The convention location is in the area of Bencoolen in Singapore. It is just metres from the Bencoolen (blue line) and Bras Basah (yellow line) MRT stations.
Transport is so good in Singapore you could easily stay in any part of the city centre and make your way easily to the Crossings Cafe.
But, there are dozens of different hotels within easy walking distance in either Bencoolen or Bugis, so staying nearby – at least for the convention days – is easy.
During our discovery trip to Singapore in April 2026 I stayed in two of hotels nearby.
I have booked Hotel Waterloo Singapore again for the convention, because it was a lovely hotel and it is almost directly across the road, so very convenient.
Here are the two I stayed at, and a few other suggestions I like.
Note: If you book using these links, I (Josie) will make a small commission and you will be supporting my small business – thank you 🙂
Hotel Waterloo Singapore
This is a new hotel only opened in 2026.
My room was compact but thoughtfully designed, with a comfortable bed, universal power points by the bed, a decent hairdryer, coffee pod machine, filtered drinking water and complimentary minibar snacks and drinks.
The frosted glass bathroom offered more privacy than I expected, and the separate basin worked surprisingly well.
Facilities include a small but well-equipped gym, a lovely pool, restaurant and bar, with plenty of cheap local food nearby.
Overall, it feels fresh and modern, with a practical design that reminds me a little of an Ibis hotel, but a step up in quality.
I really enjoyed my stay, appreciated the late checkout, and would happily recommend it if you’re looking for a well-located, comfortable hotel.
lyf Bugis Singapore
I stayed in five different hotels when I was in Singapore in April and this one was my favourite – even if it didn’t have a pool, it had a great vibe.
A benefit here is that they have single rooms – and they are a decent size.
lyf is designed as a hybrid between a hotel and co-working space, with communal facilities like kitchens, laundries and social areas, making it ideal for longer stays.
I booked the Nano Single Room. It was compact but cleverly designed, with a surprisingly spacious and comfortable bed, smart luggage storage, a safe, water dispenser and hairdryer.
Each floor also has a communal fridge, microwave, iron and ironing board.
The bathroom is small but practical, and while I’m still not a fan of glass bathroom walls, I realised in a single room the only person turning the light on is me!
I also made use of the guest laundry, which was easy to use and reasonably priced.
Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and would happily stay at lyf Bugis again.
Other Options Nearby
While I haven’t personally stayed in these hotels, they are very close, are ones I have heard good things about and would consider staying in.
If you prefer a more recognisable brand, there is an Ibis and a Mercure not too far away either.
Staying Longer? Other Areas to Consider
My favourite area to stay in Singapore is Chinatown. I feel like I am in the middle of everything here, with easy access to all parts of the city. It can be a little “grittier”, but I like that. There are culture, food and shopping options right on my doorstep.
I also like the Bugis/Bencoolen area and Little India, both have lots of options and are interesting areas to stay.
For an outlier, I really like the Joo Chiat/Katong area to see another part of the city.
I don’t really recommend Orchard or Sentosa, unless you are there for a specific reason.
You can read more about my recommendations for other parts of Singapore here.
What About AirBnB?
You might be thinking about booking an AirBnB in Singapore and wondering if that is worth it. The answer is a little more complicated than in most countries.
Is Airbnb legal in Singapore?
For most tourists, no.
Singapore has strict laws around short-term accommodation.
Private apartments and houses cannot legally be rented for fewer than three consecutive months, while public housing (HDB flats) has a minimum rental period of six months.
As a result, most Airbnb listings that cater to holidaymakers are technically operating outside the regulations.
Can you still book one?
Yes. You’ll still find plenty of Singapore properties listed on Airbnb, and many travellers have stayed in them without any issues.
However, there are some risks to be aware of.
Because short-term rentals aren’t permitted in most residential properties, your booking could be cancelled before you arrive.
Some apartment buildings have security or management that actively monitor for short-term guests, and hosts may ask you to enter discreetly or avoid mentioning you’re staying through Airbnb.
While the regulations are aimed at hosts rather than guests, it can leave travellers dealing with unnecessary stress if something goes wrong.
For that reason, I recommend booking a hotel when in Singapore.
There are a few apartment-style hotels, but many of them require stays of 7+ nights.