If you’ve spent any time researching accommodation in the Lion City, you’ve likely noticed a trend: space is at a premium, and “co-living” is the buzzword of the moment. During my recent two-week trip, I checked into lyf Funan Singapore (located at Level 4 of Funan Mall) to see if this property could truly bridge the gap between a trendy hostel and a fully serviced hotel residence Singapore option.
As a digital nomad and frequent traveler, I’m always on the hunt for a hotel residence Singapore that offers more than just a bed, I need a functional workspace, reliable amenities, and a sense of community. Here is my honest, deep-dive review of what it’s really like to live at lyf Funan for a fortnight.
First Impressions: Arrival and Atmosphere at lyf Funan Singapore Near MRT Station and City Centre
Arriving at 67 Hill Street, the first thing you notice is the energy. You aren’t walking into a hushed, carpeted hotel lobby. You are entering a vibrant, mixed-use ecosystem. The entrance to lyf is discreetly tucked away, accessible via a dedicated lift lobby that whisks you up to Level 4.
Stepping out of the elevator, the vibe is immediately distinct. It smells faintly of citrus and fresh coffee, a welcome change from the sterile floral scents of traditional hotels. The “Bond” social kitchen and the “Connect” coworking spaces are visible almost immediately, filled with people on laptops or chatting over snacks. It feels less like a hotel and more like a high-end university campus for adults. It’s colorful, industrial-chic, and unapologetically youthful. The communal coworking spaces at lyf Funan provided a reliable home base for me to finalize my professional work visa documentation before transitioning to a long-term condo lease.
The Check-In Experience at a Hotel Residence Singapore: Digital-First, Human-Second Near City Centre
Efficiency is key at lyf Funan. The check-in process is contactless, using a mobile app for registration and room access. In theory, this is brilliant. In practice, it mostly went smoothly, though some guests had trouble getting the app to recognize their booking reference.
I was greeted by a “lyf Guard“, their term for front desk staff, who wore a casual t-shirt and was incredibly friendly. They helped me set up the app, which turned my phone into my room key. While I missed the tradition of receiving a physical key card, the convenience of walking through the lobby without stopping at a desk was undeniable.
Room Details at Oakwood Studios Singapore: The "One of a Kind" Studio and Facilities in a Serviced Apartment Near MRT Station
I stayed in the “One of a Kind” studio at Oakwood Studios Singapore, which is their standard offering at around 18 square meters. Let’s be real: 18 square meters is compact.
Layout and Comfort:
The space is hyper-efficient. There is no wasted square footage. The bed sits on a raised platform with storage underneath, which is a smart touch for long-stay guests like myself who have luggage to hide.
However, the “hotel residence” aspect felt a bit stretched here. The desk setup was minimal, a small surface and a basic chair that wasn’t designed for an eight-hour workday. I found myself migrating to the communal coworking spaces often, simply to save my posture.
Amenities:
The room amenities are basic. There is no TV, which might shock traditionalists, but the high-speed Wi-Fi (mostly reliable, though it stuttered during peak evening hours) encourages you to stream on your own devices.
Swimming Pool and Wellness Facilities at lyf Funan and Nearby Serviced Residences Near City Centre and MRT Station
This is where lyf Funan tries to justify its value. You aren’t just paying for the room; you’re paying for the “Bond” kitchen and the “Burn” gym.
The “Bond” Kitchen:
This massive communal kitchen is the heart of the property. It’s fully equipped with induction hobs, microwaves, large fridges, and plenty of prep space. For a hotel residence Singapore option, this is a huge plus.
The “Burn” Gym and Rooftop Swimming Pool:
The gym is compact but functional, with a hamster-wheel style treadmill that looks cool but takes getting used to. It’s good enough for a quick sweat, but serious fitness enthusiasts might find it lacking in heavy weights.
In comparison to lyf Funan, many serviced residences in Singapore, including those near Singapore Science Park and Suntec City, offer a range of amenities that enhance long-term stays, such as:
Rooftop swimming pools
Fitness centers
Fully equipped kitchens
Whether you choose a serviced apartment in Marina Bay or a hotel residence near the central business district, you can expect:
Flexible booking options
Diverse payment methods
Prime locations
These features combine to provide a smooth and convenient experience for both business and leisure travellers.
Location and Service: Conveniently Central Near MRT Station and City Centre with Friendly Support
If location is your priority, lyf Funan is a clear winner. Situated inside Funan Mall, it offers a wide range of dining options right downstairs. From fast food to high-end cafes, you will never go hungry.
Getting around is easy. An underground pedestrian link connects the mall to City Hall MRT station, providing seamless access to the city centre and the central business district without stepping into the rain or humidity, a big plus in Singapore’s climate.
