Although I consult the site frequently, this is the first time I've written a comment on Trip Advisor. I'm doing it because I feel the previous comment on POW Little India site is a classic case of someone paying Backpackers' money, then complaining they don't have a midrange hotel. Therefore, it's extremely unfair on a place which is very good for its type.
Like the previous correspondents, I'm in my 40s and stayed both in the Darwin Room (same as they did) for five nights, plus the dorm for three nights. $70 for a sizeable double room is very cheap for Singapore (prices in Sing. are never going to match those in Thailand and Cambodia). The bedroom was fine and give or take a dodgy light fitting, there was nothing wrong with the bathroom.
Similarly, the breakfast is typical hostel fare, but it's all fresh, rather than plastic and there's plenty of it. For residents, meals are extremely good value, as there is a 50% discount. I had a steak with all the trimmings for $13. To give a hopefully unbiased review, I will include my one negative, which is that unless you're happy with generic lager, the alcohol is extremely expensive, especially for a Backpackers' .
During my time in the dorm, I slept very well, which isn't always the case in dorms. As for the noise, it's being provided by excellent free entertainment. I wouldn't expect everyone to agree with this view, but to anyone kept awake by the music, I'd say go downstairs and listen to it.
Perhaps that is a blase comment, but I think it's is the nub of addressing the complaints here. By this, I mean I think the POW sometimes attracts guests who aren't really Backpackers, but who find that in Singapore they can't afford the type of accommodation they get in neighbouring countries. This is certainly the case for myself. It's unfair to then blame the venue for this. Singapore IS the most expensive country in SE Asia and travellers simply need to accept their money won't go as far here as elsewhere.
Before confirming a booking at POW, guests have to acknowledge they've read the hostel's terms and conditions. The very first of these is a statement that POW is a hostel for genuine backpackers, nothing more, nothing less. If you tick the box to say you've read this, when in fact, you've skimmed past it, then only one person is to blame for any subsequent disappointment and it's not the manager of the hostel or any of his staff.
For anyone who wants a good value HOSTEL with a good vibe and located in an atmospheric district of a fascinating country, POW is, in fact, extremely hard to beat.
Andy Conner (Birmingham, UK)