Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena By Ihg

This hotel offers a comfortable and well-managed stay, particularly notable for its pet-friendly policy which extends to indoor dining, making it a unique choice for pet owners and families traveling with their furry companions. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness and the attentive service provided by its staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Its strategic location, while not directly in the city center, provides excellent access to public transportation, making it ideal for business travelers and sightseers who prefer to navigate via bus. For an enhanced experience, guests are advised to utilize the convenient bus network right outside the hotel for easy access to various attractions and dining hubs, and to explore the popular Teochew Porridge Buffet, a signature dining experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of convenient facilities, though some are noted for their size. The swimming pool is described as very small and shallow, suitable for a quick cool-off rather than serious swimming. The gym is basic but adequately equipped for a workout. Guests appreciate the reliable and fast Wi-Fi throughout the property. For laundry needs, self-service laundry facilities are available on the fourth floor, offering a cost-effective alternative to the hotel's more expensive service. While there are only two elevators, some guests experienced long wait times during peak hours. The lobby area features a Starbucks section and a deli, providing easy access to beverages and snacks. Additionally, ice machines and vending machines are available for guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as tidy, spotless, and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and quality linens contribute to a restful night's sleep, with options for both soft and firm pillows. While many rooms are noted as being small or cramped, especially for those with multiple suitcases, some suites offer more spacious layouts. In-room amenities include a microwave, mini-fridge, hot and cold water dispenser, coffee maker, and USB chargers by the bedside. Some guests reported issues with bathroom cleanliness, including a persistent smell, worn silicone joints, or a broken bidet. Noise levels from the street or neighboring rooms were occasionally mentioned, suggesting some limitations in soundproofing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise for its variety and quality, offering a wide selection of Indian, Chinese, Muslim, and Continental options, including fresh fruit and pastries. While most guests find the breakfast delicious and satisfying, some note that the menu can be repetitive over longer stays. A standout feature is the Teochew Porridge Buffet, highly popular for lunch and dinner, described as unique, tasty, and offering a wide range of dishes at good value. This buffet is particularly noted for its pet-friendly indoor dining section. Beyond the buffet, the Express Cafe & Bar also serves other dishes like satay, truffle fries, and pizza. However, some guests felt the overall food quality could be improved in terms of flavor and texture.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage for many guests, with bus stops conveniently located directly outside, offering easy and affordable access to various parts of the city. While the Novena MRT station is about a 15-minute walk away, and other MRT stations are further, the extensive bus network compensates for this. The surrounding area is well-equipped with hawker centers, shopping centers, and numerous restaurants within walking distance, providing ample dining and retail options. Guests appreciate being close to local markets like Whampoa, offering an authentic experience. Parking is available, including basement options, though some guests found it to be expensive or no longer complimentary.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high commendation for their excellent service, described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in and check-out processes, often facilitated by staff offering early check-ins or late check-outs when available. The team is noted for their willingness to assist with various requests, from ordering taxis to helping with mobile applications. Housekeeping is generally efficient, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained, though some guests experienced minor delays in room servicing or replenishment of amenities. The overall impression is that the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
A distinctive feature of this hotel is its comprehensive pet-friendly policy, which extends beyond just allowing pets to providing a dedicated pet menu and even a welcome kit including a Fuzzyard dog bed, food bowl, snacks, and a toy. This makes it a highly recommended choice for guests traveling with their animal companions, particularly with the indoor pet-friendly dining area for the Teochew Porridge Buffet. Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers a filter machine for water, bottled water is not provided daily. For longer stays, guests appreciate the availability of luggage trolleys for self-service. The hotel also provides umbrellas in rooms, a thoughtful touch for unexpected rain.