Hotel Bencoolen has welcomed guests on Bencoolen Street since 1968, positioning itself as a budget-friendly 3-star option in downtown Singapore with 84 rooms and direct access to the MRT network. This review draws on verified property details and guest feedback to help travelers assess whether its central location and basic amenities meet their needs for a cost-effective stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-02
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Property: Hotel Bencoolen · Location: Bencoolen Street, near Orchard Road & CBD · Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (3-min walk), Bras Basah & Dhoby Ghaut (10-min walk) · Room count: 84 · Star rating: 3-star (budget tier) · Key amenity: Outdoor spa pool on level 2
How we researched this review
Last checked: 2026-07-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Trip.com listing, Hotels.com listing, Accor corporate site (for nearby alternatives), Expedia listing, editorial review (Wahsoshiok), social media.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond the qualitative band inferred from listed rates.
Hotel Bencoolen snapshot
- 3-star urban hotel with 84 rooms on Bencoolen Street (Hotel Bencoolen official site)
- Opened in 1968; latest major renovation completed in 2013 (Wahsoshiok review)
- 3-minute walk to Bencoolen MRT; 10 minutes to Bras Basah and Dhoby Ghaut stations (Trip.com)
- Outdoor spa pool (jacuzzi style) on level 2, plus small gym and koi pond (Wahsoshiok review)
Hotel Bencoolen Singapore address and exact location
Hotel Bencoolen is located at 47 Bencoolen Street, sitting in the Bras Basah–Bugis district that connects the Orchard Road shopping belt with the Civic District and the CBD. The street itself is a short, tree-lined stretch of historic shophouses, modern hotels, and arts institutions — the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum are both within a 10-minute walk.
The property is about 70 metres from Bencoolen MRT station (Downtown Line). Bras Basah MRT (Circle Line) and Dhoby Ghaut MRT (three-line interchange) are each roughly 10 minutes on foot, meaning guests can reach most of the city without a taxi or bus, as highlighted by Trip.com’s listing. Bugis Street shopping district is a 12-minute walk northeast; Orchard Road is about 15 minutes on foot southwest.
Hotel Bencoolen reviews – what guests actually say
On TripAdvisor, the hotel has accumulated approximately 2,000+ reviews, earning a 3-star rating that aligns with its official classification. Three independent reviewers — whose comments appear across TripAdvisor and Booking.com — consistently describe the rooms as “simple but clean” with basic amenities, and note that staff are “friendly” and check-in is “quick and easy,” as summarised in the TripAdvisor review page.
A separate editorial review by Wahsoshiok, which stayed in a Deluxe room, reported the room measured approximately 22 sqm, included a bathtub, and was priced under SGD 100 per night. The same review noted that the outdoor “spa pool” functions more as a jacuzzi than a full lap pool, complemented by a small gym and a koi pond beside the pool deck.
“All in all, I would say that Hotel Bencoolen was an okay stay. The room was spacious for its price, came with a bathtub, and had a few bells and whistles in the ‘spa pool’ and the gym.”
— Jerry Low, reviewer at Wahsoshiok
The most common criticism, drawn from multiple TripAdvisor reviews, points to aging fixtures despite the 2013 renovation. A TikTok review posted in January 2025 described the rooms as “cozy” with windows that let in natural light, reinforcing the value-for-money, basic-comfort positioning. Review aggregation on Trip.com shows higher scores for location (rated 8.7) than for amenities and service, according to Trip.com — a pattern that suggests centrality, not luxury, is the draw.
Bencoolen hotel SG menu – dining on-site and nearby
Hotel Bencoolen does not operate a full restaurant. According to the official property website, the hotel offers a free breakfast — but reviews on Booking.com are divided on whether this is a complimentary continental spread or a paid option, so guests should confirm directly at check-in. The hotel also has no bar or room-service menu in the official listing.
The Bras Basah and Bugis neighbourhoods surrounding the hotel are dense with food options. Along Bencoolen Street itself, you will find an array of casual eateries and coffeeshops — including the 24-hour Jalan Besar area a 10-minute walk away. The Prinsep Street food centre and several Indian-Muslim restaurants on Kandahar Street are all within a 5- to 8-minute radius.
Hotel V Bencoolen Singapore – how the alternative compares
V Hotel Bencoolen is a separate 272-room property located directly above Bencoolen MRT station, at 170 Bencoolen Street. It is a popular alternative for travelers who prioritise immediate MRT access. TripAdvisor reviews praise its location and staff but consistently note that rooms are compact — a typical trade-off for budget hotels in central Singapore.
Hotels.com describes V Hotel Bencoolen as offering a seasonal outdoor pool, continental breakfast (surcharge), concierge, and self-serve laundry, as listed on Hotels.com. A YouTube room tour published in 2023 characterised it as a “budget hotel with very good MRT connectivity,” with small rooms typical of Singapore’s city-centre economy segment.
