Planning for a staycation in our little red dot or would like to experience Singapore in a new perspective? We think The Great Madras, a newly refurbished hotel (and hostel) is the next staycation spot for you!
This so-called boutique establishment, run by Mini Environment Service Pte Ltd which is owned by a Muslim businessman, has been gaining interest from locals as well as guests from all over the world since its opening in December 2017.
For your convenience in getting Halal food in Singapore and as a guide for your next staycation spot, we lay out why this little cosy establishment is a great choice:
A Muslim Travel Guide to Little India
Picture: TheGreatMadras
The big makeover exhibits a blend of artistic historical architecture with attention to detail interiors. Vintage pieces of furniture and lighting are mixed in a classic way in the lobby space - exhibiting a homely feeling, not quite luxury but comforting.
Its pastel pink wide French doors are opened up to the street and its surrounding - inviting guests to its airy and open ambiance. The 35 non-smoking rooms vary in sizes from 8 m² to 28 m².
The Great Madras is an aesthetically pleasing accommodation where you can marvel at the cartoonist impression wallpaper that portrays local landmarks and historically significance.
Also look out for several catchy neon lights shining brightly in the building such as the one in the lobby that says, “Go Everywhere, Do Everything”.
Apart from quality bedding and linen, you can expect all rooms (including the hostels) to be complete with modern comforts such as slippers, bathrobe, toiletries set, ironing facilities, safe deposit box, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV.
Unique wallpaper designs decorate the rooms, with windows adding brightness to the pastel and light colour painted wall. In the smaller rooms, the contrasting coloured wash basin sits on the table facility outside the shower and toilet room .
Picture: TheGreatMadras
The hostels (one side with 3 roomas for women with 3 rooms and another mixed with 5 rooms and private courtyard) come with a private shower and toilet room – although it’s a ‘shared’ concept (2 in women and 3 in mixed).
The minimalistic-styled king size bed in the hostel rooms occupies the entire space (so there's no floor area in the room) but they do make good use of the 8 m² sizes private room with sliding doors.
If you pick a suitable room, you can have great staycations for any occasions. For example, the women-only hostel has 3 rooms that can sleep 6 adults for a group staycation.
A family with children can opt for The Courtyard room (biggest at 28 m²), or The Balcony/The Better room where interconnected rooms are available – check the children age limit for no charge policy.
For a special treat such as birthdays or anniversaries, check out The Great Suite room (at 20 m²) which is complete with an open circular bathtub or chill in the outdoor pool - another Instagram worthy feature of The Great Madras.
Picture: TheGreatMischief
Located at the hotel lobby, breakfast is served at The Great Mischief bistro for hotel guests.
Recently welcoming customers in February, this restaurant, operated by The Black Hole Group, invites you to sample its interpretation of Catalan cuisines prepared with Halal sourced ingredients.
Enjoy the amazing tapas selection or simply dine with its ‘raciones’ menu.
Picture: TheGreatMischief
Wash down with your choice of non-alcoholic beverage or have a sip from 12 interesting selections of mocktail - such as La Rambla (Chai, Red Bull, and Soda) or Lloret De Mer (lychee, mint, and pomegranate).
You can’t go wrong with the usual snack plate such as the fried chicken wing, fried potatoes with truffle oil and croquet.
However, do extend to other Spanish inspired dishes such as salt cod fritters or paprika pulled beef with cheddar and Padron peppers.
Spanish hot chocolate and churros await you for dessert. As for price range, it can start from as small as SGD3.50 for a cup of coffee to around SGD25 for the ‘racione’ menu. Do note that wine is served on the premise.
Apart from providing a relaxing and convenient stay with communal feelings, it serves as a central point for staycations in Little India thanks to its 24-hour reception, a one-sit barbershop and laundromat services.
It can easily be reached by MRT (closest is Rochor followed by Jalan Besar and Little India) or buses. You can also visit the Abdul Gaffoor Mosque nearby or utilise the prayer room available in the premise for your prayers.
While you're here, why not see a different and interesting side of Singapore through wanders of culture, ethnicity, history, and architecture on top of shopping – yes, it’s a few blocks away from Orchard Road, Mustaffa Centre, and Sim Lim Tower.
Free bicycles can be hired from the hotel. Though the area is relatively quiet during daytime, we would suggest packing an earplug if you are a light sleeper as it could get a bit noisy in the weekend from the nearby nightlife of this vibrant neighbourhood.
Room rates that include complimentary buffet breakfast range from SGD80 to SGD350 depending on the rooms and seasons.
Even though it is not the cheapest as compared to other budget places, The Great Madras offers a charming boutique stay where convenience and comfort are not being compromised.
The Great Madras is a unique place for your short staycation and it's suitable for those going solo, as a couple or as a family with young children.
Stay and create a memorable art-deco staycation memory at The Great Madras – a Muslim-friendly hotel in Singapore and one-of-a-kind gem in Little India.
Address: 28 Madras Street, 208422 Singapore
Contact: 6914 1515 or email [email protected]
Website: http://thegreatmadras.com
https://www.thegreatmischief.sg
