While I love to relax in an Airbnb or a fancy hotel these days, I would always look back fondly at my days as a student, moving from hostel to hostel in UK, Europe and Japan. Head down to the common area, and it would be packed full of people having met just 5 minutes ago, chatting about what they are up to and making plans to head out to the nearest supper spot. The connection is real, and friendships are forged.
So, in 2016, how do we take that further? Founder Silas Lee sure knows how.
With the help of Colin Seah and his award-winning team at Ministry of Design (W Phuket Resort, Macalister Mansion), Silas introduces Singapore to the world’s first ever ‘sociatel’, COO; a boutique hostel and bistro powered by today’s digital landscape in social connectivity.
Stay
More than just being situated in the heart of Tiong Bahru, Colin brings the very essence of the neighborhood into the establishment. Guests will no doubt be awestruck by the eye-catching entrance, leading to a suspended neon art piece shaped as an abstracted map of the area and snippets of information paired with graphic prints of kopitiam uncles, kuehs and adorable street cats.
The decor extends to the upper floors, which can hold up to 68 guests. Those who love to have a little fun and know your next door neighbors can even use the magnetic board and letters in the walkway to drop quick, witty messages back and forth.
Connect
If that is too “snail mail” for you, that’s where their online platform, COO Connect, comes in. This is really where it all gels together!
Made available upon making a booking, guests can create their COO avatar and get matched up with like-minded guests staying right in the establishment during your stay! Whether you love photography, reading a good book or looking to check out Sentosa, the platform will link you to chat rooms where you can explore and learn about Singapore and the area with newfound companions – even before arriving at COO.
Eat
So, what happens after find your new travel bestie on the platform? Well, if I learned anything from my years as an awkward turtle, good food is the best buffer.
COO Bistro offers up hawker favourites transformed into hearty, mod-sin bistro grub, introducing travelers a glimpse of the myriad flavours of Singapore. A good icebreaker, no?
Highlights include the Tiong Bahru Platter (S$28) packed with Sio Bak (roasted pork belly), chicken satay and more, a panna cotta dressed as a Chwee Kueh (S$9) and their rendition of Ipoh Hokkien Mee, COO’s Prawn Noodle (S$18).
COO takes it even further by introducing their Breakfast Club and Supper Club, where guests can simply make a reservation and meet physically with travel pals they have been chatting up a storm, other like-minded guests or, even, locals who have decided to join in on the fun.
COO
259 Outram Road
Singapore 169056
To Stay: +65 6221 5060
stay@staycoo.com
To Dine: +65 6221 7060
eat@staycoo.com
Bookings can be made here.
