Bluewaters Pods 38 Hongkong St
This property is best suited for budget-conscious travellers prioritising location over quietude and comfort, particularly for very short stays. The significant noise from the nightclub and lack of a lift are major considerations.
Bluewaters Pods 38 Hongkong St offers budget-friendly accommodation in a central Singapore location, praised for its proximity to public transport, attractions, and food options. Guests generally find the pods clean and private, with comfortable beds, though taller individuals may find them short and some note poor air circulation. The staff are consistently highlighted as helpful and friendly. However, the property is situated directly above a nightclub, leading to significant noise disturbances that can last until 2 am, even on higher floors. The building also lacks a lift, requiring guests to navigate multiple flights of stairs, which can be challenging, especially with luggage or for accessing bathrooms located on different floors. While WiFi is good, common areas are described as small and not particularly social.
Despite its excellent location and positive staff interactions, the persistent noise issues and lack of accessibility features detract from the overall experience. The property provides basic amenities like free coffee and sufficient under-bed storage, but some areas, including bathrooms, are noted as being a bit run down. It caters primarily to those seeking a very central base for short stays, who are less sensitive to noise and do not mind climbing stairs.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Clarke Quay Station (North-East Line) Exit A152 m2 min walk
- 166 m2 min walk
- Exit B172 m2 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 275 reviews.
Noise & sleep
A significant and recurring issue is noise from a nightclub located beneath the hostel, with music audible until 2 am, even on higher floors. Guests report that the hostel is aware and attempting to address the problem, but it remains a major disturbance.
“the room I was in was right above a music/dance bar so the noise made it into the room, not too much, you can hear it. I suspect this was just for my room.”
“The hostel is right above a night club which is very loud at night”
“Apparently, the hostel is situated above an Indian nightclub. Fans of Indian music could appreciate it, but I was several floors above this club and could still chant with and dance to the music. The hostel is aware of it and has filed reports with the police, and they are willing to take action, but all of this takes time. So for the faint-hearted sleepers,”
Pod comfort
Pod comfort is mixed; some guests find beds comfortable and spacious, while taller individuals report beds being too short. There are also mentions of poor air circulation within the pods.
“I think the beds are 1.8m and not 2m long... So if you're tall like me that could be a bit uncomfortable.”
“I sleep comfortably also.”
“The rooms are quite spacious, and the bed is also comfortable, as there is a lot of privacy too.”
Privacy
Guests generally appreciate the good level of privacy offered by the sleeping arrangements, often mentioning it alongside comfortable beds.
“The rooms are quite spacious, and the bed is also comfortable, as there is a lot of privacy too.”
“Good privacy and quiet environment.”
“Good beds, a lot of privacy and free coffee.”
Cleanliness
The property is generally described as clean, including the pods/rooms and toilets, although some areas are noted as being a bit run down.
“clean but a bit run down”
“Well- maintanced clean toilet.”
“Pods/rooms clean and have everything you need.”
Shared bathrooms
Shared bathrooms are generally clean, with good hot showers, but some guests found them a bit run down or dirty. A significant drawback is that bathrooms are on different floors, requiring guests to use stairs as there is no lift.
“the bathrooms were in different floors so you have drag yourselves up and down for shower and toilets and there was no lift/elevator between those floors.”
“Shared bathroom/showers clean.”
“It's a little run down in the bathrooms.”
Luggage storage
There is storage space under the beds for luggage, which is appreciated by guests. However, one review mentions 'no luggage room' which might refer to a dedicated storage area, and another notes a 'saving box' on the ground as not ideal.
“the storage location under the bed was large enough to accomodate my luggage. in other places I had to put them outside the room in the open.”
“the saving box is in the ground ,not so good”
“Enough room to store your bags.”
Staff & check-in
Staff are consistently praised for being helpful, attentive, kind, warm, and friendly, contributing positively to the guest experience.
“nice and attentive hosts.”
“The staff were amazing and very helpful.”
“Staff were great”
Location & access
The location is consistently highlighted as excellent, offering easy and quick access to metro stations, public transport, major attractions, food courts, and Boat Quay, all within walking distance.
“Good location”
“good location”
“The location was quite perfect for me. There was easy and quick access to the metro station as well as to Maxwell food court and to Boat Quay, all within a walkable distance.”
Wifi & working
The WiFi is reported to be very good, and common areas are equipped with power plugs and WiFi, making it suitable for work.
“WiFi very good”
“Common area has power plugs and wifi.”
Atmosphere
The social atmosphere is mixed; some guests found open areas suitable for chatting, but others noted the common room as small, not cosy, or even that there was no dedicated social room, leading to a less social environment.
“there were sufficient bathrooms and open areas in other floors of the facility that I could work and chat with people and family at later hours of night.”
“Common room a little run down but offers free coffees etc.”
“Small common area? It's not that cosy”
Value for money
Value for money is a point of contention; some guests found it budget-friendly and worth the price, while others felt it was overpriced for the experience, especially when compared to similar accommodations.
“a bit costly due to the time I travelled, good place to stay”
“Overpriced for what it is.”
“It is a descent place to say. Budget-wise, it is worth it.”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- severe nightclub noise
- no lift, many stairs
- bathrooms on different floors
- air conditioning issues
- some areas run down
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