Hotel 81 Chinatown Singapore: Honest Review, Prices & What to Expect

If you live in Singapore, you’ve probably heard the name Hotel 81 Chinatown. It’s one of those hotel names that almost every Singaporean recognizes as soon as it is mentioned. Sometimes the name is associated with curiosity and sometimes with a knowing smile. But beyond its reputation and the jokes that float around social media, there’s a real story behind this little hotel in the heart of Chinatown.

As a travel creator who explores cities from both a local and tourist perspective, I wanted to take a closer look at what Hotel 81 Chinatown actually offers and whether it’s worth staying at if you’re planning a budget trip to Singapore.

Where Exactly Is Hotel 81 Chinatown?

Hotel 81 Chinatown sits right on 181 New Bridge Road, which is  just across from Chinatown MRT Exit A. You can literally roll your luggage across the street and check in. Honestly its location is one of its biggest advantages.

From the hotel’s front door, you can walk to:

• Maxwell Food Centre in 5 minutes
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in 3 minutes
• Chinatown Street Market in 2 minutes
• Telok Ayer MRT in about 10 minutes
• Clarke Quay in 15 minutes

For travelers who want to be near food, culture, and public transport, this hotel is easily one of the most convenient budget stays in central Singapore. That said, do take note of the fact that the hotel faces one of Chinatown’s liveliest streets, so if you prefer quiet, ask for a room at the back when checking in.

What You Get for the Price

Hotel 81 is a Singaporean chain known for its affordable rooms. As of the writing of this post, prices at the Chinatown branch range between SGD 90 and 120 per night, depending on the season and day of the week.

The following are included in the price:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning
• Private bathroom with shower
• Flat-screen TV
• 24-hour front desk
• Kettle + complimentary bottled water

The rooms are small (around 12 m²), but that’s normal for budget hotels in the city. Everything you need is compactly arranged (bed, desk, and bathroom) with no unnecessary extras.

Based on my personal experience, I’d say the hotel is ideal for the likes of solo travelers or couples who just need a place to sleep between exploring Singapore’s attractions. Also it is great for short layovers.

Who Usually Stays at Hotel 81?

The guest mix is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find:

• Budget tourists looking for a clean and central stay
• Domestic travelers doing quick weekend getaways
• Locals staying temporarily during home renovations
• And yes, occasionally short-stay visitors, since Hotel 81’s brand has that reputation across Singapore

Still, that reputation doesn’t define the experience. Most guests are perfectly ordinary travelers who simply want to stretch their dollar in an expensive city.

What Locals and Visitors Are Saying

Before writing this, I spent some time reading through online reviews and speaking with a few travelers who have actually stayed at Hotel 81 Chinatown. The feedback I gathered (both online and in person) paints a pretty consistent picture.

On Google Reviews, for example, the hotel averages around 3.6 stars, with guests describing it as:

• “Basic but clean. You get what you pay for.”
• “Right next to Chinatown MRT – can’t beat the location.”
• “Walls a bit thin, but overall okay for a short stay.”

From my online research, I also noticed that on Reddit (r/Singapore), locals tend to discuss the brand quite openly – and not always in the context of travel. Many Singaporeans point out that Hotel 81 (especially branches like the one in Chinatown) is commonly used by couples booking short stays for privacy or intimacy. It’s something of an open secret in Singapore’s local culture, often referenced in jokes or memes.

That said, the discussions also reveal an understanding that not all guests fit that stereotype. Alongside the short-stay visitors are tourists, domestic travelers, and workers who simply need a clean, affordable place for the night.

So while the hotel carries that adult reputation locally, it still functions as what it officially is which is a low-cost, centrally located accommodation option for anyone who doesn’t mind simplicity over luxury.

Safety, Cleanliness & Comfort

Despite its budget label, Hotel 81 Chinatown maintains decent cleanliness standards. The rooms are serviced daily, and the hotel is under WW Hotels Management, which runs multiple properties across Singapore with similar protocols.

• Security: 24-hour CCTV and reception.
• Cleanliness: Sheets and towels changed regularly. Owing to this, I’m yet to come across any reports of hygiene issues in recent years.
• Comfort: Rooms are small but have firm beds, working air-conditioning, and reliable hot showers.

For solo travelers, the area feels very safe, even late at night, which is typical of Singapore’s overall reputation as one of the world’s safest countries.

What’s Nearby (You’ll Never Go Hungry)

One of the biggest perks of staying here is the food. Step outside and you’re surrounded by legendary local eats:

• Maxwell Food Centre: Here you can try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre, which holds the distinction of being Singapore’s largest hawker center
• Tong Heng Bakery is known all over SG for its traditional egg tarts
• Ann Siang Hill is perfect for drinks and nightlife
• People’s Park Centre is a great choice for budget shopping and reflexology

If you’re visiting during Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown’s streets light up with lanterns and live performances – and Hotel 81 of course sits right in the middle of it all.

Alternatives Worth Checking Out

If you want something similar but slightly different in vibe or style:

1. Hotel Mono
2. The Scarlet Singapore
3. ST Signature Chinatown
4. Capsule Pod Boutique Hostel

These are great alternatives if you want to stay around Chinatown but prefer something more modern or social.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

The following are the pros associated with staying in Hotel 81 Chinatown:

• Unbeatable location (steps from MRT)
• Affordable by Singapore standards
• 24-hour front desk and security
• Surrounded by food and attractions

And as for the cons, they are as follows:

• Small rooms
• No breakfast or gym
• Thin walls (noise from hallway)
• Reputation that some locals find amusing

Still, for under SGD 100 a night in the city center, I honestly think that this is very hard to beat.

My Personal Take as a Traveler

If you’re coming to Singapore for the first time and want to save money without ending up far from everything, Hotel 81 Chinatown is a practical choice. But would I stay here long-term? I probably don’t think so. But for a night or two between flights, or if you just want to be near the city’s best hawker food, I think this hotel works perfectly.

Practical Details

Address: 181 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059418
MRT: Chinatown Station (Exit A)
Check-in: 2 pm Check-out: 11 am
Price Range: SGD 90 – 120 per night
Booking: Available on Agoda, Booking.com, and WW Hotels