What is a Hostess KTV?
- See also: Guides , Singapore Guides and KTV Guides
Karaoke and KTVs - what’s the difference in Singapore? You might be familiar with going to a karaoke on the weekend with a few friends, and having some good fun singing your heart out. Today, we’re going to demystify the world of hostessing in karaokes for you.
When in Asia, there are two types of karaokes. One for the family, and one for the men. Obviously, the latter is where our expertise lies.
Family Karaokes
You can find these everywhere in Singapore, with very affordable rates, a large selection of songs. You can find finger food here that come with drinks to soothe your throat, to expensive whiskeys and liquors. Bookings usually go for 2 hours, with a complimentary 3rd hour that may come during happy hour (1-7pm).
What is a Hostess Karaoke (KTV)?
Hostess karaokes are an open secret in Singapore. While “frowned upon” by the general public, they’ve been operating for years and you’ll more often than not see these establishments fully booked on the weekend. KTVs operate with 2 timings. The first type usually has 3 blocks in 1 day. 4-7pm, 7-11pm, and 11-3pm. The second opens from 5-9pm, and the next session from 9-3am. We are also seeing some places offer a 3-6am slot for those who are truly degenerate. You book a room with a manager or “mummy”. And once in the room, you’ll be asked for your choice of poison. Beer towers, whiskeys, cognac are common in KTVs. Mixers are also freely available for bottle service. If you are truly drunk at the end, you can even request for hot tea or water to sober up.
Selection of hostesses
It used to be that KTVs would specialize in a certain nationality and only have hostesses from that country. In Singapore, vietnamese hostesses form the majority, and it’s no surprise. They are young, insanely beautiful, and will leave you wanting for more. Once you are comfortably seated, the mummy will bring a line-up of girls, 10-15 for you to choose. If you see someone you fancy, point them out and they will sit with you for 10-15mins before they go to another room.
Girls usually run up to 4-5 rooms per block, so you can expect them to come back within 45 mins. If they take longer, you can mention this to the mummy, and they should bring them back quickly.
Hostess will play drinking games with you, and try their best to make your evening a memorable one. In another article, we will discuss “playability”, or how far you can take it with your girl in one sitting.
Tips: Standard tips are $100. Other additional “services” run up to $400-500.
Keep in mind girls usually arrive from 4:30 - 5pm, so going early at 4pm for happy hour (HH) may result in you sitting by yourself. Check with your mummy if the girls are coming early if you want to go for HH.
Costs (depending on timings)
- Beer towers (3L) : $79 to 148
- Cognac/Whiskeys: $198 to $298 per bottle
- Cordon Bleu: $398 - $458
- Mummy tips: $100
- Waiters: $20-30 or $10 per person - you should not give more than $30 every time
Ordering multiple towers and bottles will be cheaper. And you can always store unfinished bottles with the KTV until your next visit.
If you want to go to a KTV, check out our Singapore KTVs page and send us a message if you need to make a booking or have any questions.