I often stay at the Venue, which has a number of sister properties (Venue Classic, Venue Lily, Sakura by Venue) in the Joo Chiat neighborhood and represents good value for money (important if you stay scores of nights per year). The core members of staff are friendly and competent, and the rooms are decent. You're not going to confuse the Venue with the Mandarin Oriental, but you're going to save hundreds of dollars over the Mandarin, so suck it up. I like the Joo Chiat area, which is one of Singapore's few remaining neighborhoods with historical charm. Lots of good Vietnamese food on the street as well, and East Coast Park is only around a kilometer away. Recommended if you're looking for a budget hotel.