In my travels, I’ve stayed in luxury hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and inns. Yet, I always enjoy staying in hostels, like Rucksack Inn. Not only are they affordable but they are a good venue to interact with fellow travelers.
I found Rucksack Inn as I was searching the internet, which is a good resource of information before you embark on a trip. They have three locations, their inns were clean, and they have other interesting offers to their guests. As I liked their Facebook page, I was chosen as one of the winners in their weekly draw granting me for a free night in the inn. I computed and realized it was a fair deal so I immediately made my reservations and chose Rucksack Inn at Hong Kong Street, which was close to Clarke Quay and the MRT.
The staff
From the time I made my inquiry until we left the inn, the staff members at Rucksack Inn were very pleasant. Special mention goes to Belinda who handled my bookings and was patient with the many times I changed my room reservations. They made us feel comfortable and at home. When we checked out on an early Monday morning, Mike graciously handled calling a cab to take us to the airport. They were friends with the guests, and it shows in the good reviews you’ll read on their walls.
The location
Rucksack Inn along Hong Kong St. is very close to the Central Mall and Clarke Quay. At night, the riverbanks come alive with the restaurants, river cruises, and performances there. It is a walking distance to the MRT station and the bus station. It is also easy to hail a cab there. It is very conveniently located that I recommend it to friends.
The look
Rucksack Inn is a haven for artists, I must say. They have this freedom wall where you can write anything. There are shoe racks since you cannot take your shoes to your rooms. Don’t be daunted by the long stairway to every floor. The rooms and the toilets are very clean. They even have free shampoo and body soap dispensers in every shower room.
They have a living room where you can watch television and read books. They also have several computer units available for guests. And the kitchen is very homey.
The food
There are unlimited toast and coffee. You have a choice between peanut butter, strawberry jam and butter for your sandwich spread. You get to feel at home as you prepare your own breakfast and clean up before you go.
There’s a dining table where guests convene anytime of the day. Yes, apart from free bread, you also get to interact with fellow travelers while sharing a meal. There is also a refrigerator where you can keep your food and you can heat it using the microwave oven. They sell drinks as well as candies (for charity).
The cause
What’s good about Rucksack Inn is that they have special tours, such as the Rags to Riches, promoting the history of early Chinese immigrants. They also support charities, thus, the reason why they have that M&M’s candy counter.
A traveler’s home
We met several guests there from different countries: China, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, and the Philippines! People come and go but it’s always a comfort to know that you can find a home in the heart of Singapore. Happy rucksackin’!
I am always partial on hostels and inns whenever I travel (read: cheapskate haha) ‘coz it has been my philosophy that I travel to a place to explore it and not to stay indoors. And it is a welcome bonus if such hostel reveal so much history like this Rucksuck Inn. Will definitely have this place in mind for future reference 🙂
We had a great stay there. I concur with you in exploring the place than staying indoors that’s why I’m also partial to hostels.