Hotel Mono: A Stylish Chinatown Stay in Singapore from $100
One of the biggest challenges when planning a trip to Singapore is the high cost of accommodation. Luxury hotels often start at around $500 a night, and even the more affordable options rarely come in below $200.
Hotel Mono is a welcome exception, with rooms typically available for around $150 a night. A reasonable rate is only part of the appeal — the rooms and location are just as impressive.
Here’s a closer look at this under-the-radar hotel, based on an actual stay.
Hotel Location
Just 3 Minutes from Chinatown MRT
Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations.
Pagoda Street, the area’s main thoroughfare, is lined with souvenir shops, stores and restaurants.
Running parallel to Pagoda Street, Mosque Street takes its name from Masjid Jamae, also known as Chulia Mosque, one of Singapore’s oldest mosques.
Hotel Mono sits on this historic street, just 180m from Exit A of Chinatown MRT Station — about a 3-minute walk — making it a convenient base for exploring the neighbourhood.
Hotel Mono
★★★
Map 18 Mosque St, Singapore 059498
Location Chinatown (3min walk to Chinatown Stn)
Check Rooms & Rates
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Hotel Mono in Black and White
Stylish Boutique Hotel
Set within a row of restored traditional shophouses, Hotel Mono blends heritage architecture with contemporary design.
True to its name, the exterior and lobby are styled in black and white, creating a distinctive monochrome look.
Far from being a cheap, no-frills hotel chosen simply for its low rates, Hotel Mono is a stylish boutique hotel with a modern feel.
At the far end of the lobby, the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, making late-night check-ins and early-morning check-outs hassle-free.
Many small hotels in old shophouses have only stairs, but Hotel Mono has a lift, so getting up to the room is easy, even with heavy luggage.
There is also a lounge area on the second floor.
Inside the Guest Room
Functional Bed
Designed for solo travellers, the single room measures approximately 11–12m² and features a sleek black-and-white design that echoes the hotel’s exterior and lobby.
A single bed runs along one side of the room, while the opposite side offers space for luggage and a mini-fridge. The bathroom sits at the far end, making efficient use of the compact footprint.
The single bed is neatly made with crisp, clean linens.
A wall-mounted TV is positioned at the foot of the bed.
The headboard doubles as a desk, providing a convenient space for working on a laptop or enjoying a meal.
The power outlets near the desk feature universal sockets that accept a wide range of international plug types, including Singapore’s Type G plugs. There is no need to bring a travel adaptor.
In-Room Essentials
Next, let’s take a look at the space opposite the bed.
At the far end, the minibar is equipped with an electric kettle, mugs, glasses, tea bags and coffee sticks.
Complimentary bottled mineral water is replenished daily.
The mini-fridge is otherwise empty, leaving plenty of space for drinks and other items purchased during the stay.
Next to the mini-fridge are a safe and a bench-style stool. The stool is long and narrow, making it handy for setting down luggage or opening a suitcase.
Above the stool is a hanging area with hangers. The black bag on the right contains a hairdryer.
There are also 3 windows along the wall, each fitted with blinds.
The windows do not offer much of a view, as they mainly overlook other rooms and nearby buildings. However, they can be useful for checking whether it is raining outside.
Some rooms apparently do not have windows, so it is worth checking when making a reservation if a window is important.
Compact Shower Room
The final stop on the room tour is the bathroom at the far end of the room.
The bathroom is shower-only, which is standard in Singapore. To make the single room feel more spacious, the shower area is enclosed in glass.
The shower cubicle features both a rain shower and a handheld shower. Bottles of 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash are provided.
A toothbrush, an amenity pouch and slippers are also included.
The shower room is fitted with a glass door, helping to keep the sink and toilet area dry when the shower is in use.
Many budget hotels in Singapore put the shower directly above the toilet to save space. Hotel Mono, however, makes smart use of its compact layout, keeping the shower properly separated from the sink and toilet area.
Around the Hotel
Chinatown’s Must-Try Eats
Chinatown is a treasure trove of delicious and affordable local eats.
At Maxwell Food Centre, a hawker centre packed with food stalls, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice draws the longest queues, making its chicken rice a must-try.
There is plenty more to discover around the hotel. Try the tube-shaped dumplings at Jing Hua Xiao Chi Dumpling House, sip tea at Tea Chapter, a teahouse once visited by Queen Elizabeth II, or cool off with fluffy shaved ice at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert.
Shopping at Chinatown Point
Chinatown Point is a large shopping mall at a busy intersection in Chinatown, directly connected to Chinatown MRT Station via Exit G (or Exit E).
Inside, international chains such as Starbucks and McDonald’s sit alongside local favourites like Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.
The basement level also houses a FairPrice supermarket, drugstores and a range of other shops. It’s a convenient place to stock up on everyday essentials or pick up souvenirs.
Chinatown Point
24-Hour Laundromat
There’s a 24-hour laundromat along South Bridge Road, about 200m from Hotel Mono.
Both the washing machines and dryers are modern, and the laundromat itself is clean and well kept. A coin-changing machine is located at the back.
Straits Laundry Chinatown
Final Thoughts
Hotel Mono offers comfortable rooms and an excellent location, with rates starting from around $100 a night — remarkably affordable for Singapore.
It’s a great choice for solo travellers and those looking to spend their days exploring the city.
For more budget-friendly hotels in Singapore, check out the guide to Singapore’s Best Value Hotels.
Hotel Mono
★★★
Map 18 Mosque St, Singapore 059498
Location Chinatown (3min walk to Chinatown Stn)
Check Rooms & Rates
| Agoda | Expedia | Booking |
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