Staying at Lloyd's Inn, Singapore

The Reading Room, Lloyds Inn, Singapore. Photo / Supplied

Zoe Macfarlane checks into Lloyd's Inn, an urban oasis in Singapore.

Location: A few minutes' walk from Orchard Rd, Lloyd's Inn is accessible to the city's fashion boutiques, upmarket malls and a range of eateries.

Check-in experience: Walking in through the side gate to Lloyd's, a wave of Zen-like calm washes over me. This is a property with a focus on good aesthetics and design. From the stylish pool and chill-out area to the industrial-minimalist lobby, the inn is in contrast to the hubbub of the mega-malls a couple of blocks away.

Check-in is friendly and swift, with only a couple of minutes spare to check out the large black-and-white local-area map that resembles a piece of art. A luggage cart is available if you want assistance.

Room: The rooms are a mixture of styles: Japanese garden meets minimalist. While there are eight room types and 34 rooms at Lloyd's Inn, the aesthetics remain the same. My room, the Reading Room, is a light-filled space with bamboo and ferns creating a sense of being in an oasis. It's not overly spacious but the white and wooden decor gives the illusion of a larger room.

Kimono-style robes hang from an exposed rod and the laptop-sized safe is appreciated. The sockets accommodate all plug types, so you can leave your bulky adapter at home.
Price: Singapore hotel prices are high compared to many other cities in Asia. Lloyd's Inn sits in the affordable price range, with rooms from $170 per night.

What's so good about the place? The surprising calm once you're inside the property is appealing, particularly on weekdays when outside, people are bustling around, to-ing and fro-ing for work.

A smartphone is loaned to guests, saving you from chomping through your own data plan. Use it to navigate the eclectic Singapore suburbs, to find the hippest hawker centre or even to call Grandma in the UK (some international calls are free).

And the bad? Despite staying in the Reading Room, the side chair is too uncomfortable to relax in.

The bed: The mattress is on a wooden base, losing the spring you would get with a more traditional bed. The bedding is good quality, with two pillow sizes to choose from.

Bathroom: Singapore's consistent temperatures allow for one of the best features of the room: indoor/outdoor toilet and shower. Plants are tastefully placed to ensure you're not exposing yourself to the gardener, or you can pull the shower curtain for full privacy.

Own brand toiletries are on offer, though I didn't try them.

A room with a view? Only palms, fronds and plants. Facilities: A pool but no ordinary pool; named the "dipping pool", this shallow, narrow pool is perfect to cool down from the Singapore humidity but you won't be doing laps. There are comfortable loungers and two swinging chill-out chairs around the pool area.

Food and Drink: There is no restaurant on site so vouchers are given to two nearby cafes.

My pick is Killiney Kopitiam, a local eatery offering eggs, kaya toast, and coffee, as well as more traditional Asian fare. Their laksa is the perfect way to start a Singapore day.

Free Wi-Fi: Yes.

Noise: Extremely peaceful, especially given the central-city location.

What's in the neighbourhood: Access to the city is easy from here. Walk a few minutes to reach Orchard Rd, Somerset MRT station and many convenient bus routes.

Contact: lloydsinn.com

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples and shoppers.

Would I return? Absolutely! Next time I'm adding in some free time to read in the chill-out area.