I was actually a bit apprehensive, with the not so rosy reviews posted by some of the travellers who stayed at Hotel 81 Bencoolen. But surprisingly, my parents and I had a pretty okay time at the hotel. Of course, we knew that we were not getting first class service, unlike those who previously stayed there.

Anyway, we were actually impressed with the location of the hotel since it is right in the middle of the city. Most of the fancy museums, schools and decent eateries cafes are within easy reach. Orchard Road is practically 10 to 15 minutes away by foot.

Regarding the room were we slept (we stayed on the 9th floor), it was VERY basic and quite cramped, considering that we chose the Triple, which was good for three adults. However, it was still okay since the amenities were complete and thank god, in okay condition. The bathroom was alright, bigger than what we've expected. Needs a little maneuvering though if you want to take a bath since the shower is "handheld."

Overall, we had a decent stay, but housekeeping, UNFORTUNATELY, was a big letdown. I'm not really sure if they know how to clean as the beddings were ALWAYS haphazardly "arranged", and the floors, not properly swept.

Another thing, the walls are kinnda thin, so we sort of heard the footsteps and converstaions of those staying next door. But the "noise" did not bother us that much as we only went back late at night at we're just too tired and sleepy to complain.

Checked in 81 Bencoolen and found that the pictures posted on the net were stretched and magnified and the rooms were actually cubby holes; definitely not for a small family, despite asking them about it earlier. We were allocated what the reception staff told us was one of the most spacious rooms, and was taken aback when I discovered our room actually faced a closed courtyard and other rooms. The corridors are like little alleyways on a boat with people of the night in the corridors. Apparently, they rent out rooms by the hour too (!!!!). Definitely not a place for a small family with children. Decent accomodation can be got for the same rates or a few dollars more a few hundred metres away at the YMCA (Orchard road) or YWCA (Fort Canning Lodge), where we did move to for the rest of our otherwise enjoyable stay.
I must admit that 81 Bencoolen is ideally located for tourists with accessibility to transport and plenty of good affordable shopping options; also close to Bugis Street and Orchard Road. The staff at the hotel know that they are not really into providing an experience; they are just what they claim to be: an affordable, budget tourist hotel.

During my 5-days stay at Hotel 81 Bencoolen, a purportly claimed 3 star hotel, I found unbelievable that the hotel's housekeepers did not use vacuum cleaner while tidy up rooms. Therefore, rooms were full of hair, dust and even tissue paper. Ants were found all over the dressing table, wash basin and sometimes on the bed. I just wonder how such a hotel obtain it's ISO certificate and is it a room worth USD100+ is about in Singapore ?

In the past, I haven*t bothered about staying hotels like 81, 69 or wahtever. But at the helm of Air Show, all the other available hotel rooms were $300, 400, 500, 700 and more (per night) and we had no choice but to stay at Hotel 81Bancoolen.
After reading the other comments, we were ready for dirty floor, dirty shower room and poor service.
The impression changed after 1 night, - not too bad.
It is in a central location - walking distance to Orchard, Ruffles, Suntec and few minites walk to MRT station if you are heading out further. The decent local restaurant <Kopitiam> is just across the road and Sevel-Eleven as well.
The hotel staff does not bother you and house keeping is good. There is a hair dryer, internet connection, free bottle of water in the room.
So we have ended up staying here for thye rest of the stay in Singapore.
After all, it is what you expect and if the stay is value for the money.