hours and was not comfortable checking into a seedy albeit affordable hotel or inn alone (though I know SG is a safe country). Thus I had to find alternatives, and after much research I decided on Asphodel Inn.
Admittedly the reviews made me a bit wary but I thought I'd suck it up for one night. After all the rates are the same as Geylang's. Getting to the hotel was a breeze; I just gave the zip code to the cab driver. I was actually surprised with the chic exterior though small lobby of the hotel. I noticed right away that it was situated in a residential area with temples beside it, and a hawker nearby which was good. I specifically requested for a double room on one of the top floors AWAY from the elevators or groups since I read in the reviews that the walls were too thin and you wouldn't be able to sleep with all the noise especially if your room is near the lifts; and my request was granted thank God.
Rooms were ok, actually better than I expected. It was clean and well-kept. The bed was big enough. There was a TV with cable channels. Restroom was small but again, expected (though clean in my opinion). There was a closet for your stuffs with hangers and all. The room also came with coffee sachets, a kettle for hot water (very important for me!), 2 bottled water, and toiletries as well. Fresh towels were provided. The only pet peeve I had about the room itself was there was no blanket (I don't know if that was really the case but if it is it's UNACCEPTABLE) and I had to call the reception THREE times to ask for one coz I was freezing. That's the other thing, receptionist could use a bit more customer service (though he was not rude just acted like I was a bother to him when I was asking for my blanket, duh!). They brought me the blanket 30mins after my last call grrr... And it wasn't a very good blanket as well; not thick enough.
Anyway I decided to walk around a bit after check-in since I need to buy an SG sim card for making calls. The nearest mall is City square mall, it's about 10minutes walk from the hotel. That walk was fun since I got to see a bit more of the area and found the nearest MRT (Farrer Park) just opposite the mall. So I can honestly say transportation is ok if you're looking for a decent but accessible inn NOT in Geylang. Though I would imagine getting to the hotel with your luggage from the airport might not be so easy due to the walk; just a warning.
My husband got to the hotel fine at around 2am and we checked out that morning fast and easy. By then the (younger) receptionist was more hospitable and a lot nicer.
All in all I would definitely recommend this inn for those looking for cheap alternatives to Geylang hotels. I am actually considering it for my next SG trip soon.
Room Tip: try to avoid the rooms near the lobby at the ground floor coz of the people coming and going; i can...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC