We've got a stopover in Singapore in June. I've been looking at the Royal Peacock and the Inn at Temple Street, since we like non-chain, interesting experiences. The reviews for these hotels have been all over the board, though, from "charming" to "dank, smoky, and small." Anyone tried either, or others, and have any advice?
Thanks.
Sandy

If you are looking for budget boutique hotels, I have two suggestions for you.

1. Hotel 1929 - these are old Chinese shophouses in Chinatown converted into a hotel. On the outside it looks very historic. In the inside the place has hip furnishings.
website:
http://www.hotel1929.com/

2. Gallery Hotel - located near the Marina area, this hotel is also very artsy but good prices.
http://www.galleryhotel.com.sg/

Ohter choices;
3. Scarlet hotel - just opened in December - another artsy boutique hotel in Chinatown.

4. Sha Villa
Located within walking distance to Orchard Road, this colonial bungalow is converted into part hotel, part hotel training school
http://www.sha.org.sg/shavilla_about.htm

thanks so much for your advice! So far, I've checked out 1929, and it looks great.
Sandy

Check out
http://www.asiavoyage24.com/singapore/Hotel-1929.htm

It's alot cheaper than the advertised prices on the hotel's website.

I've not used the website yet, but it comes well recommended by other fodorites. Planning to book my upcoming bangkok hotels on the link mentioned above.

good luck!

Royal Peacock was my favorite place when I used to have to go to Singapore a lot, the Inn on Temple Street also nice but just visited for a meal, there is a new Duxton also. The Royal peacock rooms are rather small but it has great charm.

We used to stay at the YMCA in Singapore. There are private rooms with their own bathrooms, very reasonably priced too!

http://ymca-hotels.com/singapore/ymca/

Oh, and I should say, it's not charming, but it could be interesting! I always wanted to stay at the Raffles, but never got around to it.

I've been to Singapore many times and stay at the YMCA International House Hotel at 1 Orchard Road next to the Dhoby Gaut MRT(subway) stop. I've stayed there everytime while in Singapore except maybe twice and even then I spent some of my days there. It's only about U.S.$45. for a room. The eight floor is the best floor and there's a pool on the roof top. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Happy Travels!