When YMCA marketing invited me to stay at their hotel at YMCA Forest Orchard, I was taken aback and asked, is that a hotel? Having passed by it several times, I didn’t realize it was a hotel. Did a quick google, and they are indeed a 3 star hotel.
YMCA One Orchard is a social enterprise that provides hospitality training and employment for youth with special needs. Basically, they train youth with special needs so that they can get employment in the service and hospitality sector.
Since Mother’s Day is round the corner, I invited my mother and my sister to stay with me. A good chance to get a real proper break from the kids, which is my first time since being No.1.
Their normal check-in is 2 PM and check-out time is 12 PM. I had a 3pm checkout time because of the Mother’s Day promo.
YMCA Forest Orchard Hotel Lobby
Even though there are few groups of people checking in, the check-in process is easy, probably because it’s a Friday and it was not peak holiday time. So it’s still manageable. The lobby lounge is also very comfortable, and they have a mini bar (accept cash only) and a few vending machines.
YMCA One Orchard Room Overview
The room I booked is a deluxe room with 4 single beds.
Deluxe room, 4 single beds.
Overall cleanliness in the room, no dust. Plugs are available on all bedsides except the one near the window. The bed is comfortable, although I wish they could provide 2 pillows instead of 1 for each bed! Their largest room is the Junior Suite, which is 32 sqm. The deluxe room is 14 sq.m.
I was not expecting any beverage condiments but they provide packet tea, coffee and 4 mineral bottles for their guest. Rooms also have an ironing board, hairdryer, water flask, and mini-fridge.
Well equipped for a 3 star hotel.
My first impression of their toilet is, wow quite big. Although it is a bit old fashioned (in terms of design and shower heater), still acceptable to me. There is no ventilator in the toilet, but it has 2 small windows for air circulation.
They also provide 4 large towels and a toothbrush set for guests.
Big and clean toilet. YMCA Forest Orchard Hotel Amenities & Dining
Behind the lobby cafe is the gym area. I didn’t have time to explore the gym, but I did see a guy working out there when I took a quick look.
Photo from YMCA Gym, YMCA Forest Orchard.
They have a rooftop swimming pool which is open from 7.30am to 9.30pm (there is no lifeguard on duty). Not very fancy, but the view is great! The pool is great if you just want to swim and sun tan as it is also equipped with pool chairs.
For food, you can go to The Social Kitchen. Hotel guests are entitled to a 10% discount. The Social Kitchen provides vocational training and employs individuals with special needs.
Things To Do Near YMCA Forest Orchard
Apart from the usual shopping, eating and massage spas that you can do around YMCA Forest Orchard, you can also visit places like
– National Museum (2-minute walk) The oldest museum in the country that seeks to draw inspiration from stories from Singapore and the world.
– The Battlebox (7-minute walk) A former WWII British underground command center inside Fort Canning Hill in the heart of downtown Singapore.
(Battlebox will be closed to public access from 22 May 2023.)
– Fort Canning Tree Tunnel (3 minutes walk) One of the iconic photo spots in Singapore, good for taking your Instagram photos!
– Fort Canning Park (3 min walk) This is one of the most historical places in Singapore. Lots of photo taking landmarks and play areas for the kids too.
Overall Stay Review
Even though without the full facilities and amenities like hotels we usually stay at, overall it is enjoyable, especially for the price ($188 for the Mother’s Day package) which is very affordable considering they are located in Singapore’s famous shopping district Are.
We spent most of our time outside shopping and enjoying all the attractive stuff so just booking a stay I would say it is worth the stay. In any case, if you just want a short gateway or are a tourist who wants to stay in the city, you might consider staying with YMCA Forest Orchard.
Tips: You can use ShopBack, SeekSophie, Fav to check out activities, massage/spa and dining deals around the area.
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