Give a warm welcome to COO, the newest hostel in town. Nestled in Tiong Bahru, just a stone’s throw away from hip cafes like Tiong Bahru Bakery and Drips Bakery Cafe, the boutique space takes inspiration from its neighbourhood in its thoughtful designs.
Step in and you’ll be greeted by a tiny reception desk next to the entrance of the edgy bistro, which splatters facets of Tiong Bahru all over its walls — it even has an abstract map of the surrounding streets crafted with neon lights and suspended from the ceiling above the bar.
The four-storey shop house is small, for sure, but it’s got a playful yet chic vibe. Eleven rooms decked out with bunk beds in various permutations take up the top few floors, and common corridors are plastered with a list of house rules written in a witty fashion.
The building can fit up to 68 guests, and each individual’s personal space is grey and minimal, with curtains that can be drawn for privacy, reading lights and storage areas for your belongings. Options are also available for those who want your own en suite bathroom — you’ll have to fork out a little more, but even then, the rates won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
For a chill out sesh, walk out to the open-air terrace on the second floor, where the roof covering can be pulled back on starry nights. Here’s also where you’ll find a little pantry area stocked with magazines and snacks, as well as washer and dryer facilities.
Otherwise, head down to the all-day COO Bistro (which is also open to the public) for a hearty meal. The casual diner offers a medley of locally-inspired items, including the meat platter ($28) of roasted pork belly, grilled chicken satay, barramundi, and mackerel keropok with sambal chilli, as well as the ‘chwee kueh’ dessert ($9) that’s basically panna cotta with candied walnuts and balsamic strawberries made to look like the traditional dish. Other mains on the menu include pork cheek capellini ($18), prawn risotto ($25) and braised lamb shoulder ($32).
Another highlight at this boutique hostel is its love for connecting people. COO Connect is self-described as a world’s first; the digital interest matching tool links like-minded guests with one another. How it works is simple — guests can create a personalised profile and log in to the COO Connect platform to check out who else staying at COO shares similar interests. They can then choose to explore the island together or just meet up for a quick chat to exchange tips. Two programmes — the Breakfast Club and the Supper Club — are offered for patrons to meet over a meal without the awkwardness of making the first move.
Sounds like the perfect place for solo travellers who vacation around the world and pick up new friends in each city.
COO is at 259 Outram Rd. Room rates start from $44++ per night. Bistro opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
