Singapore may have some of the most expensive costs of living in Southeast Asia, but if you know where to look, you can find accommodations that would suit even a backpacker’s tight budget.
With Singapore’s wide range of accommodations, you can find clean, safe, and comfortable rooms that go for as low as SGD 30 per night, with basic amenities like air conditioning, a bed, a private bathroom, and perhaps a free WiFi connection. That being said, with Singapore’s wealth of amazing parks and attractions, not to mention good food, you’ll probably be out for most of the day and these simple amenities are all you really need.
To help you unlock the secrets of securing the best accommodation deals in Singapore, we’ve curated these invaluable tips:
Use Hotel Aggregators
Visiting every hotel website to find the most affordable accommodations is a tedious process. Fortunately, there are hotel aggregators that compile every hotel information in a destination, making it easier for you to compare prices on certain dates.
These platforms offer a treasure trove of options for travellers. Aside from showing prices, hotel aggregators also collect reviews from former guests, which provides invaluable insights into the accommodation’s potential. Moreover, you can also find exclusive deals on these platforms. These discounts can sometimes be substantially bigger when compared to regular prices on the hotel’s own website. Some hotel listings cost so much less with discounts at up to 50 per cent of their published rate.
Book in Advance
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm—and the proactive traveller secures the best deals. Since hotel prices can fluctuate, booking early protects you from a price surge. Whether you’re looking for places in the city centre or hotels near Changi airport, booking early can get you good prices.
What’s more, booking your accommodation well in advance guarantees peace of mind, knowing you have somewhere to stay when you land in Singapore. Best of all, securing a room months before your stay can lead to enticing discounts on the accommodations. So, beat the rush, plan ahead, and get the best deals early.
Visit Singapore During the Off-Peak Season
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to snagging cost-friendly accommodation deals. So, consider visiting Singapore during its off-peak season, typically between August and October. These are monsoon months, but with any luck, the rain will only pour for a few hours each day. During this period, tourist traffic dwindles and accommodation rates plummet accordingly. To further bring down normally expensive accommodation, book your stay on a weekday. Hotels usually offer the most discounted rates at these times.
Revel in the city’s splendour without the crowds while enjoying unbeatable bargains—a win-win scenario for the discerning traveller.
Look for Alternative Accommodations
Nobody said you need to book a fancy hotel in Singapore. If you’re a backpacker with a limited budget, you may find better accommodations at hostels and guesthouses. These alternatives not only cater to diverse budgets, but also offer unique experiences that enrich your Singaporean sojourn. For example, a house for rent located in a bustling neighbourhood can make you feel more immersed in the culture and feel more “like a local.”
Follow Hotels’ Social Media Pages for New Promos
In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a platform for sharing selfies—it’s a treasure trove of exclusive deals and promotions. Learn about exclusive deals straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth by following hotels’ social media accounts. From flash sales to limited-time offers, your next accommodation deal might just be a click away!
Consider Less Popular Locations in Singapore
Since Singapore is a compact city-state, you can stay anywhere and still be near major attractions. With the country’s reliable public transport system, it’s easy to get from your accommodation to tourist spots and back.
While Marina Bay and Orchard Road exude glamour, areas like Tiong Bahru and Katong offer a glimpse into Singapore’s rich heritage and culture at a fraction of the cost. However, if the accommodations in these areas are still priced too high for you, you can try looking for places to stay in Singapore’s red-light district of Geylang. While this area has a reputation for being unsavoury in certain places, the reality is that it’s still in Singapore. In short, Geylang is still peaceful and suitable for wholesome travellers.
Read Reviews
The cost of accommodation is vital, yes. But the quality of the accommodation should be considered as well. Before making a decision, you should delve into reviews from fellow globetrotters to gain valuable insights into cleanliness, service quality, and overall satisfaction. With this information, you can make a confident and informed decision that can make a difference in your Singapore experience.
Negotiate Your Stay
If you’re a gifted negotiator, you can use your talents to persuade hotels to offer discounted rates. You may be surprised, but a lot of hotels are actually quite accommodating to such requests, especially when there are very few guests.
Also, keep in mind that the rate advertised by hotels on their websites is usually the highest amount they can ask for. What you can do is call them and then ask if there are ongoing promos, discounts, or package deals. Just be polite and patient when negotiating with hotels, so they would be more willing to give you a discount or room upgrades.
Travelling to Singapore is a thrilling adventure, but it does not have to break the bank. Using these strategies mentioned above, you can secure a comfortable accommodation that would make your stay in Singapore so much more enjoyable. So, whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or a luxury seeker, there’s a perfect abode awaiting you in Singapore—all you have to do is seize the opportunity and make your dream getaway a reality.
