Budget+class: Bunc@Radius
Small need not be spare, and a bunk can be more than a bed. Whimsical Bunc has atmosphere that makes up for its older style of equipment where showers are separate from toilets and beds have shelf space but not necessarily privacy blinds. They have two great locations though — Little India and Clarke Quay. They also provide a duvet, bugproof mattress covers, twice the pillows, and a nice assortment of room sizes. Tariff From S$21 per person Contact bunchostel.com
Time capsule: The Adler
A boutique hostel may sound like a bit of a non sequitur, but it really is an apt description of the Adler. Curtained bunks, down quilt, shelves as well as hanger space integrated into the ‘cabin bed’, Clipper 1872 teas, local hot bites at breakfast, toast and fruits all day, free bottled water and thoughtful earplugs make up the great amenities, rounded out by quaint touches of history to commemorate its earlier avatar as a pawn shop and teahouse. Tariff From S$55 Contact adlerhostel.com
Sociable story: The Plot
Trending on the flashpacker circuit since last year, this three-storey 1930s shophouse just west of Chinatown has 11 rooms with an industrial-chic feel. Most of them have an en suite bath/shower. Curtained pods, all side entry (yay!), have not only safes but electrical outlets secreted within to keep your gear safe while charging. A bright wristband acts as your guest pass. Public areas are more spacious and plush than many others in this bracket. Tariff From S$32 per person Contact theplothostels.com
Extra accessorised: The Pod
Choices, choices! Don’t you love it when a bare-bones budget gets you actual options? You could get a side-entry bunk for easy sliding in after a night out or a front-entry one for better noise insulation, upstairs for privacy and queen for intimacy. The wood panelling and contemporary furniture look fresh, the 300-count sateen sheets and two pillows help plush it up. Even breakfast offers dim sum or noodles, sausages or quiche, and Nespresso. Tariff From S$38 per person Contact thepod.sg
Pod pioneer: Wink Hostel
Not only double bunk beds but even a backlit headboard made this hostel one of the first flashpacker choices in Singapore — the light even turns on automatically when you key yourself in. Breakfast may be simple and the dorms snug, but the décor is pretty and bright, and there are well-appointed public spaces, from a TV lounge to a good-sized kitchen. Mattresses are orthopaedic with hypo-allergenic covers to exclude dust mites. Tariff From S$50 per person Contact winkhostel.com
Entertainment extra: Woke Home
Its dorms may be the size of pillboxes, but ‘Singapore’s first capsule hostel’ makes sure your stay encapsulates the necessary pleasures. An idiot box and headphones are in every one of the 88 pods. Breakfast, by way of bread and cereal and cups of joe, can be had any time you wake up, morning, noon or night. There are privacy chiks. Lounge and dining area are bare bones. Not a place for families or couples this — strictly for the solo traveller. Tariff S$30 Contact wokehomehostel.com