Hmlet Essentials Novena vs The Initial Residence
Both are in Singapore, 410 m apart. Here is where each one is stronger.
ApartmentBalestier
Hmlet Essentials Novena
- Guest rating
- 8.1 Very good
- Location score
- 6.6
- Score by category
- 1 of 3
ApartmentBalestier
The Initial Residence
- Guest rating
- 8.8 Excellent
- Location score
- 6.4
- Score by category
- 1 of 3
The short answer
Too close to call
Each hotel leads in 1 category. Your priorities decide. 410 m apart.
Choose The Initial Residence if you want
- the more consistently praised stay (8.8 / 8.1)
Why is Hmlet Essentials Novena better than The Initial Residence?
- 1400 m closer to the area centre−400 m
- 2290 m closer to public transport−290 m
Why is The Initial Residence better than Hmlet Essentials Novena?
- 1Higher guest rating (8.8 vs 8.1)+0.7
- 228 more restaurants and cafés within 500 m+28
- 3Later check-out (12:00 vs 11:00)+1h
All compared facts
Every category is scored from 0 to 10 with the same formula for every hotel.
| Hmlet Essentials Novena vs The Initial Residence: which hotel is better? | Hmlet Essentials Novena | The Initial Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Score by category | ||
| Guest rating | 8.1 | 8.8 +0.7 |
| Location | 6.6 | 6.4 |
| Public transport | 7.2 +1.5 | 5.7 |
| Ratings & reviews | ||
| StayVersus score | 8.1 | 8.8 +0.7 |
| Guest rating | 8.1 | 8.8 +0.7 |
| Number of reviews | 753 +296 | 457 |
| Rank in Singapore | bottom 38% | top 24% +38% |
| Location | ||
| Location score | 6.6 | 6.4 |
| Distance to Balestier centre | 50 m −400 m | 450 m |
| To public transport | 660 m −290 m | 950 m |
| To the airport | 16 km | 16 km |
| Restaurants within 500 m | 68 | 96 +28 |
| To the nearest food shop | 170 m | 70 m |
| Shops within 500 m | 7 | 6 |
| Sights within 1 km | 5 | 5 |
| Rooms & building | ||
| Rooms | 48 | 46 |
| Floors | 4 | 5 |
| Newest building or renovation | 2024 | – |
| Listed amenities | 5 | 7 +2 |
| Policies | ||
| Check-in from | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Check-out until | 11:00 | 12:00 +1h |
| Amenities | ||
| Free Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Luggage storage | ✓ | – |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-room safe | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking | – | ✓ |
| Gym | – | ✓ |
| Blackout curtains | – | ✓ |
| Distance to the main sights | ||
| Masjid Sultan | 3.0 km | 2.6 km |
| Jalan Besar Stadium | 2.3 km | 1.9 km −380 m |
| Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore | 4.9 km | 4.7 km |
| Singapore Art Museum | 3.2 km | 3.0 km |
Price for your dates
Prices come from booking partners and can change. The final price is shown before you book.
Live prices around both hotels
Real nightly rates from booking partners for the dates you picked above. Tap a price for the offer.
Location
410 m apart
Hmlet Essentials Novena: city centre: 2.7 km, nearest station Toa Payoh MRT Station (NS19): 660 m, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): 16 km, 68 places to eat within 500 m, 5 sights within 1 km.
The Initial Residence: city centre: 2.5 km, nearest station Toa Payoh MRT Station (NS19): 950 m, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): 16 km, 96 places to eat within 500 m, 5 sights within 1 km.
Weather in Singapore
Hmlet Essentials Novena or The Initial Residence: common questions
Which is better, Hmlet Essentials Novena or The Initial Residence?
They are evenly matched. Hmlet Essentials Novena is stronger in public transport; The Initial Residence is stronger in guest rating.
Which is cheaper, Hmlet Essentials Novena or The Initial Residence?
Prices change by date. Pick your dates above to see both nightly prices side by side.
Which hotel is closer to the centre?
Hmlet Essentials Novena is closer: 50 m from the centre, against 450 m for The Initial Residence.
How far apart are Hmlet Essentials Novena and The Initial Residence?
The two hotels are 410 m apart in a straight line.
Compare now
Updated 6 Oct 2026. Data: Agoda, Overture Maps, OpenStreetMap, OurAirports and hotels' own websites. We may earn a commission from partner links; it never changes the comparison. How we score