Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park Singapore: A Review

Singapore has been breaking records as of late in the tourism sector. Month after month, there’s been record numbers of tourists and record number of arrivals in Changi Airport. It’s no wonder that a respectable room in an international chain hotel these days costs at least SGD 200. Even 3-star hotels here are known to almost touch the SGD 200 mark. As such, it really is a breath of fresh hair that new entrant, Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park, of the Days brand which is well-known for great value lodgings in the US and in selected international markets, has given the local hotel scene a bit of pricing disruption with its competitive SGD 128++ rates. Currently, Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park has the CHEAPEST room rates among international chain hotels in town.

the unmistakable logo

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to try out the “product” through a weekend stay in the said property. The hotel itself has not been opened long — it’s been operational for hardly 2 months. It sits along the well-known Balestier Road, on a piece of land that has been redeveloped with a park as well as a neighboring 4-star hotel that’s due to open later this year.

the lobby

First impressions upon entering — Days as a brand is well-known for their budget accommodations and no-frills approach but I was pleasantly surprised with the attire of their staff. The front office staff were all wearing suits. The lobby is also designed quite nicely. It’s a bit cozy but designed in a very smart and modern way with jagged edges along the walls and art works here and there.

entering the room

My check-in took a short while. The reception staff even went so far as to personally show me to the rooms! I got the “orange room.” The thing about no-frills hotels like Days is that the room categories are kept at a minimum with minor variations such as with the room color scheme for example. Essentially, the options are between a room with queen-sized bed or one with twin beds. Measuring about 18 square meters, the room is more or less standard for a hotel of its class in Singapore. But I was amazed with their effective use of space which allows for an afternoon sitting area as well as a bedside table that doubles as a fridge.

very VERY comfy bed

the other side of the room

some complimentary items from days

The thing that I liked the most about the room was the bed. Honestly speaking, it was probably the most comfortable bed that I had slept on in the last year or so. I’m always particular with the pillows. I’m not one to use a layer of these when I sleep so it’s important to me that the one that I put on my head is just fluffy enough and Days’ pillows certainly do not disappoint in this aspect. But in case one needs extras, there’s a couple stored in the cabinets. Disposable slippers were also provided.

the ipod dock

Another amenity that I did not expect to see was the iPod dock which doubles as an alarm clock. Entertainment-wise, they pretty much had it covered. The television was flat screen and had a number of local as well as foreign channels. Two bottles of water were also provided free-of-charge.

the bathroom

There is also a very effective utilization of space when it came to the bathrooms. The doors are the foldable type which does not cause any wastage of precious floor area. This allows for more than enough space for the showers, toilet as well as the sink. Standard toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel and the like are also provided.

For a no-frills hotel, I really did not expect any facilities. However, Days has been thoughtful enough to include a modest gym in the hotel’s second floor. There is also an outdoor garden which was still under development when I visited. Perhaps a possible outdoor bar in the making?

the breakfast spread

My room stay came with breakfast buffet. Priced at $15++ per head, it is probably one of the cheapest hotel breakfast buffet in town. For the price, the food was of good quality. They had fresh fruit juices which was a pleasant surprise as some 4 or 5 star hotels don’t even offer these. Aside from these, other items that one would expect to have for the first meal of the day – such as eggs, cereals, sausages and salads – are also available.

attractions near the sun yat sen memorial hall

Location-wise, it’s a nice change from the city center of Singapore. Many tourist attractions and dining options are actually located nearby. For those looking to taste a bit of the local cuisine, there are a few stalls selling bak kut teh just a few minutes away. Then there is also the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall located just behind the hotel. Guests can enter for free (usual admission is at $5).

Verdict

The most economical option in Singapore today, Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park provides real value for money. As of current, its price is hard to beat and this is probably what will initially draw guests to the hotel. Rooms are very clean and very comfortable. Of course it also helps greatly that service here is superb for a no-frills hotel. Despite being new, the staff members seem to get the service aspect right! And really, there’s nothing more that one could ask for at this price point. You really do get your money’s worth here!

Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park
1 Jalan Rajah Road
Singapore 329133
Phone: +65 6808 6838