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The Urban Redevelopment Authority was rudely shocked when one of the confirmed sites set aside for hotel development had received no bids! Although Dow Jones had attributed to the lack of bids as ” Singapore’s property sector has slowed since the fourth quarter, when the government took steps to cool the market, and the sub-prime crisis dampened sentiment”. URA had stated that with the unique character of Little India, they expected to attract some decent bids to build a hotel in that area, given that its close proximity to the Little India MRT station, makes it an attractive plot. However reality is that no one’s interested.

I would not attribute it to the “slowed property market”, as a matter of fact, the Hotel business is booming! Even previously considered a budget hotel – Hotel81 is not so budget anymore, with room occupancy tottering around 80-90% and higher for some, it has been a great year, and it is yet reached its peak (with anticipation of the FormulaOne race coming up).

So why would developers turn away from such a “Prime” plot? Little India has always been plagued by crowds, especially over the weekends. Crowds and traffic jams make it look like any other day in Mumbai, where traffic congestion is actually worse (or so I heard from friends). Many of our Indian imported human resources throng the streets of Little India, getting supplies, sending money home and sending gifts and packages home as well. Its not called Little India for nothing! Apart from it being a real rustic place in the heart of the city, its not really a spot which I would find a 4 or possibly 5 star hotel. Budget hotels are available in Little India, as well as backpacker hostels, but for the more priviledged class tourist, I doubt it. Its a heartlander’s place where you can tuck into a huge plate of Tandoori roasted Chicken or bite into a cripsy giant Thosai, and sipping loudly on your tea without people giving you weird looks.