Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong by IHG — Hotel in Singapore

It was for me a staycation. I booked late at night and the reception staff was kind enough to offer a room immediately. It was a very pleasant experience from the reception desk to the room and back. Not only was it sparkling clean and tastefully decorated, but it also had all the facilities for a VERY comfortable stay. The bed was exceptionally clean and soft, two types of pillows to choose from and a very nice duvet that kept you snug and warm. I was impressed by the well thought design: the shower cabin is tempered glass round and spacious serving as a light feature in the room as well as a private space, the door has dual function, there’s also bidet shower, the details of the table, the swivel chair, useful little nooks and corners, subtle wall paper and nice headboard, effective day and night curtains, strong air conditioning (very useful in sunny East Coast), good water pressure in the shower, pleasant soap and shampoo, a small fridge, an electronic locker, a radio clock, land line telephone, GOOD internet connection. The cleaning lady was exceptionally accommodating, polite and tactful, offering water and coffee, making sure I have all that I needed. In the lobby the decorations are also very delicate and calming, a leaf pattern of some kind, repeated on the blind panels that cover the breakfast serving equipment. There are shady terraces around the lobby, sheltered from the sun by either umbrellas or blinds, vending machines with refreshing orange juice or Starbucks coffee, a well stocked bar with snacks and drinks, a gym, a meeting room. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to sample the breakfast which i have no doubt is very good. One can also order in room dinner from a restaurant just downstairs with excellent menu. My stay was short. As a local, I was called for other duties, but I must say that this hotel is EXACTLY what I am looking for when I travel: not frills I pay but never use or debatable service. The balance between what you get and what you pay is there. I read the legitimate satisfaction in the eyes of the receptionists when I shared my views. They take pride in their work. To tell the truth, the whole atmosphere invites the visitor to maintain that pristine environment, without abusing it while enjoying what it has on offer. It is so refreshing to live minimalistic yet happy for a change without the clutter that many of us might have at home. The hotel surroundings are also very pleasant. As I live on a different side of Singapore there was a lot for me to discover. The i12 mall nearby has a lot of interesting shops and restaurants. The whole stretch of East Coast Road is bursting with opportunities for shopping, dining, health and fitness. The location is not central, yet well connected. But there’s a lot to do around, less crowded than Orchard maybe, closer to the beach and very sunny. Thank you all at Holiday Inn Express Katong for this much...

My husband and I love the Katong area, and had booked a ten-day stay. Because of the length of time, cost was a bit of a consideration, and Holiday Inn Express Katong came up as a strong option. The proximity to the Church of the Holy Family was a major factor, since we planned to attend Mass every day during our stay. We were also intrigued by the mention of a laundry room with coin-operated machines, since the volume of clothes to be brought for a ten-day stay was a practical consideration.

We noted from the disclosure on booking.com that the room was small, and we also read reviews saying that the breakfast was basic. However, we were pleasantly surprised on both counts :)

The room, while compact, was very well planned such that the 19 square meter area was well maximized. My husband and I found the room spacious enough for our needs, and the bed and the pillows were very comfortable (we took many long naps in between long walks exploring the city.) The room was very clean (lovely fresh scent!) and the room cleaners came almost at the same time every day, so it was easy to plan our days (there is nothing quite like returning to the hotel room after a long walk to find that the room has been cleaned, beds looking picture-perfect, fresh towels in the bathroom...)

The breakfast featured almost everything one can find in a bigger hotel, with the dimsum, noodle, breakfast meat, Indian bread option changing daily (I loved almost all of them, with special mention of the kaya bao and chicken gyoza!) The fruits were fresh and well selected, and we enjoyed the low-fat yogurt offerings. The coffee options from the machine at the breakfast buffet were very good quality.

We also enjoyed the machine that dispensed freshly-squeezed orange juice near the reception area, and would save our $2 bills so that we could get some every time we returned from our city explorations.

The staff were pleasant, professional and very efficient! Special thanks to Mariz, who welcomed us and facilitated our smooth check-in and check-out.

There are more MRT stations now compared to our last stay - still a considerable walk from the hotel, but the city is made for walking, and when it wasn't raining, we were able to take the MRT to Orchard, Bras Basah/Dhoby Gaut and even Farrer Park. We were able to use the laundry room at least thrice during our stay, and this greatly helped!

We loved that the hotel was so near I12 Katong and also adjoining Katong Square! Killiney Kopitiam is one of our favorites for not only great kopi but also very good local fare. This strategic location greatly helped, given the often rainy weather (umbrellas may be borrowed from the front desk - not a problem at all!)

Joo Chiat Road has so many fascinating places to see - mostly restaurants, but also interesting little shops. I found that ten days wasn't nearly long enough.

Thank you, Holiday...

Been to 9 countries and 30+ different cities around the world. This is by far THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I ever experienced anywhere. I talked to 5-6 front desk employees, except one lady no one else even cares a bit about the guest. Reached the hotel at 11 am after a 6 hour flight. Was told that all rooms are full, early check in not possible will have to wait till 3pm. Tried requesting, the employee did not even CARE. I agree it was my fault here that the check in time is 3pm and I showed up early, no problem. Now while waiting in the breakfast area, 6 guest checked out right in front of me at around 1130. No problem, I’ll still wait. Had lunch, returned at 1230pm. I had booked 2 rooms for 4 guests total. Again after requesting a bunch of times, the employee gave one room on the 15th floor at 1pm. (Now, first the employee asked whether you want the rooms on the same floor to which I said YES. He said okay will do it) I waited till 2pm, asked again. A female employee said room is cleaned, just waiting for a ‘final check’. Anyone reading this please tell me how long should it take to check a 150 square feet, already cleaned room. Asked her again after 30 mins. Said ‘Sir you need to wait and give us a moment, about one hour’ rudely. Oh yeah that’s right Ma’am sorry I forgot you were paying for my stay.

I am again saying, I know I shouldn’t expect a check in before the check in time, but here’s the interesting part. I saw so many people literally got checked in before me, some which I talked to, confirmed that they had just arrived and were not waiting. On top of that, at the end they gave me a room on the 13th floor saying no room was available on 15th. Surprise again, when I went to meet my family in the room on 15th floor I saw two guests check in into a new room.

Perfect, keep elderly guests waiting since morning, and show a I Don’t Care attitude.

Who even is hiring...