If you have walked around the lively and vibrant city centre of Singapore recently, you might have come across one of ST Signature’s co-living hotels, first launched in 2019, that are conveniently situated in prime areas such as Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, Jalan Besar and Bugis, all of which are historically and culturally rich neighbourhoods to live in.
ST Signature Bugis Middle
One of the newest co-living hotels in Singapore is the ST Signature Bugis Middle located at 21 Middle Road, Singapore 188931. Room prices start from about $130 up to about $147 per night.
Don't mistake it for the fellow ST Signature Bugis Beach located at 85 Beach Road!
ST Signature Co-living Hotel
With a growing interest in the shared economy, there are more co-living options made available as an affordable and fresh way of landing yourself with a place to stay, while also getting the opportunity to meet and interact with new people.
1 Night minimum stay
Unlike most co-living operators with a minimum 3-month stay period, ST Signature, the hospitality brand of Katrina Group operates mainly like a co-living hotel with a minimum stay of just 1 night.
What sets ST Signature co-living hotel and other co-living hotels such as Owen House by Hmlet and lyf by Funan apart from any regular budget hotel is their dedicated communal spaces, shared facilities, and the focus on the whole community experience.
Self Check-In
ST Signature Chinatown is the first co-living hotel that was opened back in 2019 which found success with the smart self check-in feature, as it was during the Covid pandemic season. Having the ST Signature Chat-In app at all of their co-living hotels today helps to keep the administrative process of payment and room access fuss-free and contact-free.
However, for those that do not have smartphones with them, there is a smart tablet available right at the lobby to ease the check-in and out process.
The ST Signature Chat-In app is also inclusive of 24/7 online community hosts that share more about how you can make the most of your stay by exploring some of the must-visit destinations in Singapore.
ST Signature Bugis Middle Review
ST Signature recently opened the door to its fifth co-living hotel in Bugis Middle at the start of October 2023 with a total of 38 rooms across 5 different room types and sizes.
Located at 21 Middle Road with about a 6-minute walk from Bugis and Esplanade MRT, ST Signature Bugis Middle is well connected to various shopping malls including our favourite Bugis Junction, Suntec City, and Raffles City for plenty of food and entertainment options.
ST Signature Bugis Middle is their second co-living hotel in Bugis, as ST Signature Bugis Beach is just across the street that caters to a different group of locals or travellers with the larger room sizes that can fit up to 4 pax.
There are also a bunch of arts and culture spots around ST Signature Bugis Middle to visit their exhibitions and showcases at the good ol’ museums and even the classic National Library just round the corner.
The bold hand-painted wall mural pays homage to the Hainanese heritage with the Chinese opera and traditional coffee elements in the façade that stands out among the other budget hotels positioned in the same row of buildings.
ST Signature Bugis Middle Room Review
The room sizes at ST Signature Bugis Middle ranges from 11 sqm to 16 sqm.
Cabin M Ensuite with a room size of 12 sqm is the most affordable room type as it is the only room type without any window, while the Cabin M Executive En Suite with a room size of 16 sqm is the largest room type available at ST Signature Bugis Middle.
The other room types include Cabin M Twin En Suite and Cabin M Deluxe En Suite. While the room sizes are on the smaller side, the website mentioned that it is good for 2 adults and 1 child, making it a family-friendly accommodation option, though it might be a bit of a squeeze with the queen size bed.
All of the rooms at ST Signature Bugis Middle are designed by Asylum Creative, a multi-disciplinary creative agency in Singapore. The rooms feature a distinctive patterned headboard that stands out from the rest of the modern industrial style and a touch of luxe with the golden accents.
ST Signature Bugis Middle: Ensuite Bathroom Review
The first thing that would most likely put people off the idea of co-living would be the part about having to share the bathrooms. However, you can be rest assured as all 38 rooms at ST Signature Bugis Middle come with its private bathroom, fitted with a Grohe faucet for a luxurious and shiok bath experience.
Other co-living hotels by ST Signature may come with a shared bathroom, so it is really up to your personal preference.
Additionally, you will also find bath amenities provided for you, such as the shower gel, shampoo, bath towels, hand wash, and disposable toothbrush set, much like the regular hotel offerings. Relocating the sink out from the closed bathroom enables a greater flexibility and use of space.
ST Signature Bugis Middle: Room Amenities
Despite the compact room size, you will be able to find everything you need in the room from a much-needed smart TV, well-positioned charging ports, mini bar fridge, water kettle, hairdryer, and even an in-room safe.
You can even set up a workstation right in the room, thanks to the multifunctional bedside table that extends out into a desk, along with the foldable chair that is tucked away under the bed. There is also a dedicated space under the bed that is the perfect spot for your bags or luggage.
Instead of having the traditional card access for power supply, ST Signature co-living hotels come with an automated sensor flow system that detects and switches to an energy-efficient air-conditioning setting when you are not in the room.
Image: Booking.com
ST Signature Bugis Middle Kitchen Review
Having a fully-equipped kitchen, named as the “Cook Lab” in a hotel setting is one of the main highlights for ST Signature.
The communal kitchen comes with all of the kitchen appliances that you will need to cook up a meal, including the cooker hood and hob, microwave, as well as a decently-sized fridge. You will also find a water dispenser and coffee machine to serve drinks that you need all day.
ST Signature Bugis Middle: Shared Spaces
There is 1 lift available to serve all of the 38 rooms across 6 levels, which may be a bit of a squeeze, during peak hours when everyone is trying to get in or out of their rooms.
Aside from the lobby area on the first floor, there are more seating areas on the third floor where the front and rear decks are located, which offers opportunities for guests to interact or even a nice change of scenery too.
If your room happens to be on the third floor, you can have the most convenient and direct access to the deck, which could feel like a nice little extension from your room.
Image: Booking.com
ST Signature Bugis Middle: Room Prices
For a full day stay with check-in timing at 3pm to check-out at 12pm, the room prices start from about $130 per night and go up to about $147 for the Cabin M Executive Ensuite at ST Signature Bugis Middle, which is the largest room available with the opening promo rate.
Instead of full day stays, ST Signature Bugis Middle also offers short stays rates where you can select between a 9-hour (9am to 6pm) or 11-hour (8pm to 7am) hours booking, which would cost from less than a hundred bucks.
It is great for those of you who like to work outside of your house, or even for those that had a fun night out and would not want to spend an exorbitant amount on a ride-hailing app to get back home.
ST Signature Bugis Middle Co-living Review
If you are keen on trying out the whole co-living experience, then staying in one of these co-living hotels, like ST Signature Bugis Middle is a good start, since the minimum stay period is just 1 night, unlike a 3-month lease term.
Additionally, ST Signature Bugis Middle offers different time slots that would cater to different needs, especially if you happen to need a place to crash, perhaps to avoid going home to noisy home renovations from your neighbour.
As ST Signature Bugis Middle is in an accessible location, it offers a great place to stay for those that are going for festivals or concerts and do not want to splurge on private transport home, while having a comfortable room to rest up for the night.
However, if you are looking to stay long-term like maybe for a month, then the cost would exceed the regular co-living rental prices. The 11 to 16 sqm room sizes may also not be sufficient for longer stays too, but you can always email ST Signature to check in to see if there is any special rate for a 1-month stay, if you are looking to find alternative accommodation during your home renovations.
Separately, you could also check out ST Residences for their serviced apartment options that comes with additional amenities such as an indoor gym and swimming pool too.