Snazzy and savvy Singapore has climbed up the ranks quickly to become one of Asia’s best travel destinations. Right from futuristic, 21st-century architecture to mind-blowing green spaces, the city captivates you like no other. Singapore is also known to be expensive; so much so that it’s a challenge for budget travelers to find a place to rest their heads. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheap hotels in Singapore. If you dig deep enough, then you’ll find tons of hidden gems of budget hotels in Singapore that won’t get in the way of your other adventures.
That doesn’t mean that these hotels skimp on amenities. In fact, they offer a host of perks and extras like swimming pools, fitness centers, and more. Moreover, they’re also conveniently located centrally in Singapore, making them the ideal bases for exploring the town. Staying at them means that you’ve money left for other important pursuits in the city. These include shopping, dining, and seeing spectacular sights like Singapore Zoo, one of The 12 Most fascinating Zoos In The World, or Singapore Flyer, one of the Largest Ferris Wheels In The World.
Charming as it is, Singapore does happen to be one of The World’s 12 Most Expensive Cities. However, our list of amazing budget hotels in Singapore doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket or compromise on quality either. To that end, here are the 11 best cheap hotels in Singapore.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Singapore is so small a city, or rather country, that you can travel end to end within a matter of hours. However, every turn brings you to a neighborhood as different as the previous one. Did you know Singapore has one of the 9 Best Chinatowns In The World? It’ll particularly appeal to culture buffs since it’s brimming with ornate temples and antique shophouses. The city is, after all, a coastal city. So, if you’re a beach bum, then Sentosa is the perfect place to stay. Singapore is also famous for its nightlife. If you’re looking to party all night or dig into gourmet food at celebrity restaurants or swanky bars and lounges, then Marina Bay is your best friend. Singapore is one of the Top 10 Cities With Most Skyscrapers, and Marina Bay is where you’ll find them all.
The famous Little India/Lavender is very popular with backpackers due to the many hostel options here. If you’re looking for shopping avenues, stay at the lively Orchard Road. Finally, we come to the charming Joo Chiat/Katong. It might be off the beaten path, but it’s the best neighborhood in the city to see the traditional Peranakan culture. What’s more, it’s also Singapore’s first designated Heritage Town.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
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Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong tops every single list of cheap hotels in Singapore. Located in vibrant Katong/Joo Chiat, the hotel pays homage to the same culture with a Straits Chinese-inspired design. It offers you an opportunity to explore the tourist-free eastern fringes of the city that’s as local as it gets. Besides, its location is very convenient. It’s a 20-minute taxi ride to Marina Bay and Changi Airport both. This is also a great alternative to 11 Best Hotels Near Singapore Airport.
The hotel, which formerly housed the historic 1920s-built Joo Chiat police station, boasts a modern facade, complete with a vertical garden. As you enter, you’ll see how the theme reflects the heritage. The Pavillion is chock-full of colorful lanterns, while the lobby wall has a photomontage of Peranakan ceramic patterns. There’s even a pop-up 1960s “mama stall” that’s also a book stand. Apart from a rare turndown service, the hotel has a 24-hour gym and a splendid rooftop infinity pool, making it one of the Top 11 Singapore Hotels With Rooftop Pools and also one of the 11 Best Hotel Pools In Singapore. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Peranakan fare. Meanwhile, breakfast is a grand affair of pastries and cold options paired with Belgian waffles, made-to-order eggs, and a changing roster of daily local specials.
When you check-in, you get a choice of locally-made cold/hot latte or tea before being whisked to your rooms. They’re all designed as part of a Peranakan home with Katong street wall murals. The hotel is big on repurposed furnishings, whether it’s the traditional display cabinet doubling as a minibar or the carrom board-turned-coffee table. Besides a Peranakan bathroom, the cushions feature batik prints. Modern amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows make staying here a memorable experience.
Sofitel So Singapore
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The gorgeous Sofitel So Singapore is the city’s first Sofitel hotel. It sits in a 1920s heritage structure that was formerly the government telecom building. Its combination of designer flamboyance and 19th-century French flourishes brings much vibrance to the financial district’s glass-and-steel skyline. Besides the Marina Bay a five-minute ride away, the hotel is also close to two MRT stations.
