Practical information : Accomodation Singapore City
Budget & Tips
Singapore's hotel offer is among the most expensive in Asia, but the choice is nonetheless very varied. In recent years, more and more affordable hotels have opened their doors to tourists. For those on a tight budget, Little India is the most developed area for budget hotels, but the choice is limited to dormitory beds in windowless rooms... Expect to pay S$20 to S$25 for a bed, and although this may not sound very appealing, most hostels are located in lively, pleasant areas, such as Little India or Chinatown. A new concept from Japan is all the rage: Pods, or very atypical and confined capsule rooms, cost S$30 per night. For more comfort, there's a wide choice of charming hotels, from boutique hotels set in old shophouses to mid-range hotels, for S$80 to S$100 a night, mostly in Chinatown, Little India and Kapong. At the other end of the scale, there's no shortage of luxury establishments, mainly in the Colonial District and around Orchard Road, or on Sentosa. There are no real budget limits here..
Prices vary greatly depending on the period, rising at weekends, during vacations or major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in September or National Day in August. On the other hand, you can find some very attractive special offers in off-peak periods, so don't hesitate to compare prices on the Internet.
To be booked
For hotels, we advise you to make reservations to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially if your budget is limited. The hotel offer in Singapore is very dense, but also very expensive. So plan to book online, directly on the hotel's website or on platforms such as www.hotels.com, www.booking.com, www.tripadvisor.com. You may be in for a pleasant surprise in terms of rates if you book as far in advance as possible. Certain periods of the year are busy with bookings, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in September or Bastille Day in August. Consult the festivities catalog and the tourist office website (www.visitsingapore.com) before your trip to make sure you don't end up in the middle of an ultra-touristy period!
What's very local
The city and all its hustle and bustle can sometimes seem oppressive to a tourist, so imagine for the locals! Singaporeans are very fond of getting away from it all for a weekend. The easiest option, combining beach and family activities, is Sentosa, which is very accessible and a popular weekend getaway for many Singaporeans. The hotel infrastructure provides everything on site for the comfort of families: triple rooms, bunk beds, childcare... Family values are essential for all the communities present in Singapore, and children are treated with a great deal of tenderness. The more adventurous are younger and go camping and enjoy nature at Pulau Ubin, a radical change of scenery!
For food lovers
If you are lucky enough to stay in a luxury hotel, breakfast is bound to be a special moment. You will enjoy the profusion of food, the gargantuan buffets, enough to start your day well. But that's not all, the idyllic setting brings the extra touch that makes the service unique. A breakfast on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands by the pool leaves good memories... Or a colonial atmosphere at the very chic Raffles, where one whispers while sipping one of the best teas in the world... For the smaller budgets, the youth hostels provide a common kitchen that will allow you to meet backpackers. Finally, to play it local, order a Kopi O Kosong (black coffee) with a Kaya Toast in a basic Singaporean restaurant.
Smokers
It is strictly forbidden to smoke in the hotels and in the rooms, ask at the reception for the location of the smoking areas. Beware of smoke detectors.