It's been 8 months since the day of booking, and that day finally arrived! Lloyd's Inn is no foreign name to most of you, especially Instagramers, and this place definitely looks equally good in photos as it is in real life. You'll get to see more visuals from my 2D1N Staycation here!
Our booking was made through Booking.com but I think it's safer to book through their official website, simply because you'll know exactly what room type are you booking. Through third party agents, the names of the rooms are very vague, and photos posted are for all rooms. For example, I booked the "Superior Double or Twin Room with Terrace" but it actually means Garden Room. Initially I wasn't so sure which room was it, until I phoned the inn and double-checked with them. Price wise, not much of a difference, so I'll definitely book through their website the next time round!
If possible, always arrive earlier. The receptionist checks in 1 room at a time, despite having 2 staff working behind the counter. We entered earlier than a couple and got ours done first! On top of that, we were ahead of schedule by 30 minutes, how nice? After some simple paperwork, the staff brought us to our room and gave us a quick tour around the place.
Upon entering our room (Room #26), we were all quite disappointed. The rooms were a tad smaller than what was shown in photos, and there was no terrace despite me booking the "terrace room". It ended up being just a block of wall with hanging plants. Where is the rattan chair?!
Upon entering our room (Room #26), we were all quite disappointed. The rooms were a tad smaller than what was shown in photos, and there was no terrace despite me booking the "terrace room". It ended up being just a block of wall with hanging plants. Where is the rattan chair?!
For those coming for a short stay, I recommend travelling light! Forget about packing in your toothbrush and toothpaste, and cotton pads to remove your make up; the hotel provides it all including dental kit and even a vanity kit. I love how the amenities they offered aren't of cheapo kind of material and looks really good.
Since it was a short trip, we spent our day having lunch with our parents at town after checking in, then lounged at the dipping pool and our room. One plus point was their SMART TV, not super HD but better than most hotels.
Before we checked out of the hotel at 12PM, we had complimentary breakfast at Killiney Kopitiam (Toast bread set, totally not worth the complimentary breakfast) then back to the outdoor pantry to chill.
Be sure to bring your cups from your room before coming to the pantry. We packed some snacks along with us but fret not if you don't wish to overpack; you can always head to the NTUC (3-min walk from hotel) and there's also Watsons.
Coffee machines, ice (water) dispenser and vending machines are available, so bring your cup and enjoy the beverages there. You're to rinse your own cup and most importantly, don't forget keep the place clean!
Last 2 hours was spent at the dipping pool again, then back in the room partying to Big Bang and PSY. Thanks Smart TV, you saved us.
Our stay at Lloyd's Inn was pretty much pleasant. Tucked in the corner of town, it was quiet and the nature environment was calming. Do note that walls aren't soundproof, so you might have inconsiderate neighbours bringing their friends over to party till 1AM (that's what happened to us), making you real sian. Apart from that, with only 34 rooms in the inn, it wasn't crowded at all and everything else were perfectly fine.
Just give us a real terrace when we book a terrace room... please?
Just to share with you all some tips I've found useful that may help you as well:
Tip #1: Check out TripAdvisor for higher accuracy of the hotel as users post their real-life experiences! It was only after our staycation that we realized certain guests also got the same bad experience as us and we're all not loving it, definitely. However, some other guests who booked the Garden Room were much more luckier and got the actual terrace with rattan chair.Tip #2: From our virgin experience as well as based on the reviews posted by other guests, it's definitely worth it to pay more for bigger rooms with terraces guaranteed. You get what you pay, they say.
Tip #3: Avoid going during PH, as the brunch places are closed as stated by some guests who've experienced it. Lloyd's Inn doesn't offer breakfast buffet, only complimentary breakfast vouchers at Freshly Baked (requires top-up of $7) and Killiney Kopitiam (free). If nothing appeals to you, skip it and have something else along killiney road. I would totally skip the unworthy complimentary breakfast and go for Artisan Boulangerie Co (ABC)! Head straight down from hotel and you'll see it across the street.
If you're considering Lloyd's Inn, don't forget to book in advance. Enjoy your staycation!
x.