Since Rucksack Inn was already fully booked, I scoured the interwebs for other Singapore hostels that 1) will fit our budget 2) has free wifi and 3) has a good location. I logged on to hostels.com and this new place called The Sojourn caught my interest. Judging from the photos, it seemed to be a decent place to stay. Not to mention, it's very near the train station and just a couple of blocks away from THE Orchard Road. Still, I want to make sure if the place is really nice (or if it's just the photos) so I googled it and found...nothing. Except for this post which was not even *that* helpful. Despite lacking proof that The Sojourn is worthy of our money, I went ahead and reserved 2 dorm beds for S$72.
We arrived in SG at 5pm, bought an obligatory vodka at duty free, and took the train towards Somerset Station where our inn was located.
A litre of vodka to go, pls
The Sojourn Singapore is located along the residential area (i think) of Devonshire Road. From Somerset train station, you'll have to take Exit A to get to Devonshire road then walk towards right until you see a row of white terrace houses. Note that The Sojourn doesn't have a signboard. Just look for Unit 131...it's the one with a hanging lamp at the entrance.
Devonshire Road (photo from Sojourn Facebook page)
Upon arrival, we were greeted by their Pinay staff Ms.Josephine. After paying the room in full and depositing S$10 for the room keys, we were given a brief tour of the 2-storey property. The whole place is mostly in black and white--a minimalist yet classy design. It actually looked like a boutique hotel, rather than the usual backpacker's hostel/inn/b&b.
At the ground floor is the lounge area where guests could relax and mingle with each other. It's also a comfortable place to watch movies or read books.
Comfy couch
Books, DVDs, Cable TV
Free wifi is available all over the property. If you don't have a wireless wifi-enabled device, a computer station with 4 desktop computers are available for guests to use for free 24/7. The computer station, together with the dining area and kitchen, are also in the ground floor.
Great internet speed
Dining area. Notice the high ceilings!
On our way to our room, Ms.Josephine informed us that the inn is just a month old--thus the stinky smell of newly painted walls. Anyway, we found out that there are no room numbers here. Instead, rooms are named after herbs and spices: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Tumeric. How cute is that?
2nd Floor
We were assigned in Tumeric, an 8-bed female dorm room with lockers. Ms.Josephine said we were lucky because it would only be Kin and I in the room. Yey for us!
Our room
Unlike the usual hostel dorm rooms, ours was big and had enough floor space to unpack belongings. Each bunk has a power outlet and reading light. The linens are clean and fresh towels are provided for free. I like the idea of having a wooden separator between each bunk beds as it provides guests with privacy. Unfortunately, the mattresses felt too hard. It was tolerable for me but some guests may find it somehow uncomfortable to sleep on. The centralized a/c also seemed to be problematic during our stay. It was stuck at 27 celsius throughout the night! Good thing we also have an electric fan inside the room to lessen the heat.
my bed
At the second floor is the wash room / shared bath area. It's very clean but you should know that each cubicle houses a toilet AND shower. Expect things to get a bit cramped. See photos below.
I guess my favorite part would be the powder area. It's huge with a row of mirrors and chairs for the ladies to use. It's like a salon inside a hostel!
mirrors with lights and chairs and a couch
Camwhore time!!!
Another favorite would be the breakfast station because I love to nom. Haha! Served daily from 6am to 11am, guests may have as much coffee/tea/milk/cereals/toasts as they want. My choice were peanut butter jelly, kaya toasts, and a cup of hot Milo! Yummy power nom for a rainy Singapore morning.
We checked out early as we have to catch a KL-bound coach at noon. Before leaving, we were introduced to Tony--one of the owners. We told him that we love the place and that we'll definitely return next time. Shout out to Ate Josephine for taking care of us! Maraming Salamat! :)
Verdict:
Despite the defective room a/c and the small baths, I found The Sojourn a great place to stay. It's spanking new (opened August 2010) with free breakfast and wifi. The room rates are acceptable (starts at S$40) because hostels/inns are uncommon within Orchard Road's immediate vicinity. Traveling is easy because the train and bus stations are just steps away. There's even a hawker centre, mall, and supermarket right across the street! It's an ideal place for backpackers with extra budget to spare and budget solo/group travelers who want to drop by Orchard Road's shopping haven.
Thanks, The Sojourn!
For complete room rates and reservations, visit www.thesojourn.com.sg. You may also email them at info@thesojourn.com.sg or call +65 6887 3607.
The Sojourn is located at 131 Devonshire Road, Singapore.
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