KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
I must admit that the stay was on a last minute whim. In Oct 2021, AMEX had a promotion where a maximum of $50 will be credited back for spending of $200 or above at participanting Oakwood properties.
Made a last minute booking the day before of the stay for their last Standard room for which I paid above $200 and hence, eligible for the rebate. Standard room rates starts from $168 if you booked in advance.
I love the colour of KēSa House, and this would be my first time staying in a heritage building.
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| KēSa House |
The frontdesk officer on duty that afternoon, was Salina. She regretfully informed that my room wasn't ready as I was early. The standard check-in time is 3pm. No problem, I said. But it will be good if it can be ready before 2.30pm as I needed to go elsewhere by then. She said she will try.
Took a walk outside for about one hour, and returned at about 2pm. The room was still being prepared. If the lobby is occupied, there's another corner at its side where there are more seats. Just that, guests will pass by this area everytime one leaves the hotel or going back to their room.
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| lobby |
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| Level 1 - more seats near the lift |
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| stairs to Level 2 |
Was just hanging around at Level 1 as the lounge at Level 2 was occupied. Saw a couple moving in with lots of barang barang, so am guessing they'd be here for longer stay. Saw on the hotel website that they used to have an offer called "RENO-CATION: THE MONTH-LONG ESCAPE".
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| decor at Level 2 |
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| Level 2 comfy Lounge (evening view) |
At about 2.10pm, I was informed that the room is ready. It'll be at Level 3 (same floor as the laundrette). There is one lift in the building, hence could use that if required.
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| lift |
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| Laundrette |
The Standard room is actually not the smallest room at 13 m2. Bed is standard Queen sized. No window for the room that I got, unless you count the tiny one next to the floor near the bed.
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| Standard Room |
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| bathroom |
The bed is comfortable, the room space is efficient and there is a pull-out table beside the bed (where the blue stool is) for vanity or to eat da bao'ed food.
The bathroom space is good for one pax.
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| well stocked amenities |
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| toiletries |
The room is clean enough for visible places. Had discovered that the bathroom sliding door (the one that is between the bathroom and the room) was pretty dusty. Probably no one slides this out? Hmmm, perhaps I'm the only one feeling insecure because if the room door is opened, the person who walks-in, can see whatever state you're in, in the bathroom.
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| the view when lying down on the comfy bed |
There are glass bottles in the room for guest to fill with sparkling or cold water from the kitchen in Level 2.
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| water bottles |
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| How'd you like your water? Room temperature, cold or sparkling? |
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| sparkling~ |
Sparkling water was refreshing! But I learnt that sparkling doesn't taste that good, the next day. =P
There is a kettle in the room but no mugs for hot coffee/tea. Disposable cups, instant coffee/tea are found in the kitchen. There is no bedroom slippers so you gotta bring your own, if you need any. I brought mine because I don't like to use my outside shoes in the room.
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| night view at Keong Saik |
Olivia Restaurant and Lounge
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| turn to the back for takeaway menu from Olivia Restaurant and Lounge |
One could order takeaway from Olivia Restaurant which is just downstairs of the hotel and turn left. The menu can be located in the room and guest could order using the Waitrr app. Only needed 15 minutes to prepare my food on a busy Saturday evening. Pretty efficient.
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| Bikini, Barcelona @$16 |
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| Iberico Ham, mozzarela cheese and truffle sandwich |
Ok, granted mine wasn't hot food. The sandwich was really tasty and I think it'd be good with a glass of wine. Pretty yums.
But the highlight, is of course, their cheesecake. One must eat the original cheesecake from Olivia.
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| Olivia's Homemade Cheesecake (slice) @$14 |
But, I forgot to ask them to pack me a fork/spoon. How am I gonna eat this melty cheesecake? Well, I found a pair of disposable chopsticks in my bag, so used that instead. Too lazy to head back downstairs.
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| flavourful |
Wow, I didn't expect blue cheese to taste this good! Am impressed and yes, the next time I'm eating this, I won't be sharing. All mine!
Tong Ah Eating House
No hotel breakfast? Not an issue. Just head out for local breakfast at Tong Ah (but finding seats are very challenging on a Sunday morning) so, I packed my breakfast back to the hotel.
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| iconic Tong Ah |
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| kopi, kaya toast and soft-boiled egg set |
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| local breakfast, 'unboxed' |
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| kaya toast |
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| soft-boiled eggs with soy sauce and dash of pepper |
I liked the gray kaya used in the toast bread. I remembered my nanny used to make this version. The eggs were nicely big and runny but the coffee I didn't like due to the stronger milk taste. Am not a milk person, sorry.
The stay at KēSa House was pleasant but the walls are thin. Any loud noise from the corridor can be heard clearly in the room. Hence, am thankful for the night that stayed, was only disturbed for a short 10 minutes after midnight. The airconditioning was alright, and the mini-fridge kept things cold. There's a 7-eleven nearby too. Plenty of restaurants nearby so no issue with food and drinks.
Check-out process was fast and no extension, typically due to the high demand for their rooms.
KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089158
Website: https://www.oakwood.com/the-unlimited-collection/singapore/singapore/kesa-house
Contact: 6958 1588
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089158
Website: https://www.olivia.com.sg/
Contact: 6221 0522
Tong Ah Eating House
Address: 35 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089142
Website: https://tong-ah-eating-house.business.site/?m=true
Contact: 6223 5083
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