The Great World

Experience in booking cheap accommodation, starting from the cheapest forms such as homestays, dorms, and dormitories

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with hotel rental costs being quite high. Accounting for a significant portion of the cost of a trip, finding a cheap hotel in Singapore with good quality rooms in Singapore is not simple. You should pay attention to booking a room about 1 hour before going. 2 months and avoid traveling during tourist seasons and major festivals because room prices are very high. When booking early you can get a discount.

In short, “booking time”: Book early – Avoid peak season – On weekdays.

Booking affordable accommodation is an art form that can significantly reduce travel expenses, especially for budget-conscious travelers. When looking for the cheapest forms of accommodation like homestays, dorms, and hostels, there are several strategies and tips to consider. This guide will help you navigate through the process of finding and booking budget-friendly places to stay, ensuring a comfortable and economical travel experience.

Start with Research

Online booking: If you don’t have any acquaintances in Singapore, or have never been there before, you can use Internet online booking applications. Online booking helps you book cheap rooms, compare quality and see reviews from past guests.

• Use Various Platforms: Utilize multiple booking websites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, Airbnb, and Agoda. Each platform may offer different prices and options.
• Read Reviews: Check guest reviews on these platforms. They provide insights into the cleanliness, safety, location, and overall quality of the accommodation.

Consider Location

• Balance Cost and Convenience: Sometimes, staying a bit further from major tourist attractions can save money. However, consider the cost and time of transportation to these attractions. In the city center areas, booking prices will be very high. To save money, you can book a room in a densely populated location with cheap hotels. You should look for areas far from the center, densely populated areas and near MRT stations for convenient transportation.

Some areas with cheap hotel rooms in Singapore:

1. Little India: This is the area where the cheapest retail chain stores are concentrated.
2. Singapore, where Muslims live, is a famous tourist destination in Singapore.
3. Chinatown: An area with concentrated dining services, cheap shopping, sightseeing, and convenient MRT transportation. Booking prices in this area are also very cheap.
4. Changi area: This area is near the airport, but it takes a lot of time to go to other signature tourist destinations.
5. Geylang Areap: This is the commercial center of Singapore, all living costs here are cheap, hotel and motel prices are moderate.
6. Clarke Quay area: Suitable for backpackers, near MRT stations, between Chinatown and Little India, with good security but extremely cheap hotel room prices.
7. Lavender area.

• Safety First: Ensure the neighborhood is safe, especially if you plan to return late at night. Singapore is always known as a safe country, however, there are two areas here, Geylang and Kallang, which you should consider before booking a room here, because this area is considered a bit complicated and less safe.

Understand Different Types of Accommodations

• Hostels and Dormitories: Ideal for solo travelers and backpackers. They offer beds in shared rooms (dorms) and communal facilities. Some hostels also provide private rooms.
• Homestays: Living with a local family can be an affordable and culturally enriching experience. Platforms like Airbnb or Couchsurfing can be used to find homestays.
• Budget Hotels or Guesthouses: These are basic, no-frills accommodations, often family-run. They provide more privacy than hostels or dorms.

The privacy of these forms of cheap accommodation is quite low, often suitable for young people or people in good health. If you are traveling with a family with elderly people and young children, these forms of accommodation are not recommended.

Look for Deals and Discounts

• Travel in the Off-Season: Accommodation prices drop during the off-peak season. The low seasons in Singapore are March, May, August, and October. During the low season, many hotels often offer many promotions and deep discounts.

To save money on your trip, you should book a hotel room on weekdays when the price is cheaper than on weekends. You should book a room at least 30 days before your trip, and look for 3-star hotels that have discounts ranging from 40 – 70%.

• Long-term Stay Discounts: If you plan to stay longer, ask for a discount. Many places offer lower rates for extended stays.
• Use Reward Points or Membership Discounts: If you have any loyalty points or memberships (like student or youth cards), use them to get discounts.

Contact the Accommodation Directly

Negotiate Rates: Sometimes, contacting the accommodation directly can get you better rates than those listed online.

Clarify Facilities: Ensure you understand what’s included in the price (Wi-Fi, breakfast, linens, etc.).

Safety and Security

Read About Security Measures: Especially in dorms, where you’ll be sharing space with strangers. Look for places with lockers, 24-hour reception, and good security protocols.

Travel Insurance: It’s wise to have travel insurance that covers theft or loss of personal items.

Pack Smartly

Essentials for Budget Accommodations: Bring a padlock, earplugs, sleep mask, and a quick-dry towel. These items are essential when staying in shared accommodations.

Check Cancellation Policies

Flexibility: Look for accommodations with flexible cancellation policies. Plans can change, and you don’t want to lose money because of strict cancellation rules.

Utilize Social Media and Forums

Seek Recommendations: Platforms like Reddit, travel blogs, and Facebook travel groups can be excellent sources for accommodation recommendations.

Be Open-Minded

Adjust Expectations: Budget accommodations may not offer luxury, but they can provide a clean, safe, and authentic travel experience.

Booking cheap accommodation requires a blend of thorough research, strategic planning, and an open mind. Hostels, dormitories, and homestays not only offer affordable lodging options but also present opportunities to meet fellow travelers and immerse in local cultures. By carefully considering factors such as location, price, amenities, and safety, you can secure a stay that’s both economical and enjoyable, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to experiences and exploration during your travels.