Charming budget hotels in Singapore for nights out in the big city

There’s a blend of old and new at four-star Hotel Clover. This former shophouse dates back to 1840, though you’d never know from its modern interiors. Each of the recently refurbished rooms feature a calming colour palette complemented by hand-crafted wooden furniture. Couples seeking a romantic sojourn will swoon over a premier Jacuzzi room, where you can sink into sumptuously soft furnishings or take a drink from the complimentary minibar to your indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis.

The hotel’s close proximity to Kampong Glam means days are easily spent browsing the boutiques of nearby Arab Street and marvelling at the majesty of gold-tinged Masjid Sultan. Pick up a treat in scent-haven Jamal Kazura Aromatics and try a steaming cup of masala chai at one of the many cafés. For a laidback afternoon, recline with your other half in one of the hotel’s plush seating areas before enjoying an evening feast in the acclaimed on-site restaurant, Brine. Chase duck leg confit with smoked hay semifreddo for a gastronomic experience unlike any you’ll find in other nearby establishments.

Sandwiched between glamorous designer shopping haven Orchard Road and incense-tinged heritage area Kampong Glam is Hotel G Singapore. This suave budget hotel appeals both to lone travellers seeking a central base and to expert shoppers keen to splash the cash outside their crash pad.

Crawl under the covers on your plush-top bed to browse for local shopping spots using your in-room tablet, or step into your personal rain showers stocked with METIS toiletries to ready yourself for some high-end shopping. Breakfast here is outstanding, featuring freshly baked goods, a selection of savoury dishes and quality coffee. Fuel up then make the 20-minute journey to Orchard Road on foot and you’ll pass the stately Istana palace, which is worth a look if you’ve never ventured in. Do some window shopping at Prada and Gucci before looping back around Fort Canning Park for a picnic lunch in the shade.

You’ll want to take dinner at the hotel’s Ginett Wine Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy La Joue de Boeuf alongside a sparkling glass of champagne. Retire to the privacy of your room for a quiet evening in sleek surroundings and make a personal vow to work off any excess in the on-site fitness centre once morning arrives.

Craving a breezy beach break? East Singapore favourite Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality can easily cater to such desires. Set in the peaceful surrounds of Changi Village, this hotel is a 10-minute meander from the beach and bursting at the seams with luxury amenities you’ll likely associate with a far more expensive hotel.

One of the stand-out features here is the ‘Made-in-Singapore’ room – an innovative suite designed by upcoming local talent to reflect Changi’s heritage Chengal Pasir trees. Use the complimentary smartphone to make free local calls and enjoy access to the comfortable Club Lounge, where cocktails and canapés flow freely between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Spend lazy days cooling off in the quirky creek pool, or work up an appetite with lengths in the turquoise infinity pool. Lunches are a delight in on-site Saltwater Restaurant, where an eye-popping array of dishes await. Load up on nonya kueh for a sugar rush that will see you through an afternoon exploring nearby Pulau Ubin, or simply stroll through the laidback streets of Changi Village.

For a budget-friendly stay in Singapore right in the heart of things, look no further than The Seacare Hotel. This four-star accommodation has a range of rooms to suit different budgets, though it’s worth indulging if your wallet can stretch to an Ocean Suite.

Keep hunger pangs at bay with the welcome fruit basket and start each morning with a buzz thanks to your very own coffee machine. You might be tempted to simply take it easy on the hotel’s lavish sky terrace, though there’s also a complimentary shuttle if you feel like heading out for the city sights. This pre-bookable service can take you to DFS Galleria, Cecil Street and Outram MRT, so you’ll have many ways to fill your day. It’s also an easy stroll to Boat Quay should you fancy a stroll around the captivating Asian Civilisations Museum.

You’ll want to unwind at the end of your exploits in on-site Vista Restaurant & Grill. Savour local dishes like mee goreng or order a time-tested Western favourite (fish and chips, anyone?). A nightcap in Club@52 will finish the night off nicely.

Singapore’s beauty lies primarily in the diversity of its population, as you’ll see first-hand at Park 22 Hotel Little India. After checking in, you’ll be eager to explore the sights and smells of this culturally vibrant neighbourhood.

The hotel’s monochrome interior and clean-cut design contrast nicely with the bright lights of buzzing Little India. Sumptuously soft beds ensure a satisfyingly sound night’s sleep, even with the hotel’s central location. If you’re enjoying a solo escape, opt for a compact single room – extra touches like free toiletries and slippers will make you feel right at home.

There’s a wealth of technicolour attractions on your doorstep, such as towering Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the Indian Heritage Centre. Wander 150 metres from your door to renowned Banana Leaf Apolo, where you can pair super fresh pomfret chili masala with aromatic jeera rice for a satisfying meal to remember. You can shop for virtually anything at the famous Mustafa Centre, which is an easy 650 metres’ walk away, and your in-room safe is the ideal place to store anything valuable you happen to treat yourself to.

If you’re looking for a few days away with friends, then upmarket Chinatown gem Adler Hostel might be just the thing. Housed in the homely heights of a restored shophouse building, this affordable Art Deco accommodation offers more than your average budget break.

Sleek dormitory rooms are ‘cabin-style’, offering pleasingly private capsule beds for each guest, and there are complimentary Segafredo Coffee and Clipper Tea available in every room. Ladies-only dorms are ideal for a girls’ weekend away – you’ll snuggle under fluffy down duvets on superb single spring mattresses for a sound night’s sleep.

Adler Hostel is a short stroll from Chinatown and Telok Ayer MRT stations, so you’re never far from the action. Grab breakfast on the go from on-site Adler Café and Bar, then jump on the Downtown Line to the Bayfront for an afternoon ambling around the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. You can return to your room to freshen up with complimentary Prija bath soaps, then slip outside for delicious delights from a seasoned street vendor.

For something a little different, check into capsule accommodation at Cube Hostel. An innovative design triumph, this gloriously affordable Chinatown budget accommodation provides every guest with fluffy duck-feather duvets, mood lighting, fast free Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water – not to mention a calming pod-style bed to dream away the nights in. Place your valuables safely in your own storage locker and crawl into your comfy pod for some Instagram therapy – universal plugs and USB charging ports will keep your electricals juiced up for the duration of your stay.

Days here start the best way possible – with free breakfast. Then when you feel like stretching your legs, it’s an easy saunter to Chinatown MRT. Hop on the Downtown line and alight at Beauty World station for an afternoon appreciating the natural wonders of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Call in at Shen & Co café for a satiating sweet treat, and end the day with a stop in at the hostel’s very own bar for cherry-topped Singapore Slings – the highlight of every evening.

Artists, shoppers and foodies alike will love the location of Five Stones Hostel. A whisper away from harlequin Haji Lane, there are beds here to suit everyone. Your wallet will appreciate the low-priced dormitories, where you can stash your things in your personal locker and cosy up under your bunk’s reading lamp. Or for a bit more seclusion and the luxury of a flatscreen television, you can splash out on a private twin or double.

When morning arrives, you’ll shower comfortably using the hostel’s free toiletries before treating yourself to a complimentary breakfast. Use the free high-speed Wi-Fi to keep in touch with friends or plan the day’s activities (we recommend nearby Aliwal Arts Centre).

You’re a stone’s throw from Bugis station, so jump on the MRT and head to the Botanic Gardens for an afternoon wandering the wildflowers. We recommend grabbing a satisfying dinner of bánh canh cua (slurpable, slightly chewy Vietnamese noodles) at Mrs Pho before heading back to relax in the shared lounge with a book from the hostel’s extensive collection. If you’re planning an early departure the next day, the 24-hour front desk team will be there to see you off.