7 Best Singapore Hostels That Balance Comfort and Value

Singapore is a great city (actually, country) to visit. It’s quite a futuristic-feeling place that’s amazingly well-connected to the region, serving as a perfect springboard into Southeast Asia, or worth a trip in its own right.

But one thing Singapore is not: cheap!

Hotel rooms can easily cost 4X more than in Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia. That’s why the hostels in Singapore are not just used by backpackers but also often by any budget travelers looking to save some money.

I’ve been to Singapore many times, staying in different hostels every time. To save money and have a comfortable stay, here are my picks for the best hostels in Singapore.

Why book now? Singapore is a popular travel hub, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. With Hostelworld you can usually reserve a spot without cancellation fees, so you can easily book even if you’re still planning your trip.

By the way, since Singapore is very space-restricted, I’ve noticed hostels may be just a bit more cramped than elsewhere. Singapore hostels do excel in service and cleanliness, especially relative to many other Asian capitals, thanks to its high level of development.

You’ll find a mix of more casual backpacker-oriented hostels, like the kind you find all over Southeast Asia, as well as somewhat more formal capsule hotels in Singapore. The latter feel a bit more like hotels, but at an affordable budget, while the former have more of a community feel. This makes it important to choose the right one based on the type of atmosphere and comfort-level you seek. Luckily, I’m here to help…

1. Wink at Mosque Street

A stay here feels more like a boutique hotel experience than a typical hostel.

The owners have managed to balance comfort and convenience with hostel-style efficiency, all while keeping rates pretty reasonable for such an expensive city. (Average dorm price: EUR40)

The dorms and communal areas are designed to feel open and airy with a minimalist, contemporary finish that still lets the building’s historic character shine through.

The hostel caters to all types of travellers, but if you’re going for a pod, you get good value for money. They’re spacious and practical, with sound‑resistant walls, ambient back‑lighting, a personal LED reading light, and a generous locker at each pod. And, with a great location in the heart of Chinatown—just steps from 7/11—it’s hard not to be impressed.

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2. The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel

You’ll find The Pod tucked up on the upper floors of a clean, modern building on Beach Road — just a block from Arab Street and Haji Lane. This boutique hostel features minimalist, Japanese-inspired dorms designed with privacy in mind, with thoughtful touches like gift-boxed Nespresso pods at the front desk and nice bathrooms with tiled floors.

The pods themselves are designed for business travelers and digital nomads, each with a small table and chair for work, plus a personal locker, air purifier, and pull-down blind so you get some privacy. For longer work sessions, there are co-working spaces with laptops and comfortable seating.

The Pod sits right on Beach Road, a stroll away from Arab Street and Haji Lane—basically the heartbeat of Singapore’s culture. For anyone needing caffeine, wi-fi, or just a spot to get some work done and enjoy the city, it’s perfect.

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3. Atelier Hostel

If you’re after somewhere calm, inviting, and private, Atelier hostel is exactly that. It sits inside a beautifully restored pre-war shophouse and was once home to a Chinese medical hall and later a jewellery shop. The place still carries an old-world feel, but with a clean, modern design that makes it feel quietly special.

The dorms are capsule-style with each pod coming with a curtain, reading light, and power outlet, and a generously sized locker for your things.

You can kick off your day with the included breakfast, not too fancy but just enough to get you going. Downstairs, there’s a cafe that doubles as a shared space where you can get some work done or just chill.

The location is very strategic, right in the heart of Chinatown, surrounded by hawker stalls, heritage shophouses, and just steps from the MRT. You’ll love how easy it is to explore on foot or hop on a train to anywhere in Singapore.

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4. Betel Box Backpacker Hostel

The Betel Box is a true backpacker-style hostel: more budget-friendly than the modern capsule hostels and with a big focus on creating a social atmosphere.

In my experience, hostels in Singapore are usually higher quality but have a somewhat less social atmosphere than you might be accustomed to elsewhere in Asia. However, the Betel Box Backpacker Hostel is the major exception (it even scores highest on the atmosphere rating on Hostelworld).

Located in an authentic shop house in the Katong residential area, it’s close to many shops, cafes, and walking distance to several MRT (metro) stations. Your stay will include free breakfast plus discounts on their Singapore food tours.

The dorm beds are not fancy or custom-built, just metal bunk beds, but this is a classic backpacker haunt after all. I recommend this hostel if you’re backpacking through Asia and are looking for a hostel with a similar feel to hostels in Thailand and other countries

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5. The Bohemian

This hostel is an excellent choice if you’re a backpacker looking for a fun atmosphere and lively nightlife nearby. The Bohemian Chic is just walking distance from Clark Quay, which is Singapore’s main bar and club area.

(Budget travel tip: every Wednesday is Ladies’ Night at Clarke Quay, making this perfect for some cheap partying for female travelers.)

The Bohemian has some comfortable sleeping pods with reading lights and charging points. While the atmosphere in the hostel common areas is not necessarily always so social (as seems typical in Singapore), staying in the Bohemian Chic will put you closest to where all the fun nightlife is in Singapore.

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6. Dream Lodge

Dream Lodge is housed in a 1950’s era shop house, providing capsule-style hostel beds with plenty of comforts (including two pillows, reading lights, and Orthopaedic mattresses). It’s in a very central location, near three different MRT metro stations, and not far from the lively Little India district.

What you’ll love about this hostel:

• Epic location – close to 3 MRT stations
• Anti-dust-mite orthopaedic mattresses
• Flexible self check-in for late arrivals

This is a great hostel for anyone who wants a bit more privacy and an easy stay in Singapore. Price-wise, Dream Lodge sits in the mid-range – not the cheapest, but very reasonable for the comfort and convenience it offers.

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7. KINN Capsule – HER Space, Female Only

KINN Capsule is designed specifically for solo female travelers looking for a safe and community-focused experience. This used to be a mixed hostel which got rebranded and expanded in October 2025 and turned into an all-female property. It already holds an impressive 9.7 “Superb” rating on Hostelworld.

Beyond the spotless capsules, it’s the little details that make this place feel genuinely warm and welcoming. Every guest checking in gets a welcome gift — a Gua Sha tool tucked inside a small kit — along with access to feminine care pouches.

The vibe is community-first, with features like the KINNmunity Board and Roots by KINN where travelers exchange stories, tips, and a bit of solidarity. And if you’re just looking to slow down, the common area offers free coffee, tea, and light snacks.