Ibis Styles on Macpherson
Singapore
June 2016
I chose to stay at this hotel for a very simple reason: it was the cheapest room I could find online among my preferred brands.
I was looking for a relaxing stay in a no-hassle place. I’d already chosen Singapore as my destination because of the excellent business-class deal I secured from Oman Air, and the knowledge that I’d be comfortable with my surroundings.
The Styles came in at about S$128 (US$95.50) a night for bed and breakfast. 
As it turned out, the upsides way outweighed the one downside — which was that it’s a bit of a distance from the main action in the thriving city-state.
Having said that, the nearest station in Singapore’s super-efficient MTR metro system was just 1.3 kilometres away and, if I’d cared to do the research to understand their destinations, I’m sure I could have used the buses that stoped virtually at the doorstep.
I hiked to the MTR on some days and caught taxis on others (the decisive factors being how lazy I felt and whether it was too hot or too wet to take the walk).
The room was small, but it had colourful decor and all the inclusions I needed, including a pleasant view over the pool and some nearby parkland. When you live in the desert, some greenery is always appreciated.
The connectivity was great — free wi-fi plus two USB sockets to charge my devices in addition to a few power points.
The breakfast buffet wasn’t extensive but was well above average for a “budget” hotel. I also ate in the restaurant at lunch and in the evening, and had tasty affordable snacks and meals from a large menu comprising eastern and western favourites.
The staff were universally friendly and helpful, although some seemed a little perplexed at times, possibly because the hotel has only recently opened.
Once the shops that are planned as part of the complex are open, it will have a slightly different feel. It will also do a little to mitigate the relative suburban remoteness of the place.
But I’m certainly not complaining. Given prices generally in Singapore, I feel I got much more than I paid for.
