The Hotel It is my first time staying in a boutique size property in Singapore and I finally got to check in to KēSa House after passing by it on numerous occasions in Keong Saik. Located in the heart of the buzzing Keong Saik enclave, KēSa House is part of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, which is a portfolio of unique properties whilst leveraging Oakwood’s hospitality management and distribution network. 

The lobby of KēSa House is like a cosy living room, decked in wooden finishing and neutral tones. While waiting for my check in, it was a nice perspective to watch Keong Saik from the lobby, and it was charming in the morning with sprinkle of sun rays. 

The space of KēSa House is a heritage shophouse building which has been transformed to hotel and dining in the past few years. You can stay for a night, and it also offers short to long-term rental leases. As a guide, flexible options for mid to long term leases starts from S$1,500++ monthly in a Superior room. 

The Rooms With 60 rooms of various sizes that span cosy options suited for short getaways and spacious premier apartments with a kitchenette, extra living space or even a private patio for extended stays, I checked into the cosy Superior room which is about 11-13 sqm. 

The room is wooden minimalist in theme, with open concept warerobe, a view of Keong Saik Road, a small dressing table, mini fridge and TV. 

The bathroom is a cosy size as well with a standing shower, though the step up to the bathroom is quite steep and I attribute it to the structure of the shophouse. 

The Facilities Do not expect hotel facilities like a pool or gym. The cosy property has a common kitchen, living lounge space on level 2, a laundromat and a roof terrace. 

The Restaurants As a small property, there is no restaurant on site per se, though there is a string of good dining concepts just below the rooms such as Olivia Restaurant & Lounge, Bar Milano and Pasta Bar, and of course the Keong Saik enclave is one of the most famous food districts in Singapore.  

For breakfast, I simply headed to Tong Ah Eating House down the street for a local Singaporean style breakfast. 

If you are seeking a good meal for dinner, there are Michelin options like Thevar and Burnt Ends, or relatively casual concepts like the newly opened cafe Chez Suzette and Italian concept Bar Cicheti. For dessert, head to Apiary for ice cream. 

Rants The room could do with a full glass mirror for guests to check themselves out before heading out. No water bottles in the room, though it comes in the form of empty glass bottles in the room for guests to refill filtered water at the common kitchen. Keong Saik is also notorious for limited parking space so if you were to drive, you might want to explore other nearby public carparks. 

Overall Experience Stay at KēSa House if you are interested to check out Keong Saik, Chinatown or even Everton Park for the day. For tourists, it is a convenient base to explore Singapore and the property is a short 5-10 minutes’ walk from Outram MRT Station. 

KēSa House 
55 Keong Saik Road 
Singapore 089158 

For more information, do check out KēSa House website.

Ranted by The Ranter