Hotel 1929

Hotel 1929 has attracted attention for converting shophouses into quirky "boutique" accommodations. The real attractions, however, are its moderate prices and congenial location on the edge of Chinatown. The low-slung hotel is away from that area's turbulent commercial heart but within walking distance of its attractions and only two minutes from the Outram MRT station.

The rooms are, as advertised, tiny. In my single room I could fall over myself getting into bed. All storage is in one rolling box under the bed, which also contains the safe. The glassed-in toilet room also accommodates the shower. You really have to plan your morning ritual so everything else is complete before the shower soaks the facilities.

I knew all that from my research. The only surprise was the TV, with its puny choice of a mere half-dozen channels and not good ones by international standards. Internet was free, always a benefit, but by cable connection. Wireless is as overdue as better TV.

You get what you pay for. The staff was both friendly and efficient. And Restaurant Ember on the hotel's street level is a destination all on its own -- highly accomplished international cuisine, in the middle level of Singapore's expensive price range, and worth every Singapore penny.

Within walking distance, I can also recommend The Blue Ginger for Peranakan cuisine. 97 Tanjong Pagar Rd. www.theblueginger.com

Closer to the hotel, in fact just across the street, I was disappointed by the pricey Les Artiste Bistrot. It is associated with Cafe Nicolas a few doors away. 35 Keong Saik Rd. www.restaurantnicolas.com

For seafood fresh from the fish tank at low cost or even cheaper giant bottles of beer (Tiger is my preference) go to a big terrace at the corner of New Bridge Road opposite the Outram MRT station. Again it is very convenient for the Hotel 1929

I will post a separate thread with more details about the Singapore restaurants I tried.