We round up Singapore's best affordable boutique hotels, from trendy mod hotels to cheap heritage shophouse lofts.
Everyone knows the Little Red Dot can be an expensive country to live in. But hear us out, savvy savers: there are plenty of penny-pinching ways to experience Singapore, including hawker hunting, fun and free things to do, and cheap hotels for staycations. Yes, you read that right, folks. In a city dotted with swish accommodations, we’ve got budget-friendly options that aren’t lacking in style or quality. From cosy shophouses to industrial-inspired rooms, we’ve sussed out the best affordable boutique hotels in Singapore for cheap stays.
Affordable hotels in Singapore for cheap (and chic) staycays
1. Hotel Clover 769
Situated in the buzzy, hipster-friendly, ethnic district of Kampong Glam, Hotel Clover 769 breaks out of the boxy, generic hotel mould for a more unique, alternative stay. Housed in two-storey shophouses, the hotel’s ambience is reminiscent of a bygone era. Antiques and rustic furnishings pepper its homely, communal-style lobby, while rooms are decked in white and brown with clover leaves decorating the walls. While you can stay in the pocket-friendly Superior room (there are no windows though), the Premier Jacuzzi room will make your stay more memorable.
Hotel Clover 769, 769 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198737; prices start from $180
2. Hotel Mono
If monochrome themes strike your fancy, stay in this modern shophouse hotel in Chinatown. Hotel Mono stands out along Mosque Street with its black and white shophouse facade, retaining its heritage while giving its interior a modern makeover. No two rooms are the same, with each brandishing unique design and decor. Speaking of, a shoutout to the metal bar that seems to be floating on air in each room! Apparently, it doubles as a light source and coat hanger.
Hotel Mono, 18 Mosque Street, Singapore 059498; prices start from $145
3. The Great Madras
Is this (affordable) boutique spot Singapore’s answer to The Grand Budapest Hotel? We think it comes pretty close! Once a no-frills budget accommodation for backpackers, The Great Madras has since transformed into a quaint staycation spot with smatterings of whimsy, wit, and cool. Rooms range from a hostel-style co-living space with king-sized beds to a cosy suite with a circular bathtub. Make a splash at the pool that welcomes guests with a cute neon sign of a ballerina, pool tiles that read “when the sun shines”, and a circular arch that will satisfy all symmetry purists.
The Great Madras, 28 Madras Street, Singapore 208422; prices start from $60
4. Arcadia Hotel
Here’s something interesting about this boutique hotel’s past. The Art Deco shophouses were built in the 1930s and operated as hardware stores and car repair workshops after WWII. They’ve since cleaned up nicely and transformed into Arcadia Hotel. All 36 rooms exude simple and serene vibes, with gorgeous vintage windows that open up to Hamilton Road. We love the Arcadia Balcony room, which comes with a lovely outdoor space where guests can relax after a day of exploring. The best part? This accommodation is close to the cool cafes in Jalan Besar.
Arcadia Hotel, 32 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209201; prices start from $130
5. The Sultan
Taking up 10 shophouses, The Sultan is a hip tribute to Singapore’s colourful heritage. Be sure to check into The Sultan Loft. It’s fit for royalty, with its double-storied set-up comprising a living area on the first floor and a bedroom on the second. The entire space is jazzed up with timber roof beams, wide arcs, and full-length shuttered windows. You don’t even need to leave the hotel for nosh. Check out The White Label for a unique blend of French and Malay cuisines. Remember to leave stomach space for desserts!
The Sultan Hotel, 101 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199002; prices start from $150
6. Ji Hotel Orchard
Looking for accommodation near the shopping belt but keeping it budget-friendly? This affordable Muji-inspired boutique hotel in Singapore gets our vote. A stone’s throw away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, Ji Hotel’s convenient location means you don’t have to travel too far after walking around the glitzy malls. The unassuming exterior hides a zen haven decorated in beige hues and wooden materials. A fair warning though: the walls aren’t totally soundproof.
Ji Hotel Orchard, 11 Penang Lane, Singapore 238485; prices start from $207
7. Hotel 1929
Five shophouses make up this boutique hotel, with 32 rooms that personify the minimalist concept. The compact quarters are designed to optimise space limitations by introducing storage under the bed. You can stow away your luggage and belongings down there – out of sight, out of mind. Most of the rooms overlook the Keong Saik enclave, allowing guests a glimpse into the bustling streets and charming neighbourhood.
Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089154; prices start from $120
8. Kam Leng Hotel
Any history buffs in the house? Jalan Besar’s Kam Leng Hotel fits you well. The boutique accommodation evokes nostalgia for a time when Singapore was little more than a sleepy trading post. The rooms may be small, but they’re expertly plotted out and outfitted in a bold Nanyang style. If you’re sentimental about the good ol’ days, this heritage hotel is a must-stay. Fun fact: the identity of the hotel’s first owner (circa 1927) remains a mystery until today.
Kam Leng Hotel, 383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001; prices start from $116
9. Check-Inn @ Little India
Check-Inn’s black and white facade stands out starkly from the vibrant Little India neighbourhood. In fact, we say it’s the perfect starting point to dip your toes in this cultural mecca. Yes, the rooms may be modest, but it’s a great stay for couples and backpackers alike. Tip: tour this iconic area before kicking your feet up and catching some zzz’s in your cosy room.
Check-Inn @ Little India, 60 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219814; prices start from $140
10. Studio M Hotel
Studio M’s Robertson Quay location offers the best of two worlds. It’s right smack in the middle of riverside cafes and quiet brunch spots – and it’s a mere walk away from Clarke Quay’s hottest clubs. But its key feature is the loft rooms. Spread across four categories, all of them are decked out in minimalist designs and plush beddings, with panoramic views of the city thanks to the large bay windows. If you ask us, we love the Executive Lofts as their corner locales offer maximum privacy, larger lounge areas, and cosy comfort for stay-in staycays.
Studio M Hotel, 3 Nanson Road, Singapore 238910; prices start from $158
11. Village Hotel Katong
Village Hotel Katong defies cookie-cutter hotel designs with its Peranakan decor inspired by the heritage of its colourful surroundings. Bold, bright design accents feature heavily in its rooms – think tile patterned carpets and cerulean hues for its headboard and curtains. The major bonus here is the room size. Even its smallest Superior room stands at 29 square metres – a far cry from the standard 23 square metres. If you’re (reasonably) splurging, book the Peranakan Club, which comes with an in-room tub that can fit two people. Enjoy sumptuous soaks while spacing out on your fave TV programmes.
Village Hotel Katong, 25 Marine Parade, Singapore 449536; prices start from $206
12. Lyf Bugis
This chic boutique hotel has changed hands since Hotel G departed from Singapore. (We also bid a teary goodbye to Ginett, the affordable French restaurant renowned for its awesome happy hour deals.) Regardless, its rooms remain the same: petite but with one-of-a-kind eclectic interiors. Think wooden furnishings, bright accents, and white-washed walls. Lyf Bugis may be basic compared to the other hotels on our list, but its prime location (plus nearby 24-hour supper and dessert spots) makes up for it.
Lyf Bugis, 200 Middle Road, Singapore 188980; prices start from $128
Enjoy cheap and chic stays at these affordable boutique hotels in Singapore!
