Tourist feels deceived by hotel next to funeral home, loses trust in S'pore's tourism standards
A Taiwanese tourist was deeply troubled after she realised the hotel she booked in Singapore was right beside a funeral home.
Stomper Shannon made a booking at Arton Boutique Hotel in Lavender from July 3 to 6 for $637.
However, within minutes of confirming the reservation, she discovered that the hotel was located beside Singapore Casket.
"This fact was never mentioned on the booking platform or the hotel's own website," she said.
"Realising this immediately, I contacted the hotel and platform to cancel the booking and request a refund.
"However, the hotel refused, citing a 'non-refundable policy', even though the booking was still fresh, and the room had not yet been used.
"Their response ignored the fact that I had been misled by omission, and had acted in good faith."
Text messages between Shannon and the hotel show her admitting it was her fault that she was unaware of the location.
She said she had two young daughters that might be afraid of the funeral home, which was why she wanted to cancel her booking.
The hotel responded that it could not cancel the booking or provide a refund.
Shannon, who had intended to bring her two daughters to Singapore, feels that their trip is now ruined.
"As a tourist who is unfamiliar with the local surroundings, I felt deeply uncomfortable and misled," she told Stomp.
"This caused me great stress and completely ruined my trust in the city's tourism standards, even before I checked in.
"This experience has not only shocked me, but also left me wondering: how can hotels in Singapore be allowed to hide such important location information?
"A funeral parlour directly next to a boutique hotel is not something most tourists would knowingly choose."
Shannon feels that the hotel was not accommodating enough, adding: "Tourists should not be tricked into unwanted environments, especially when they act quickly and responsibly to correct a mistake.
"No tourist should feel deceived or helpless in a city known for order and trust."
The Stomper believes her experience is "not a simple case of buyer's remorse" as it brings to light bigger issues.
She explained: "This case raises broader concerns about transparency and disclosure obligations for accommodation providers, and fair treatment of foreign consumers unfamiliar with local geography.
"It also concerns the psychological and cultural impact of failing to disclose proximity to sensitive or potentially distressing establishments."
Shannon, who has since booked new accomodation, said: "I really like Singapore, but this is my girls' first visit and I don't want to scare them."
Stomp has contacted Arton Boutique Hotel for more information.
