If pricey hotels are out of your travel budget, check into these cool and affordable places to stay in the city
Hostels in Singapore are steadily breaking out of their shabby stereotype, and becoming as swish as boutique hotels. Yep, luxury hostels are real, and they are (still) perfect for budget-conscious, adventure-seeking backpackers. Here, we round up some of the most stylish and affordable accommodation in the city, which are also within walking distance to the hottest clubs, hippest bars and must-see tourist attractions (so you can save on transportation fares). Want to throw a unique birthday celebration? Book an entire dormitory for an alternative staycation party; you won’t even have to smuggle friends in!
Adler Luxury Hostel
The first luxury hostel in Singapore, Adler drips with sophistication and elegance. Inspired by British colonial designs, Adler is fitted with unique vintage pieces and photos. Even the stylish bunks were designed to resemble Oriental Express sleeping cabins.
Adler Luxury Hostel, 259 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058808, p. 6226 0173
ABC Premium Hostel
Situated near Little India, ABC Premium Hostel’s outdoor terrace overlooks a vast field – a rarity in Singapore’s concrete jungle. Wander around the hostel and read up on quirky facts about Asia that are plastered on the walls.
ABC Premium Hostel, 91A, 93A & 95A Owen Road, Singapore 218903, p. 6298 9390
Prince of Wales
Modelled after famous pubs in Melbourne, Australia, Prince of Wales embodies the laid-back vibe, catering to simple-going backpackers. While the hostel is tucked away in Little India, be sure to visit the pub which is right smack in historical Boat Quay district, and a walking distance to the iconic Merlion statue – remember to take a selfie with it!
Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209420, p. 6299 0130
Shophouse The Social Hostel
Located along lively Arab Street, it’s only apt that Shophouse The Social Hostel has an electric Arabic-themed room with warm carpets and intricate lamps. Chill out at their rooftop lounge that overlooks Kampong Glam or have a craft beer at the hostel’s very own café The Working Title.
Shophouse The Social Hostel, 48 Arab Street, Singapore 199745, p. 6298 8721
5footway.inn
Opened in September 2011, 5footway.inn now has a chain of five boutique hostels in Singapore’s cultural and nightlife district – Chinatown, Arab Street and, Boat Quay. All of their hostels feature a modern design with a black and white theme – the common area looks better than some hotels! Our favourite feature is their iMacs for guests to use.
5footway.inn, various locations
Mercury Backpackers’ Hostel
Mercury Backpackers’ Hostel takes the cake with their luxurious rooftop Jacuzzi pool and sun-tanning deck. Make a trip to the charmingly chaotic Mustafa Centre for groceries, and host a BBQ party (with guests, of course) during your stay.
Mercury Backpackers’ Hostel, 57 Lavender Street, Singapore 338714, p. 6396 0500
Bunc Hostel
Bunc Hostel’s reception area looks as good as a boutique hotel lobby; we needed to take a second squizz to see if we entered the right place! Every minimalist’s dream, Bunc@Radius hostel boasts a chic industrial-styled interior with black-framed bunk beds and concrete flooring. If you have cash to spare, upgrade and stay in the private ensuite, which comes with a 37” flat screen telly.
Bunc Hostel, 15-18 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207372, p. 6262 2862
CityBackpackers®
Just a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s renowned night spot, Clarke Quay, City Backpackers is an unpretentious hostel perfect for those who seek affordable accommodation in the city. Tucked away along the Singapore river, you’ll hardly run out of fun activities as there are countless of pubs and bars, and even shopping malls and touristy attractions for you to check out around the area.
CityBackpackers®, 18 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059661, p. 6536 8862
BetelBox Backpackers
Nestled at one of Singapore’s most quaint and interesting neighbourhood Joo Chiat, BetelBox Backpackers provides simply furnished private rooms, mixed or female-only dorms with bunk beds, a gym, and free breakfast. Also, it is situated 2km away from the white-sand-beach of East Coast Park – great If you’re a beach kind of person, or if you enjoy cycling along the beach.
BetelBox Backpackers, 200 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427471, p. 6247 7340
Quarters
We could spend the entire afternoon with a cup of coffee at the lounge area of this quaint hostel – it looks just like a hipster café! Nestled at the start of Circular Road (Boat Quay), Quarters is ideal for travellers who are intending to party all day and night.
Quarters, 12 Circular Road, Singapore 049368, p. 6438 5627
The Port By Quarters Hotel
Nestled in between the bars and restaurants along Boat Quay, this capsule hostel – also Singapore’s first – offers a comfortable and affordable stay along the Singapore River, with picturesque views of the city’s skyline.
The Port By Quarters Hotel, 50A Boat Quay Singapore 049839, p. 6816 6960
