What it is like staying in a coliving space in Singapore

Coliving in Singapore is taking off, but what's the appeal of communal living and is it truly better than hotels?

By Cheryl Lai-Lim - 9 Oct 2023

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Before my stay at Coliwoo Orchard, my perception of coliving spaces was that you’d have to sacrifice your privacy, for co-living typically offers a fully-furnished private room with shared communal spaces like the kitchen and living area, as well as facilities like the gym and laundry room.

Coliving spaces have been garnering popularity for some time now in Singapore, as an alternative (and often less expensive) option to renting or living in a hotel for long-term stays. Coliwoo Orchard is one of the many popular choices in the saturated local market – nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling Orchard Road shopping district, the accommodation offers the ultimate convenience of urban living with its prime address.

To get a firsthand understanding of what coliving entails, I decided to set aside my preconceived notions and experience what “communal living” is like at Coliwoo.

The rooms

Credit: Coliwoo

1/5

Coliwoo offers a variety of room types to cater to different preferences and needs. During my time at Coliwoo Orchard, I stayed in the Alcove Studio. This room type is perfect for those who appreciate spaciousness and natural light – the semi-circular window-covered balcony was the standout feature. It provided a serene space for contemplation, working, or people watching. However, it's worth noting that the abundance of natural light could make the room warm in the evenings, so be sure to draw the curtains when needed.

As Coliwoo Orchard uses a dual key system, you'll first enter into a doorway with a shared kitchen area, and then proceed to your room (which opens with a digital smart lock). Inside your room, you’ll find another well-equipped kitchenette within the room itself. It comes with essential appliances such as a microwave, mini fridge, and cooking appliances. This convenience was a major plus, allowing for light cooking and meal preparation without needing to use the communal kitchen (if you’re not up for meeting your fellow “housemates”).

Credit: Coliwoo

2/5

The room itself was spacious enough with an extremely comfortable queen-sized bed, though the en-suite bathroom was on the smaller side. It's functional but may not provide a lot of space to move around comfortably. However, I’ll take the privacy of having your own bathroom over having to share a larger one any day.

The room also contains a mini washer-dryer, making longer stays incredibly convenient. This also means that you don’t necessarily have to lug all your laundry down to the communal area (though you can if you want/need to).

There's also a smart TV hanging above the bed, perfect for late-night show binges, while housekeeping services are also available on a weekly basis.

The facilities

Credit: Coliwoo

3/5

Coliwoo Orchard also houses a wide array of facilities and activities. From a refreshing swimming pool to a fully equipped gym and even a BBQ pit, there are no shortage of ways to unwind and socialise.

If you’re feeling too cooped up in your room and would like a change of scenery while working, head to the common lounge. It’s extremely well-furnished with ample seating, charging ports, and even boasts a coffee and tea machine for when you need the extra fuel.

Coliwoo also organises regular community events for residents, fostering a sense of community with activities that encourage mingling and networking. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a well-balanced work-play lifestyle. However, those who prefer a more solitary stay need not worry; participation in these events is entirely optional.

I’ve always thought that you’d have to be extroverted and highly social to live in coliving spaces, for people often associate communal living with a flurry of social activity, but you don’t have to participate in them if you don't want to – you have the freedom to choose how much you want to interact with your fellow residents!

The neighbourhood

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim

4/5

Coliwoo Orchard's location is undeniably one of its greatest assets. Situated within walking distance of renowned malls on the Orchard Road shopping belt, there were plenty of retail, dining, and entertainment options right at my doorstep. Additionally, the proximity to Orchard MRT made commuting a breeze throughout my stay there.

Editor’s tip

Credit: Coliwoo

5/5

While my stay at Coliwoo was limited to just three days and two nights for the purpose of this review, it's important to keep in mind that the minimum stay requirement is at least six days, making it better suited for individuals seeking longer-term accommodations.