Hotel Mono

Hotel Mono occupies six historical shophouses on Mosque Street in Chinatown, and it combines the original features of the buildings, such as air wells, timber windows and ornate facades, with a pared-back, monochrome interior. The black-and-white palette runs through the rooms and public spaces, and it gives the hotel a calm, graphic look that contrasts with the colourful streets outside.

There are 46 rooms, and the small scale keeps the atmosphere quiet despite the busy neighbourhood. Rooms in heritage shophouses tend to be compact, and some have limited windows or outlook because of the buildings' narrow, deep layout, so check the room type when booking if natural light matters. Furnishings are simple and well made, focusing on comfortable beds and the essentials rather than extensive facilities. There is no pool or large gym, in keeping with the boutique format.

The hotel suits travellers who plan to spend their days out exploring and want a stylish, central base at a moderate price. Couples and solo travellers will find it a good fit; families with young children may find the rooms too small. Shophouse buildings often have stairs, so mention any mobility needs before booking.

The location is its biggest strength. Hawker centres, temples, bars and restaurants are all within a few minutes' walk, including Sri Mariamman Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown Complex Food Centre and the food streets around Smith Street and Pagoda Street. In the evening, the bars of Club Street, Ann Siang Hill and Keong Saik Road are close by, and Maxwell Food Centre, home of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, is a short walk for breakfast or lunch.

Hotel Mono is at 18 Mosque Street, and Chinatown MRT station is very close, giving quick access to Marina Bay, Little India and the airport, which is reached directly by train with a change at Tanah Merah or Expo. Bookings can be made directly with the hotel by phone or email. Rates are generally lower than at the larger hotels around Marina Bay, making it one of the better-value design hotels in central Singapore. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street, as Chinatown stays lively into the evening.