For a budget hotel, the Strand is surprisingly stylish. The rooms, fashionably decorated in rich colours and simple woods, are a good size, though the bathrooms are short on toiletries. For a memorable stay, ask for a ‘special’ room; these come with flamboyant decor – leopard print walls, anyone? – and glass-walled bathrooms (not ideal for the bashful). The central location is great for exploring Little India, Orchard Road or the Colonial District.