Beneath that 19th-century neoclassical exterior sits a rich and rather ostentatious Parisian-inspired heart. The highlight amongst the many design pieces is the vertical “wall” of a hexagonal, crystal-studded art installation. It also separates the newer tower (So Hip Wing) from the original heritage building (So Heritage wing). The place is peppered with iconic designs by famous Paris-based designer, Karl Lagerfeld. These include the bookend art pieces, Lion’s Seal logo doorknockers, and even the staff-worn couture. When it comes to food, the hotel’s restaurant and rooftop pool bar does the trick.
Rooms and suites, albeit with less-than-interesting views, feature distinctive French design elements. A bunch of in-room amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a complimentary iPhone with data and calls, snacks, and the Illy coffee machine truly make for value digs. If you’re tech-savvy, then you’ll appreciate the iPad-controlled system.
Ann Siang House
9
The Ann Siang House is hands-down one of the best cheap hotels in Singapore. The budget hotel lies smack dab in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, close to an MRT Station. Moreover, it’s a mere 15-minute taxi ride from Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road both. The shop house-turned-elegant heritage property might be a budget hotel, but it’s an immaculate one at that. The lobby lounge doubles as a breakfast room, which is also where you get coffee, tea, and water all day. Breakfast is a continental spread with cereal, cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly-baked goods. Even though there’s no gym or swimming pool, the place has as many as four eateries and lounges. Plus, the laundry room is a blessing if you’ve arrived from a long trip. What’s more, every floor has a small communal working space that bodes well for those who work freelance.
Since it lies in a row of heritage shophouses, all 20 rooms here are as distinctive as can get. Besides your usual categories, there’s even the Wellness Suite (kitchenette, massage chair), Cooking Studio (kitchenette), and Workout Studio. Although all rooms have different layouts, the furnishings, and soothing grey palette is the same everywhere. Plush beds, coffee machines, pretty bathrooms, and a handy phone make staying here worth every penny.
Intercontinental Singapore
8
Intercontinental Singapore might not have the views of its city counterpart, but its recently refurbished and wallet-friendly design is a huge draw. What’s more, it sits right next to the Bugis shopping center and is directly linked to the Bugis MRT station. Its Downtown Core location puts it within walking distance of the snazzy Marina Bay.
The hotel draws inspiration from the Peranakan heritage of the surrounding area. So, you’ll see tons of Peranakan curios, wooden louvered windows, and ornate wood carvings everywhere. Its gorgeous Concierge Lounge is inspired by a Peranakan home’s living room. Its showstopper is the art piece featuring local characters from all walks of life. The service is as you’d expect from an Intercontinental Hotel, and features all facilities, of which the pool is particularly magnificent. Five restaurants and lounges take care of all and any food cravings. If you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ll like the round-the-clock fitness center with a yoga room. The highlight is the complimentary two-hour Guided Heritage Trail of the neighborhood that’s conducted every Saturday afternoon.
The Heritage Wing rooms of the hotel are actually cleverly-converted 1920s shophouses. The suites in the Main Tower come highly recommended too, especially post-renovation. Nevertheless, all rooms blend shades of Peranakan heritage with contemporary, luxury decor.
M Social Singapore
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The city’s first lifestyle design hotel, the Instagram-worthy M Social Singapore, is also one of the best cheap hotels in Singapore. It sits right by the Singapore River in Robertson Quay, a mere five minutes from the city center. The unconventional hotel impresses you right from the outset, especially with its experimental lobby. Think red LED screen tiles, geometric tiles, and steel furniture. The bar and restaurant are similarly styled with hip light fixtures, spellbinding bar tops, and sexy black pillars. Likewise, the main lounge area with a bohemian design is the perfect place to hang out and strike conversations with fellow travelers. Apart from the bright fitness center, its the splendid rooftop pool that’s the hotel’s highlight. With lush foliage, daybeds, and shallow wading areas, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration.
Rooms are an extension of the hotel’s whimsical design and are divided into two categories – lofts and alcoves. Alcoves are spacious duplex rooms, while lofts have arched passages and high ceilings. Despite the difference, all rooms feature trendy furnishings, massive flatscreen TVs, and snazzy bathrooms. All-in-all, it’s no surprise that this hotel is often regarded as one of the 11 Best Hotels In Singapore.
