Most of the shophouses were turned into the budget hotels since last century. `Budget Hotels’ on Love Lane pokes fun at a heavily laden backpacker, a common sight in this area, checking into his `5 Star Budget Hotel’.

The proprietor is happily ringing up various charge on his cash register, while offering a ranger of other services, all of which are available at a `special price’. It is all proving a little too much for the bewildered youth, clutching his soap, towel and room key.

While formerly Love Lane had a sleazy reputation, today its old shophouses are increasingly being remodelled as boutique hotels, `heritage’ cafes aimed and pubs.