Budget Hotels
Budget can mean a lot of things to different people. A $200 a night hotel is pocket change to a millionaire but for most people it would not be affordable. Singapore is an expensive place to visit and the hotel rates reflect that.
Going budget means compromising on space or distance from most tourist attractions or both. I have suggested some areas/hotels below that are easier on the wallet but highlight what are the possible reasons they are cheap.
You can also consider getting family rooms so that the cost per couple can be lower than booking individual rooms in a hotel.
Geylang/Lavender
Geylang is a well-known red-light district in Singapore. It is located in the eastern part of the city and is famous for its legalized prostitution and sex-related businesses. Then again, when you are attracting people to a certain area, food is also generally better.
Geylang is famous for its diverse food scene, with many eateries, restaurants, and food stalls lining the streets. The area is known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its seafood and Singaporean dishes.
A lot of buses ply the roads here and the Aljunied MRT Station serves the area here. The bad news is that it takes a bit of walking and crossing the streets to get to the MRT station so do take note of that.
Some of the popular hotel chains in this area are Ibis Budget, Hotel 81 and Fragrance Hotel. Another hotel that is around in the vicinity is Hotel Boss which is just next to the Lavender MRT Station and next to Jalan Besar, home of hippy eateries and cafes.
Marine Parade/Katong
Marine Parade is a coastal residential area located in the southeastern part of Singapore. It's known for its proximity to the East Coast Park, a popular recreational area with a beach, cycling paths, and various dining options. While Marine Parade itself doesn't have a high concentration of hotels, it's close to the East Coast Park and offers several accommodation choices in the surrounding area.
Until the new MRT line - Thomson East Coast Line - reaches this suburb, you will be forced to take the bus or Grab to tourist destinations. Good news is there are lots of buses plying this area and have good food too at nearby Marine Parade Hawker Food Center and Parkway Parade Mall. The famous katong laksa is also in the vicinity.
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Village Hotel Katong: Located in the heart of Katong, which is adjacent to Marine Parade, this hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and Peranakan-inspired design. It's conveniently situated near East Coast Park and has easy access to the Katong food scene.
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Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong: This hotel provides a comfortable stay with modern amenities. It's within walking distance to Marine Parade and offers easy access to East Coast Park.
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Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy: While not in Marine Parade itself, this hotel is a short drive away and is located in the East Coast area. It offers a range of room types and has facilities like a swimming pool and multiple dining options.
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Park Hotel Katong: Situated in Katong, Park Hotel Katong is close to Marine Parade and East Coast Park. It offers comfortable rooms and has a rooftop pool with scenic views.
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Santa Grand Hotel East Coast: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the East Coast area and provides simple yet comfortable accommodations. It's not far from Marine Parade and offers easy access to the beach.
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Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong: This boutique hotel in Katong offers a unique and stylish experience. It's close to Marine Parade and features well-designed rooms and a rooftop bar.
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Aqueen Hotel Joo Chiat: Located in the Joo Chiat area, which is adjacent to Marine Parade, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms. It's within walking distance to many local eateries.
Lavendar/Harbourfront
Harbourfront is a bustling area in Singapore known for its proximity to Sentosa Island and the HarbourFront Centre, a major shopping mall and transportation hub. It's a convenient location for travelers as it provides easy access to attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the Sentosa Resort World.
In fact this is an area famous for the hotels on Sentosa Island but the budget hotels on the mainland near Sentosa is overlooked.
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Travelodge Harbourfront
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ibis budget Singapore Mount Faber
- Harbour Ville Hotel
Hostels with Family Rooms
Do look out for some hostels that has family rooms. Most are located in and around Chinatown MRT station or Outram Park MRT stations. Go to the hotel websites and filter for 'family rooms'. If there are 10 persons in a group, it may work out cheaper on a per person basis.
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Assembly Place, Co-living Hotel (Outram Park MRT Station)
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Cambell Inn (Little India MRT Station)
- Beat.Sports Hostel (between Farrer Park and Lavender MRT Station)
- Wink Hotels (various locations)