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The Best Guesthouses to Book in Singapore

Stay at a Singapore guesthouse for a more homely feel
Stay at a Singapore guesthouse for a more homely feel | © Filios Sazeides / Unsplash

In Singapore, the term “guesthouse” encompasses a number of meanings. Many times it refers to refurbished shophouses that are used by guests as inexpensive lodgings. This specialised meaning is key to understanding the repurposed use of old buildings to house tourists in the city. They are fascinating, not just because of their low prices, but also owing to the convenience of their prime locations, allowing you to make the most of your trip. Here are the best guesthouses in Singapore – bookable on Culture Trip.

The Shophouse

Guesthouse

Located right in the center of Arab street and at the crossroads of a lot of Singapore’s top landmarks and historical sights, this is one of the more popular choices to stay in. There’s an intimate little bistro at the ground floor and a bar at the rooftop for a chance to hang out and mingle. It does not matter what kind of stopover you are here for, whatever it is, this place is pretty well-placed for your needs.

Backpackers Inn Chinatown

Guesthouse

The open and flexible environment of this place is one of the perks you enjoy while here, on top of its affordable private rooms making this a particularly top choice for travellers who enjoy their privacy. Stashed right out of Chinatown and just five minutes from the MRT, this is one of the popular choices especially when places to stay are plenty. Also, this is one of the more untouched bits of Chinatown, with its narrow alleys and antiquated shophouses so you get a real sense of the local atmosphere.

The Inncrowd

Guesthouse

A group of tourists in shorts and t-shirts stand outside the Inncrowd with their scooters.
© The Inncrowd

With a free breakfast to boot and a stone’s throw away from Little India, you will be able to get the best out of your trip while here. There are a lot of amenities nearby, whether it’s shopping at the famous Mustafa Center or famous food outlets dispersed all around. There’s a common area to hang out too, where you can chit chat or discuss travel hints and plans with fellow globetrotters.

Mitraa Inn

Guesthouse

The red-shuttered exterior of the Mitraa Inn, with a row of potted plants at street level.
© Mitraa Inn

Perfect for a family on a budget due to their large private rooms that can accommodate about five individuals. This is also strategically located in Little India, which punches above its weight in convenience. Their rooms are very well made with all the common luxuries you can hope for while experiencing life in a historical part of Singapore.

Rucksack Inn

Guesthouse

This chic little hideout is a cool place to bunk in if you’re in town. This is especially recommended for big groups so they can avail themselves of the private rooms and also the ability to hang out at the rooftop lounge to relax and socialise. If you want to stay out of the tourist traps but still be near enough to explore, this might just be what you’re looking for.

Quarters Hostel

Guesthouse

If you’re a small group of friends coming over to Singapore, check this hostel out – especially if you’re in a party mood. Located near Clarke Quay, this is the prime nightlife district and excellent for those in the mood for after-hours exploration with their mates. The rooms are straightforward and comfortable, with all the trappings to live on, but the area itself has a lot of happening so ideally, you’ll be out and about most of the time.

Mori Hostel

Guesthouse

A woman sits next to her folding bike on a decked area outside the Mori Hostel, perusing a map of Singapore.
© Mori Hostel

Formerly a hardware warehouse, this is planted in one of the more vivid parts of Little India. The environment is really classic Little India with its modest little shophouses and back alleys, and as always, anything you would want is all around you. Their private rooms are quite well-furnished at the price you’re getting it for, and overall it’s one of the more comfortable experiences you could have during your stay here.

hangout@mt. Emily

Guesthouse

This is located in one of the more hidden parts of central Singapore. Up a hill and outside the din and noise outdoors, this is a serene spot to spend your time in Singapore, and is near both the shopping district and historical areas such as Little India. Also, this is near the Istana (President’s Palace) if you’re interested in viewing it. The location is affordable considering the great perch it’s at, and if you like peace and quiet and yet still want to be near where all the fun is happening, this should be high on your list.

Ark Hostel

Guesthouse

A man in a blue t-shirt stands outside the glass-fronted Ark Hostel.
© Ark Hostel

Away from the well-trodden grounds of Little India or Chinatown but tucked snugly in another quaint little historical neighbourhood, this family-friendly joint is both affordable and surrounded by some of Singapore’s best restaurants for you to explore. The location is a little bit off-beat but still within the most desired area for tourists, and this neighbourhood has a lot of mystery for you dig into if you’re in an exploratory mood.

About the author

With over 5 years of experience writing for the online digital world, I’ve covered luxury lifestyle, culture and travel. Besides running the Singapore-based French magazine, Marie France Asia across all beats, to being a fashion blogger once, I’ve also ventured deep into crafting content strategies for brands. Born and bred in Singapore, I’m constantly inspired by the many different facets of culture and how traveling opens up my mind.

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