Kinn Studios review: A cosy home away from home on vibrant Keong Saik Road with an emphasis on mental wellness
A stay at Kinn Studios could be just what you need for mental clarity with its collaboration with Safe Space, a mental health counselling service provider
Nestled in the heart of the lively CBD fringe along Keong Saik Road, who would have thought Kinn Studios to be an oasis of tranquility, repose, and mental clarity, and at a reasonable price tag for a night's staycay?
A home away from home
Kinn Studios is the second offshoot of the boutique hospitality brand Kinn. Just like its predecessor, Kinn Capsule Hotel along South Bridge Road, the four-storey Kinn Studios echoes the same principles that have defined Kinn Capsule’s success — prioritising peacefulness and guest safety while delivering a quality stay.
Familiar location and easy-to-locate landmarks
It was really easy to locate the hotel, with Bar & Grill Potato Head Singapore just a one-minute walk diagonally from it and the Chinatown market just a stone’s throw away. Should you be checking the location via Google Maps, be sure to key in Kinn Studios (and not ‘Capsule’) along Keong Saik Road. Upon check-in, the hotel also provides a little card with all the main attractions within walking distance. Thoughtfully categorised into Food, Wellness, Nightlife, and Attractions, there are more than enough things to do, see, eat, and drink.
First impressions
In land-scarce Singapore, the design and furnishing of space are of utmost importance in making us feel welcomed and comfortable. Housed in the hubbub of the bustling heritage district, I was pleasantly greeted by a pastel-coloured waiting area with light wood furnishings exuding calm and space. The luscious plants, which were handpicked by the founder Chayadi Karim, also brought a sense of space and calm to the waiting area.
And there’s the rows of meaningful books in line with self-care that caught my eye immediately. Books such as The Comfort Book by Matt Haig, Inner Work Out by Taylor Elyse Morrison, Kind Words for Unkind Days by Jayne Hardy, Meditate Yourself Happy by Fiona Lamb and Follow Your Breath by Emma Power and Jenna Meade were specially curated by the hotel manager for guests to browse and engage in self-work. Guests are free to bring any of the books up into their room, which of course, I did.
Dip into the local art scene
And that’s not all. Kinn Studios is big on embracing the local creative scene via collaborations, giving both foreign and local guests a glimpse into the local arts and culture landscape. Seasonally, Kinn Studios refreshes the display of different art pieces across the hotel’s lounge and selected rooms. At the moment, local artist Qinyi’s lettering and typography artwork reflecting the tranquil vibe adorns the hotel’s Open Lounge on Level 1.
And should you be interested in a functional keepsake of your stay, look to their in-house merchandise, a collaboration with fashion brand Three Buttons. Consider bringing home a versatile, gender-neutral seersucker cotton short-sleeve shirt subtly embroidered with Kinn’s logo on the left front pocket.
The room
Kinn Studios boasts 3 different room types with calming earthy pastels and a unique interior scent from the light Cosy Rooms for those who enjoy natural light to the wheelchair-friendly Ground Rooms and the secluded Hideaway Rooms on the top floor.
All rooms are designed to create a serene space for relaxation and emotional well-being. This vibe is also carried out throughout the interior of the hotel. The slated windows allowed natural light to flow in providing much comfort for someone who loves nature and the outdoors.
Although the room is not huge, the thoughtful design ensures that all the modern comforts such as toiletries, a desk, electric thermal flask, plugs, hooks and a TV are in place. I was especially impressed to see a full-length mirror at the doorway, which is a huge plus in my books.
At Kinn, our mission transcends offering comfortable, restful, and affordable accommodations. We’re dedicated to crafting tailored experiences that address the needs of discerning travellers in today’s world.Chayadi Karim, Founder of KINN.
One of my biggest pet peeves about hotel stays or any accommodation is the cleanliness. And in this respect, Kinn Studios delivers. Every nook and cranny was clean and I didn't need to wear their bedroom slippers just because the floor was a little dusty. Another plus point is how Kinn Studios utilises the number keylock system, doing away with the cumbersome keys. As an added security feature, the main entrance is also locked after 11pm and accessed via a code privy to guests only.
Because I checked in on a Friday, I was concerned that the hip bars situated along Keong Saik Road would have boisterous pub crawlers who may disrupt my sleep. Turning in at past midnight, I could barely hear any traffic noise or rowdiness from the bars along the hip stretch. The double bed, though not large, was a decent size for two and came with very comfortable linens and two pillows each that allowed me to have a good night’s rest.
Prioritise your mental well-being
One thing that sets Kinn Studios apart is their strong emphasis on mental health and holistic well-being. If you are looking for a mindfully crafted environment that allows guests to unwind and seek moments of respite, this is it. Working hand-in-hand with Safe Space, an online/offline mental health counselling service provider in Singapore, Kinn Studio furnishes its guests with therapy sessions to help counter any travel anxieties and worries.
All guests are presented with a little ‘Pocket Serenity’, a wellness booklet with coping strategies and bite-sized words of affirmations, as well as a QR code to access a therapist 24/7. The first consultation is completely free. Best of all, you can continue your therapy sessions even after your stay and enjoy a 10% discount on counselling sessions with Safe Space therapists and 100% off therapists-in-training. Be sure to utilise this promotion as it is valid until 30 September 2024 only.
Proximity to everything
Good food to suit different price points, rich culture, bars, heritage, and even wellness – Kinn Studios has it in spades. Effortlessly close to modern comforts and nestled amidst chic restaurants and bars, the hotel stands as a quiet oasis in the hustle and bustle of it all. There's even a heritage trail for you to check out should you be so inclined to. Bento breakfast is sent to your rooms in the mornings and the hotel ties up with various local eats to offer a taste of local cuisine for guests. In time to come, the reception area will boast its own barista. So that’s something to look out for in the near future for coffee lovers.
At just slightly over S$100 for a night's stay in the Cosy twin room, Kinn Studios is more than just a pocket-friendly accommodation option for locals or foreigners. Whether you are a solo adventurer, leisure enthusiast, or looking for a respite from your usual environs and seeking a balance of affordability and sophistication, Kinn Studios may be small but packs a punch in leaving a memorable experience.
Kinn Studios is located at 69 Keong Saik Rd.
Book it at Booking.com, Trip.com, and Expedia.
READ
Hotel Telegraph review: A boutique hotel that's steps away from Lau Pa Sat
INNSiDE by Melia Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel review: Artistic, modern and tasteful
Parkroyal on Beach Road invites you on a wellness, fitness, food and staycay discovery
Potato Head Studio in Seminyak, Bali review: Not simply a party property
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes
Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential!
