Overview of 18 Penhas
18 Penhas is a student accommodation property located in Singapore (postal code 208182), near the Little India and Farrer Park area. The residence is listed on the Amber student-housing platform and offers two unit types: non-ensuite rooms and self-contained apartments. Key features include laundry facilities on site. The property is currently tagged as “new” and “featured” on the platform, but also carries a “not_available” marker, meaning it may not be open for bookings at the time of this review (data date July 2026). Minimum lease is 3 months, and the currency is Singapore dollars (SGD), with pricing on a monthly basis.
The property’s Google rating is 3.9 out of 5, based on 890 reviews. However, these reviews appear to be associated with a hotel operation (former ibis budget Imperial) at the same address, rather than a dedicated student residence. For that reason, the resident feedback below should be interpreted as reflecting the building’s general guest experience, not specifically student-life aspects.
Who This Residence Suits
18 Penhas is best suited for students who prioritise short-term stays (minimum 3 months) and want a central location with easy access to public transport and amenities. The property is within walking distance of Farrer Park MRT station (North East Line) and Little India, an area with a wide range of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural attractions. For students enrolled at universities near the city centre – such as Singapore Management University (SMU) or the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – the commute is straightforward by MRT or bus. The property also sits in a relatively quiet street with less traffic, which can be preferable for walking.
The unit mix (non-ensuite and apartment) provides options for different budgets. Non-ensuite rooms typically cost less than self-contained apartments, and the older building style (described in reviews as “classic interior”) may appeal to students who value spacious rooms over modern finishes.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Students seeking dedicated student housing with community events, study lounges, or a strong social atmosphere should look elsewhere. The building operates primarily as a hotel, so the facilities (swimming pool, breakfast service) are designed for short-term guests, not long-term students. There is no information about a common kitchen or study areas beyond what a standard hotel room offers. Vegetarian or vegan students may find breakfast choices limited – one reviewer noted that “for veggies it’s difficult, you need to manage with bread and fruits.”
Also, if you require a fully private ensuite, the non-ensuite units share bathroom facilities. The “not_available” tag suggests that availability may be constrained; check with the operator directly before planning your stay.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews are available for this property (all dated to a time when it was operating as a hotel). Verbatim excerpts:
Puja Ardiles (3 stars): “A decent 3-star hotel that is perfect for a short transit stay. The room is clean, comfortable, and has all the basic amenities needed for a quick rest. The classic interior gives it a cozy atmosphere, and the space is quite spacious for a standard room. Overall, it’s a good option if you just need a comfortable place.”
Sridharaan EC (5 stars): “Value for money, budget hotel, little India us near by, lots of Indian restaurants are 1 to 2 kms away, roads are clean, less traffic, preferable to walk. Hotel has a swimming pool in the 4th floor, complimentary breakfast is served but for veggies it’s difficult, you need to manage with bread and fruits. Metro Station.”
chami weerasinghe (5 stars): “We stayed at ibis budget Imperial for a 2-day trip, and overall it was a very good experience. The staff were extremely supportive, friendly, and welcoming, providing exceptional service throughout our stay. From check-in to daily assistance, they were always ready to help, which made our trip much more comfortable.”
Key takeaways: rooms are described as clean and spacious; staff is praised; location is quiet with good walkability; breakfast is included but vegetarian options are limited; a swimming pool is available on the 4th floor. None of the reviews address student-specific concerns like study space or long-term living.
Price Positioning vs City Average
The city-wide starting price for student accommodation in Singapore – as per the Amber platform – is 207 SGD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). This figure is the lowest rent for any property in the city, likely a non-ensuite room in a shared flat. 18 Penhas does not have a listed minimum or maximum price in the dataset, so its exact position relative to that benchmark is unknown. However, given that the property is a former hotel and offers both non-ensuite and apartment units, its pricing could be higher than the city’s bottom-quartile rents, especially for the apartment type. You should request a quote from the operator to compare.
For reference, Singapore’s student housing market includes 129 properties on the platform, with rents varying widely by location, amenities, and contract length. The 207 SGD figure is an entry-level price and may involve longer leases (e.g., 6–12 months) or rooms further from universities.
Room Type Guidance
Two unit types are available:
- Non-ensuite: Shared bathroom facilities. Typically more affordable and suitable for budget-conscious students who don’t mind sharing.
- Apartment: Self-contained unit with private kitchen and bathroom. More expensive but offers greater privacy.
The property tags indicate laundry facilities, which is a practical advantage for longer stays. There is no mention of a common lounge, gym, or study room. If you need those amenities, consider other residences.
Given that the building is hotel-configured, the apartments may be designed as hotel suites with a kitchenette, rather than a full residential flat. Confirm the layout and appliance list with the operator before booking.
Booking Timing Considerations
The “not_available” tag suggests that 18 Penhas may currently be off the booking market or undergoing transition. If it becomes available, the minimum lease of 3 months makes it suitable for exchange students or those on a short-term academic programme (e.g., one trimester or semester). For longer stays (e.g., a full academic year), you would need to negotiate a longer lease or find alternative housing after three months.
Because the property is featured and new, it may attract interest quickly if reopened. Monitor the Amber platform for updates, or use the on-site assistant (link at the end of this article) to check real-time availability.
Note: The dataset does not list an “available from” date, so you cannot rely on a fixed move-in timeline. Contact the operator directly to confirm when rooms can be occupied.
FAQ
Is 18 Penhas a dedicated student accommodation or a hotel?
Based on the address and reviews, 18 Penhas was previously operated as an ibis budget hotel (Imperial). It is now listed on a student-housing platform, but the building retains hotel-style features such as a swimming pool, breakfast service, and daily room cleaning (likely). The unit types (non-ensuite and apartment) can cater to students, but the overall experience may be more similar to a long-stay hotel than a purpose-built student residence. Confirm with the operator whether the property is now operating as a student-specific housing block or still functions as a hotel with extended-stay options.
What is the exact monthly rent for 18 Penhas?
The dataset provided does not include a minimum or maximum price for this property. The city-wide starting price for student accommodation in Singapore is 207 SGD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator), but 18 Penhas may be priced above that level. You will need to request a quote from the operator to obtain the current rental rate for your preferred room type and lease duration.
Can I book a room now if it shows “not available”?
The “not_available” tag means the property cannot be booked through the platform at the time of writing (July 2026). It may be temporarily off-market, fully occupied, or in transition between operators. Check the Amber website regularly for status changes, or use the on-site assistant (see end of article) to ask about future availability. Do not rely on this property for immediate housing; have a backup option.
Sources & data date: The information above is based on data from the Amber housing platform, including property specifications, Google reviews (890 ratings, average 3.9), and city-level pricing (starting at 207 SGD/month). All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Data current as of July 2026.
For live availability and direct booking links, use the on-site assistant on the Amber platform to check real-time inventory for 18 Penhas and other Singapore residences.
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