Hotel 81 Osaka at Tiong Bahru
rate at 110 per night


this hotel spells grandiose marketing in name and location
however it was everything but

arriving at the lobby with its piquant scent of air fresherner and dour faced staff was a red flag we should have heeded.
opening the door to the room i was sure i had chanced upon the service closet instead. however on closer inspection affirmed i had indeed opened the door to a night of claustrophobic misery.
first the air con was ridiculously placed to cause sinus and arthiritic discomfort, then the lack of a window which was masked behind a pseudo curtain made for a farcical attempt at furnishing, topped with a toilet and shower cubicle sans curtain reminiscent of government chalets or my own bathroom at home!
what made up for it was location with its generous offerings of heartland fare, though that also has been invaded by hipster cafes.
as if the sleepless night was insufferable, i was awoken at dawn by the staff chatter and loud music from their boombox. i couldn't wait to check out and never to look back haha
all in a rating of 1/5 for obvious reasons