| Hotel | Star rating | Distance to Bencoolen MRT | Room count | Price band (qualitative) | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Bencoolen | 3-star | 3-minute walk | 84 | Budget (under SGD 100/night) | Outdoor spa pool (jacuzzi) |
| V Hotel Bencoolen | 3-star (budget tier) | Directly above station | 272 | Budget to mid-range | Seasonal outdoor pool |
| ibis Singapore on Bencoolen | 3-star (Accor economy) | 5–8 minute walk | ~240 | Budget with brand standards | All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet |
| 30 Bencoolen | 4-star (upscale) | 5-minute walk | 131 | Mid-range to premium | 24-hour gym, spa tub |
Key facts: accommodation, features, and policies
| Property | Hotel Bencoolen |
| Location | Bencoolen Street, near Orchard Road & CBD |
| Nearest MRT | Bencoolen (3-min walk), Bras Basah & Dhoby Ghaut (10-min walk) |
| Room count | 84 |
| Star rating | 3-star (budget tier) |
| Key amenity | Outdoor spa pool on level 2 |
| Check-in / check-out | 3:00 PM / noon |
| Free WiFi | Yes (reported on Booking.com) |
| Breakfast | Claimed as free on some sources; confirm directly |
Pros and cons of Hotel Bencoolen
Pros
- Excellent location within walking distance of three MRT stations and major attractions
- Consistently praised for clean rooms and friendly staff in guest reviews
- Deluxe rooms at approximately 22 sqm with bathtub at budget-friendly rates
- Unique outdoor spa pool (jacuzzi) — uncommon at this price point in central Singapore
Cons
- No on-site restaurant or bar; breakfast policy is inconsistent across sources
- Some rooms show signs of ageing despite 2013 renovation, per multiple guest reviews
- Small gym; outdoor pool is a jacuzzi-style spa, not suitable for lap swimming
- Potential for street noise in front-facing rooms
Best for segments – who will appreciate Hotel Bencoolen
- Budget travelers who want a central location without paying for luxury amenities.
- Solo travelers seeking a clean, safe base with good MRT connectivity.
- Families on a budget who can book the larger Deluxe rooms with bathtubs.
- Culture/arts visitors – the hotel is steps from the National Museum, Singapore Art Museum, and Bras Basah arts district.
Pricing band – what to expect
Based on available data, Hotel Bencoolen’s Deluxe rooms have been reported at under SGD 100 per night in editorial reviews. OTA listings such as Trip.com show an average price from around USD 198 — though this figure may reflect seasonal peaks or more expensive room categories. The hotel positions itself firmly in the budget tier for central Singapore.
Guests should note that rates vary significantly by season, booking window, and room type. For a realistic understanding of current pricing, it is recommended to check multiple OTAs and the official website directly before booking.
Alternatives on the same street
In addition to V Hotel Bencoolen (covered above), travelers searching Bencoolen-area hotels will encounter two other properties worth knowing:
- ibis Singapore on Bencoolen (Accor group, 3-star) — known for high-ceiling rooms, free WiFi, an in-house gym, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. It is within about 5–8 minutes’ walk of Bencoolen, Bras Basah, and Bugis MRT stations. Ideal for brand-loyal economy travelers.
- 30 Bencoolen (formerly Oakwood Bencoolen, 4-star upscale) — offers an outdoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour gym, and buffet breakfast, with 131 rooms at a higher price point. Suitable for guests who want more amenities and space.
There is also a separate Hotel Bencoolen on Hong Kong Street, a newer 4-star property that frequently causes booking confusion — double-check the address before confirming any reservation.
Our pick: who should choose Hotel Bencoolen
Hotel Bencoolen (47 Bencoolen Street) is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious tourists who want a clean, centrally located room within walking distance of Orchard Road, the Civic District, and the Bras Basah arts district.
- Solo backpackers who value MRT access and a safe, no-frills base.
- Families on a budget who can book the Deluxe rooms (with bathtub) and use the outdoor spa pool.
- Culture/arts visitors — the hotel sits in the middle of Singapore’s museum quarter.
If immediate MRT access is your top priority, V Hotel Bencoolen (directly above the station) may be a better fit. If brand consistency and a reliable breakfast matter more, consider ibis Singapore on Bencoolen. For a more upscale stay on the same street, 30 Bencoolen offers fuller amenities at a higher price.
youtube.com, expedia.com, guestreservations.com, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact address of Hotel Bencoolen?
47 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189626. It is a 3-minute walk from Bencoolen MRT station (Downtown Line).
How far is Hotel Bencoolen from the nearest MRT station?
Bencoolen MRT station is approximately 70 metres away (3-minute walk). Bras Basah and Dhoby Ghaut stations are each about 10 minutes on foot.
Does Hotel Bencoolen have a restaurant?
No. The hotel does not have a full restaurant or bar. A complimentary breakfast is mentioned on some booking aggregators, but the policy varies — guests should confirm directly before booking.
What room types are available at Hotel Bencoolen?
The hotel offers standard and Deluxe rooms, with Deluxe rooms approximately 22 sqm. Some Deluxe rooms include a bathtub. All 84 rooms are described as “chic contemporary” on the official website.
Is Hotel Bencoolen suitable for families?
Yes, families can book Deluxe rooms with bathtubs. The outdoor spa pool (jacuzzi) is a child-friendly feature. However, the hotel has no family-specific amenities like kids’ clubs or babysitting services.
What amenities does Hotel Bencoolen offer?
Free WiFi, outdoor spa pool (jacuzzi), fitness centre, daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, and concierge. Breakfast is listed as included on some booking sites but may not be guaranteed.
How are the reviews for Hotel Bencoolen on TripAdvisor?
Approximately 2,000+ reviews give it a 3-star rating. Common themes: clean basic rooms, friendly staff, excellent location, and good value. Some reviews mention ageing fixtures and street noise.
What is the star rating of Hotel Bencoolen?
3 stars, classified as a budget-tier hotel. It underwent its last major renovation in 2013.