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
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Just like its other Sofitel property, the sleek Sofitel Singapore City Center is one of the best budget hotels in Singapore. However, this one has a leg up on the other one. It sits on the cusp of Central Business District and Chinatown and is one of the most desirable addresses in town. An MRT station sits right below and the shopping district of Orchard Road is 10 minutes away. Hence, it makes for one of the best bases for exploring the Top 10 Things To Do In Singapore.
The city sanctuary exemplifies Singapore’s “Garden City” vibe with striking botanical motifs and muted earth hues. The centerpiece in the lobby, the Singapour Je T’aime, will make you stop in your tracks. It’s a jaw-dropping twisting and whirling art installation of glittering crystalline leaves. The “Garden City” theme extends to the fifth-floor restaurant where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Marina Bay’s lush greenery. When you arrive, the cold towel and lemongrass pandan honey drink is refreshingly appreciated. Breakfast, albeit paid, is an equally grand affair with nasi lemak (Malay), dim sums (Cantonese), and charcuterie (French). Apart from the round-the-clock fitness center, it’s the languorous infinity pool nestled in lush foliage that’s the standout feature.
Even entry-level rooms at this property feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer some of the best views you’ll ever see in Singapore. Highlights include the plush signature bed, minibar, coffee machine, a high-tech sound system, and huge baths. Clearly, there’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular cheap hotels in Singapore.
The Bohemian Chic
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A Singaporean hostel might sound a bit of an oxymoron, but it’s true. The flamboyantly ‘fun’-tastic Bohemian Chic takes the hostel game to the next level. It doesn’t have curfews, it doesn’t have rules except one – respect for fellow travelers. It boasts a perfect location just a few streets from Marina Bay, which is perfect for travelers to begin exploring the city. There’s more than one reason for budget travelers to love this hostel. For one, its sleeping arrangements are inspired by the famous Japanese pod-style capsules. Not only is the pod soundproof, but it even has plush, sleep-inducing beds, free Wi-Fi, and even a flatscreen TV! So, you can continue to enjoy entertainment late into the night even after retiring to the privacy of your pod. Apart from that, the hostel even has traditional dorms.
Outside the pod, the hostel’s lively environs beckon you to have fun. The vibrant, inviting lobby is the ideal setting for you to swap stories with equally intrepid fellow travelers. Since it also is a game room, you can even break the ice over a friendly game of pool! The complimentary breakfast and coffee is a blessing after a night of hanging around town or with your new friends. Moreover, the in-house cafe serves lip-smacking food throughout the day. We’d recommend you rent the bikes available and explore the amazing neighborhood on your own. Finally, the free airport shuttle twice a day allows you to arrive at the hostel and head to the airport sans any hassles.
Courtyard Singapore Novena
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It’s easy to see why the Courtyard Singapore Novena is so popular. For one, it’s one of the tallest structures in the Novena neighborhood and boasts splendid sky-high views. Secondly, it has a spectacular rooftop infinity pool. It sits right next to the MRT station, making the rest of Singapore easily accessible. In fact, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of the 10 Most Beautiful Botanic Gardens In The World, is just 10 minutes away. What’s more, it’s one of the cheap hotels in Singapore. Combine everything, and the hotel makes for one irresistible package.
The hotel is a celebration of space and light with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and high ceilings. Indoor spaces are lushly manicured, while the outdoor views are full of similar thriving greenery. The staff is unwaveringly attentive, which is rather a welcome departure from stuffy hotels. As mentioned earlier, the glistening infinity pool is the standout. Lounge on the daybed and sip on cocktails while looking out to the Singapore skyline. Likewise, the rooftop Sky22 serves not only meals but also a hearty breakfast for a price. You can either go a la carte or choose the breakfast buffet featuring local and international favorites.
The highlight in all rooms is the floor-to-ceiling soundproofed glass windows that, undoubtedly, offer great city views. Moreover, they all have soft beds, plush bathrooms, and tea/coffee makers, albeit of different categories, making it also one of the 11 Best Hotels in Singapore.
