[Resists making small space jokes]

I actually really liked the YOTEL concept of “taking the essential elements of luxury hotels into a compact, but smart space”. They have 2 other YOTEL concepts as well – YOTELAir and YOTELPad targeted at different type for travellers. I admit that this is not exactly a staycay property to lust after but I figured if I didn’t mind so much the 10SqM YOTELAir room back in 2019, I definitely will survive a 14SqM.

Address – 366 Orchard Road Singapore 238904. Website.

Contact – Tel: +65 6866 8000. Email:singapore.contact@yotel.com.

Location – Nestled right behind / alongside Isetan Scotts / Shaw Centre on Orchard Road, the property is a little hidden from the madness of the shopping belt yet smack in the middle of everything. You have Orchard station (NS22) about 5mins sheltered walk away for public transport and numerous bus services which stop besides.

Price – $150++ booked under the Stay Yo Way, Live It Up promotion which includes:

• ✔ Overnight accommodation starts from $150++ per night
• ✔ $150++ dining credit per day for Komyuniti. (Applicable Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• ✔ 2pm late check out
• ✔ Book & Share and receive a Robot Plushie* gift at check-in (which I just realized I didn’t get).

Eat and drink your worth in room charges? Sure!

Getting There – The location can be confusing to some as most directions will tell you to find it via International Building. If you are coming by public transport, head as how you would to International Building and you’ll spot the Yotel signage once you are in the vicinity – then just follow the multiple signs strategically placed along the route to get to the lobby.

If you are driving, note that there is no free parking for in-house guests but there is a very reasonable overnight parking rate for parking at International Building provided you reach after 6pm.

Check In – The lobby was thankfully empty on a weekday 1130am and my check in took a whole of 10mins (maybe because I already paid via their online link prior to arrival. Front desk was super efficient and even gave me a late check out of 2pm. Yays to more time!

Room – My Premium Queen Room 2425 was exactly how it looked in pictures and at 14SqM, it was actually fully functional due to the clever designs incorporating most things you would need for your stay.

I liked how they managed to make the space super practical – every corner is useful and anything that you may not need can be hidden into the structure, leaving a very clean (and OCD approved) look if you wish.

The bed (still) reminds of a hospital bed, with the TV placed in front of it like an A1 ward. There’s also a control up/down button which you can customize your desired slant.

One one side of the bed, there is your mini bar of sorts, a (empty) fridge, and a foldable table. On the other side is your wash basin and basic toiletries.

They even have a care kit which is surprisingly more generous than what I’ve seen in other better hotels.

The toilet / shower area is separated from the main bedroom by a frosted door and pretty compact but I didn’t mind it since 1pax. Toiletries were Urban Skincare branded which does what it does. And please draw your blinds because otherwise your neighbours will get a rather full view of your private activities.

Breakfast –  served at Level 10’s Komyuniti (menu here) – the space is quite nice and I spied a few pax taking advantage of their WFH package.

Breakfast is served from 6:30am – 10:30am and you are given a slip of paper to check off your choices. Food quality was unfortunately uninspiring and very average with weak coffee. But I wasn’t having high expectations anyways.

Other Dining – I spent my dining credits on a tabao lunch, dinner, and erm more than 1 cocktail, and then a massive takeaway lunch again next day – delivered by none other than Yolanda the robot who tried to kiap my hand before I could finish retrieving my items and insisted on singing a goodbye song before leaving. Food was quite tasty!

Facilities – For a small property they actually have a decent albeit small-ish gym and pool, located on level 10.

Service – I encountered a few miscommunication hiccup during my stay which marred quite a cute staycay. At check in, I was told my booking included breakfast but later in the night I got a call from Mission Control to inform that the reservations team had made a mistake and any breakfast costs will be deducted from my dining credits accordingly. I was also updated that what I was told about in-house guests enjoying a 20% dining discount is in fact not applicable if it is to be deducted from my dining credits (and this is after I used the benefit for my lunch after checking in). After a few to and fros, they agreed to honor the inclusive breakfast. Jerry from Mission Control was nonetheless very polite and apologetic throughout the process.

Check Out – Effortlessly completed at 1:30pm on a weekday.

In summary,

A cute and a very different kind of staycay, further sweetened by the dining credits. Its a fun try indeed!