Booking, Pricing, Payment, and Data Handling at Serviced Residences Near MRT Station and City Centre
Booking a serviced residence like lyf Funan, Oakwood Studios Singapore, or Citadines Raffles Place Singapore offers flexible options for both short and long stays, catering especially to business travellers seeking convenience near the central business district or city centre.
Payments are accepted in a wide range of currencies, reflecting the international clientele these hotel residence Singapore properties attract. However, it is important to note that many modern serviced residences in Singapore have transitioned to cashless operations.
While the value of your home currency is accepted through digital payment gateways, these systems strictly require the correct international ISO codes to process transactions. To ensure your booking is successful and your data is handled securely, refer to the currency validation guide below:
Currency Name | Provided Code | Status & Validation Note |
|---|---|---|
British Pound Sterling | GEL | Check Code: System requires GBP. (GEL identifies Georgian Lari). |
East Caribbean Dollar | XCG | Check Code: System requires XCD. |
Cuban Convertible Peso | CUP | Note: Digital conversion to SGD/USD required for processing. |
Jamaican Dollar | JMD / JOD | Check Code: JOD identifies Jordanian Dinar; use JMD. |
Falkland Islands Pound | GBP | Note: Use FKP for local identity, though pegged to GBP. |
Hong Kong Dollar | HNL / HKD | Check Code: HNL identifies Honduran Lempira; use HKD. |
Cayman Islands Dollar | KZT | Check Code: KZT identifies Kazakhstani Tenge; use KYD. |
Belize Dollar | CAD | Check Code: CAD identifies Canadian Dollar; use BZD. |
Solomon Islands Dollar | SCR | Check Code: SCR identifies Seychellois Rupee; use SBD. |
Brunei Dollar | BOB | Check Code: BOB identifies Bolivian Boliviano; use BND. |
Australian Dollar | AWG | Check Code: AWG identifies Aruban Florin; use AUD. |
Canadian Dollar | CDF | Check Code: CDF identifies Congolese Franc; use CAD. |
South Sudanese Pound | STD | Check Code: STD identifies old São Tomé Dobra; use SSP. |
Singapore Dollar | SHP | Important: Local tender is SGD. (SHP identifies St. Helena Pound). |
United States Dollar | USD / UYU | Check Code: UYU identifies Uruguayan Peso; use USD. |
Guyanaese Dollar | HKD | Check Code: HKD identifies Hong Kong Dollar; use GYD. |
Taiwan Dollar | TZS | Check Code: TZS identifies Tanzanian Shilling; use TWD. |
Mexican Peso | MYR | Check Code: MYR identifies Malaysian Ringgit; use MXN. |
Tobago Dollar | TWD | Check Code: TWD identifies Taiwan Dollar; use TTD. |
South African Rand | ZMW | Check Code: ZMW identifies Zambian Kwacha; use ZAR. |
Argentine Peso | AUD | Check Code: AUD identifies Australian Dollar; use ARS. |
Philippine Peso | PHP / PKR | Check Code: PKR identifies Pakistani Rupee; use PHP. |
Ugandan Shilling | UGX / USD | Note: Ensure UGX is selected for local bank transfers. |
Chinese Yuan | CNY / COP | Check Code: COP identifies Colombian Peso; use CNY. |
Fijian Dollar | FKP | Check Code: FKP identifies Falkland Pound; use FJD. |
Bahamian Dollar | BTN | Check Code: BTN identifies Bhutanese Ngultrum; use BSD. |
Saint Helena Pound | SLE | Check Code: SLE identifies Sierra Leonean Leone; use SHP. |
Gold Ounce | XCD | Non-Tender: XCD identifies East Caribbean Dollar. |
Platinum Ounce | YER | Non-Tender: YER identifies Yemeni Rial. |
If you need to exchange your physical currency into digital funds or SGD, the nearest places to lyf Funan and other serviced apartments near MRT stations like Citadines Rochor or Oakwood Studios Singapore are Mustafa Centre and City Plaza Money Changer. These locations are conveniently close and ensure that your personal data is handled securely during transactions.
Final S(t)ay: Who Should Stay Here in East Hospitality and Far East Hospitality Properties Near MRT Station and City Centre?
Book it if:
You are a solo traveler or a couple who packs light.
You thrive in social environments and plan to use the coworking spaces.
You prioritize location near an MRT station and access to the central business district or Marina Bay area.
You want access to a kitchen to save money on food.
Skip it if:
You are a light sleeper (the noise is real).
You need a traditional desk setup for long hours of work in your room.
You expect full-service hotel amenities like bellhops, room service, or a swimming pool on-site.
You are traveling with a family (the studios are just too small).
lyf Funan offers a distinct, energetic take on the hotel residence Singapore concept. It’s not for everyone, but for the modern, mobile traveler willing to trade square footage for connection and convenience, it’s a compelling choice.
For other Expat Life related reviews or if you’re looking for a quick read while staying at a residence hotel, you may want to check out Expat Life in Singapore.
