Karaoke and KTVs - What's the Difference?
Asia has two distinct karaoke categories. Family karaokes are widely available with affordable rates, extensive song selections, and food/beverage options. In contrast, hostess karaokes (KTVs) cater to a different clientele and operate under different business models.
Family Karaokes
These establishments are ubiquitous in Singapore, offering reasonable pricing and large song libraries. They serve finger food alongside drinks ranging from throat soothers to premium spirits. Sessions typically run 2 hours with a complimentary third hour during happy hour (1pm-7pm).
What is a Hostess Karaoke (KTV)?
Hostess karaokes operate with multiple time blocks: either 4-7pm, 7-11pm, and 11pm-3am, or 5-9pm and 9pm-3am sessions. Some venues offer 3-6am slots.
Customers book private rooms through a manager called a "mummy" and select beverages including beer towers, whiskeys, and cognac with available mixers.
Selection of Hostesses
Establishments present lineup selections of 10-15 hostesses. Upon selection, chosen hostesses spend 10-15 minutes before rotating to other rooms. Hostesses typically serve 4-5 rooms per session, returning within 45 minutes.
The hostess will play drinking games with you, and try their best to make your evening a memorable one.
Standard tips are S$100, with additional services ranging S$400-500. Note that hostesses typically arrive 4:30-5pm.
Costs (depending on timings)
- Beer towers (3L): S$79 – S$148
- Cognac/Whiskeys: S$198 – S$368 per bottle
- Cordon Bleu: S$398 – S$458
- Mummy tips: S$100
- Waiters' tips: S$20–30 or S$10 per person (maximum S$30)
Unfinished bottles can be stored for future visits.
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