Singapore tips?
 

I'm looking for a good 2- or 3-star hotel in Singapore, something that is comfortable but not too expensive. And no international chains, please. Looking for something with a little character. Any advice? Also, has anybody booked a Singapore tour on this site http://www.viator.com/Singapore/d18-ttd The reviews look real, any previous experience using them?

While I've never taken a tour with viator, I can't imagine why anyone would need a tour in Singapore. There is excellent public transport (the MRT) or there are tourist buses that allow you to get on and off many times for one price, or taxis are quite reasonable. Virtually everyone speaks English. Choose the things you want to do and do them on your own. It will be less expensive and you can follow your own schedule.

YMCA International House Hotel at 1 Orchard Road...I've stayed there nearly a decade and really like the place and the vibes of the place. It's very comfortable, clean, has fridges in the rooms, and safes in rooms on the 8th floor, has a pool, the price is right and the location absolutely can't be beat....right next to the Dhoby Gaut MRT (subway) station and next door to tons of bus stop lines. Right in the middle of town. Prime location. Happy Travels!

And remember answer everything with the word "La" and they will think you are a native!

Viator is a good way to book tours in advance. I've used them for several tours in other countries, but I agree with Kathie about tours in Singapore.

Another hotel option is the Strand on Bencoolen street.

bill-la, salamat po la. hi to olive. :-)

Thanks-la everybody! I'll let you know how the trip goes.

I think the Y is a fine choice; it IS however an international chain. It also does not have much character IMO. It is a shame you are ruling out chains, as a place like the Raffles, which was one of the original international chains, and which many people would say is a quintessential example of a hotel with character (it's also not a 2 or 3 star of course). Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, there are many chains out there with character hotels.

For character and a price at about the same or actually LESS than the Y (I was just looking at the Y's websites for another poster and boy, they command some rates, at least the Ys on Orchard and Stevens Road do, the Fort Canning one maybe not so much), I would try the following, both are in more interesting parts of town as well, IMO:

Berjaya Hotel Singapore
83 Duxton Road
Tel : :+65 6227 7678
Fax :+65 62271232
http://www.berjayaresorts.com/beachresort_duxton.htm

This used to be the Duxton Hotel. It's a little worn, but definitely has charm and has a good location in China town and the Duxton Hill area.

Gallery Hotel
1 Nanson Road
@ Robertson Quay
Tel: (65) 6849 8686
http://www.galleryhotel.com.sg/html/index.html

This gets some uneven reviews on tripadvisor. However, there is nothing conventional about anything in this hotel, and it is in a very interesting little neighborhood of good restaurants and shops.