Centrally located in the heart of Colonial District in Singapore where everything and everywhere is within walking distance. Flanked by 3 MRT Stations closeby, Bencoolen (50m to the R as you exit the main door), Bras Basah (70m to the L) and Dhoby Ghaut about 10 mins) while not too far from Bugis nor the City Hall MRT Stations. No where is too far nor too difficult to get to with the MRT Connectivity. Taxi Rank ( one directly across from the Hotel) and the other just behind the Food Republic along with the Bus Stop as one exits the Hotel. Transport is indeed convenient.
As Bencoolen Street is now running ONE WAY (after the MRT works), many taxi drivers are unfamiliar with the new name of the Hotel. Some have even forgotten that it was the BAYVIEW HOTEL. If one has heavy luggage like we did, the taxi from the airport dropped us at the Taxi Rank across the road where they are permitted to stop. Inform the taxi driver to turn left at LORONG PAYAH, the lane DIRECTLY BETWEEN the Hotel and 7Eleven (Is is directly opposite the Strand Hotel).

Food Republic Food Court is 50m to the L as you exit hotel and 7Eleven is at best 15m in the same direction. Then there is Starbucks next to Food Republic, Gloria Jeans (one directly across the street and the other nearby on Bras Basah Rd) when one needs a Caeffine fix. There is another small convenience store close to Gloria Jeans across and a Money Changer about 20m from the Bencoolen MRT Exit B on the same side of the Hotel. Food is never a problem as one will be spoilt for choice within the Hotel's vicinity.

Rejuvenated after renovations from the tired Bayview days, the new minimalistic simple woodgrain timber panel on walls along with patterned carpet gives it a modern look. The Ensuites look fresh and inviting. It is not terribly large but spacious enough to accomodate our 2 large suitcases and 2 smaller hand luggage. There is enough space for storage. There is a room safe, refrigerator, coffee and tea facilities, hair dryer, LCD TV, toiletries minus slippers and robes. 2 bottles of water are replenished daily. The linen is clean and crisp and housekeeping does a great job during the 3 nights we stayed. My criteria for a great hotel were all met - good A/C, ample supply of hot water with good consistent water pressure and a firm luxurious bed (altho this bed was a little soft for my personal liking). Serviced by 2 elevators, the 15th Floor Pool is a good place to unwind. From what I was told, parking is available for guests. As I am mobility challenged, the Disabled Accessible Room I was first assigned has an ensuite that was very spacious but not functional for it only had a bath tub and NOT a WALK IN SHOWER that would be more user friendly to a wheelchair bound guest. I was relocated to a room with walk in shower that a stool could barely fit. The demographics of travelers are changing and if the hotel does not keep up with meeting the demands of this sector of travelers, it would be a shame to lose them. The Handy Phone was indeed a plus to take along to aid guests when they are exploring the city. The rooms were indeed sound proofed for we were not at any time disturbed by neighbours nor traffic.

Breakfast was not extravagant but good and wholesome.The attendants were very efficient and helpful. The buffet was constantly topped up and refreshed with small amounts and not piled up like feeding animals. We were not bored as there was slight daily rotation of food items. We enjoyed the Nasi Lemak (one of the best we have eaten) tremendously during lunch before leaving for the airport.

All the staff from "go to woe" made this visit a very enjoyable stay. They were polite, helpful and accommodating from the concierge through to housekeeping. It was a pleasure to be briefed and assured by Mr Steve Chua, the Security Manager of the great security protocols in place at 30 Bencoolen for I have had some negative experiences even at 5 star properties abroad, My wife and I would like to thank him for meeting and greeting us during our stay. It is indeed value for money for this fine 4star hotel