The hype
Travelers obsess over the location and cleanliness but consistently groan about the shoebox-sized rooms.
Hotel Mi Bencoolen
$100-170/ night
Book this if You want to sleep directly on top of the MRT and treat your hotel room purely as a crash pad, not a hangout spot.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location: Bencoolen MRT Exit B is literally at the doorstep
- Walking distance to Bugis, museums, and three different hawker centers
- Filtered drinking water tap in every room (a rare, eco-friendly win)
Quick Take: A hyper-efficient, sterile, and tiny glass box that trades square footage for the best transit access in Singapore.
Reviewed by @lewbiegoestoperth: I stayed here to save cash while exploring Singapore and was blown away by the value. The location next to Bencoolen MRT is a game-changer. While the bed was firm, the staff sorted me out with a topper instantly. The night swims were the highlight of my trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'pool view' is often just a view of other hotel windows, and the 'balcony' rooms often face an internal airwell with zero privacy.
- You are a solo traveler or a couple who packs light
- You plan to leave at 8am and return at 10pm
- You prioritize hygiene and modern plumbing over space
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and rigorous. Floors are consistently swept, and surfaces are dust-free.
- Bathroom hygiene: Excellent. Grout is usually white, glass is streak-free, and no mold smells reported.
- Maintenance: Modern and well-kept. Very few reports of broken fixtures or peeling paint.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and replaced daily if requested. No threadbare issues.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh. No lingering cigarette or musty smells.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Slamming doors in the corridor
- Voices from the hallway and adjacent rooms
- Plumbing sounds from neighbors
Before you book
Good to know
- The Bencoolen MRT station is the deepest in Singapore — allow 5 mins just to get from the platform to the surface.
- There is no on-site restaurant for breakfast; they partner with a cafe next door which gets mixed reviews.
- Filtered water taps in the bathroom mean you don't need to buy bottled water.
What to pack
- Earplugs (non-negotiable for the thin walls)
- International adapter (though some USB ports are available, they can be slow)
- Flip-flops for the pool area
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier Queen Room (High Floor) — slightly more breathing room and better city views
- Corner rooms — fewer shared walls mean slightly less noise transfer
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator — high foot traffic equals high noise
- Superior Rooms on lower floors — often face a concrete wall or have negligible views
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor, as far from the elevator as possible. If available, a corner unit would be preferred to minimize hallway noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool worth it?
It's a nice visual feature and good for a quick dip, but it's overlooked by hundreds of room windows, so don't expect privacy.
Can I fit three people in a room?
Technically yes in a 'Triple Room', but it will be extremely tight. You will be climbing over luggage.
Is there luggage storage?
Yes, they have a secure luggage storage area if you arrive before check-in or leave late.
How is the WiFi?
Generally fast and reliable, suitable for streaming and video calls.
Is it close to the airport?
Yes, about 20-30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes via the Downtown Line (blue line) which connects directly to the airport line.
Are there windowless rooms?
Most rooms have windows, but 'Inner Courtyard' views face an internal airwell which can feel windowless due to lack of natural light.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 minutes to Albert Centre Market & Food Centre for a $3 SGD local breakfast.
- ✨
The 'Family Room' is just two connecting rooms — often a better deal than booking two separate units if you are a group of 4.
- ✨
Exit B of the MRT has an elevator, which is a lifesaver if you have heavy bags.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glass-walled bathrooms in some rooms have blinds that don't fully block 'silhouettes' — awkward for friends sharing.
💡The air conditioning is powerful but can be directed right at the bed in some room layouts.
💡The 'balcony' is often just a standing-room-only ledge looking at a wall.
💡Housekeeping is incredibly efficient but will knock early if you don't put the DND sign up.
💡You are right next to NAFA (art school), so the crowd in the area is very young and trendy.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Mi Bencoolen is located and what's nearby.