Mandarin Orchard Singapore
3
There’s a lot to like about the 45-year-old Meritus property of Mandarin Orchard Singapore. To begin with, it boasts an envious location in shopping-central Orchard Road. Besides two MRT stations at its doorstep, the CBD is just 15 minutes away. Secondly, it’s design and decor feel like you’ve stepped into a whole other era. For instance, the marble-swathed lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive crystal chandelier. Interestingly, the lobby is on the fifth floor, with the first four floors featuring the Mandarin Gallery arcade. The hotel boasts a slew of amenities as well. besides the gym and the lovely outdoor pool, the hotel even has a Michelin-star restaurant. Finally, a hearty breakfast is served at the Chatterbox, whose Mandarin Chicken Rice is something of a legendary dish in Singapore.
The hotel has more than 1,000 rooms spread across two towers, the Orchard Wing and the Main Tower across eight categories. All rooms have bareboned facilities but do feature handy smartphones with free local calls and unlimited data. If you have the option, choose one of the higher-floor rooms that provide unobstructed views of the city. If you’re looking for a luxurious yet cheap hotel in Singapore, then this would be it.
Dream Lodge
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The Dream Lodge is amongst Singapore’s best hostels. This super-chill, friendly hostel lies in the backpacker-central Lavender Street, just a 10-minute taxi ride to Marina Bay. Little India is walkable, as is the city center if we can stretch it. Moreover, the hostel lies near not one but three MRT stations. So, traveling around the rest of the city is a piece of cake.
Just because it’s a hotel doesn’t mean that the place skimps on amenities or design, for that matter. To begin with, it lies in a historic shophouse from the 1950s, lending the place a lot of character. The accommodations are in capsule-style, but offer plenty of comforts. For one, the staff spoils travelers with not one, but two pillows so you can fall into a dreamless sleep. Secondly, each pod/dorm bed has plush mattresses and even reading lights. So, even though you’re in a hostel, you still have the privacy of your own space, complete with a curtain. Begin your day with a high-powered complimentary breakfast. You can also try the amazing selection of Singaporean food stalls and hipster cafes that lie down all of Lavender Street. besides, the hostel even has a shared kitchen for whipping up quick meals as well as bikes on hire.
Six Senses Maxwell
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The Six Senses Maxwell is one of the most unique cheap hotels in Singapore you’ll ever come across. The bigger sister of its Singapore sibling Six Senses Duxton, this hotel takes European luxury to the next level. Set in a row of 1929-built colonial-style heritage homes, the hotel boasts one-of-a-kind interior design touches and local accents. Plus, the hotel’s location is superb – the MRT station is walkable and the CBD is five minutes away. The best part? Singapore’s legendary street food destination of Maxwell Food Centre is right across from the hotel!
The hotel has a beautiful exposed brickwork Art Deco facade and is full of elegant European aesthetics on the inside. Think stone floors salvaged from medieval Italian cathedral, hand-woven silk rugs, and the likes. However, what sets the hotel apart is its impeccable service – a welcome drink, complimentary ice-cream scoops, vouchers to a Chinese teahouse, and more. Facilities are top-notch too. Besides a well-equipped gym, the hotel has a library filled with a whopping 3,000 books. The long lap pool on the second floor is as good as it gets. if that wasn’t enough, there are four restaurants and lounges on the property. We’d recommend sipping on whiskey and wine at the hotel’s amazing bars before heading down to Maxwell to dig into the food.
While rooms and suites aren’t exactly spacious, they more than make up for it with swish fittings in marble bathrooms, stunning minibars, and velvet and brocade furnishings. The hotel channels a sustainability ethos since it aims to be plastic-free by 2020-2021. This is evident by the organic snacks, biodegradable toothbrushes, wooden bottles for bathroom amenities, and glass bottles.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Singapore:
- Katong Walking Food Tour: The charming, offbeat Katong is a foodie haven, especially for Peranakan cuisine. Eat your way through its best offerings on this food tour.
- Maxwell Food Center: There’s nothing like street food in Singapore. Relish crazy good flavors at this place, which is one of Singapore’s best street food markets.
Recommended Activities In Singapore:
- Singapore City Origins & History Private Walking Tour: There’s nothing that tells you more about the city than a walking tour. This guided walking tour delves into the fascinating origins and history of Singapore.
- Singapore Night Out in Marina Bay: The spectacular Marina Bay area is a whole different world at night. Enjoy a night out to experience Singapore’s nightlife and skyline.
